THE 31st Havana International Trade Fair, FIHAV 2013, concluded November 9, with positive results overall. Both the square footage of exhibition areas and participation were greater than previous years, while the quality of displays, growing interest in the Cuban market, as well as more credibility and confidence in the country were noted.

During the closing event, Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, a Council of Ministers vice president, affirmed that the fair had generated significant interest as a result of the October approval of a decree-law establishing the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) and related regulations, as well as the opening of a national office charged with managing the process of integrating national and international investors.

"This fair has also adapted to the different conceptions of change in our economy and the current edition displays, in all of its diversity, the potential of our exports of goods and services, which provide a broad range of opportunities in the sectors of education at all levels, culture, sports and health," he added.

In terms of healthcare, Cabrisas emphasized the highly developed Cuban biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, which combined with the prestige acquired by the country’s medical missions in various geographical regions around the world, allow Cuba to now offer a comprehensive package of professional medical services and associated latest-generation products.

He reported that the fair afforded an opportunity to well prepared Cuban and international companies, which presented their products in accordance with the highest standards of quality and the use of advanced technologies.

Representing 45% of Cuba’s trade, 24 Latin American and Caribbean countries attended, reflecting, according to Cabrisas, the priority given to these ties which are both bilateral and regional, developed through such organizations as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (Alba), the Latin American Integration Association, the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the Common Market of the South (Mercosur) and others.

During a FIHAV 2013 event, Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment

Rodrigo Malmierca described the Mariel Special Development Zone as a tribute to the friendship and collaboration between Cuba and Brazil, which has provided financial and technical support, and as a site where the further strengthening of these ties will take place.

With ambassadors, company executives and managers from several countries in attendance, Malmierca outlined sectors and activities prioritized for the first stage of operations in the Zone, which will open in January 2014. He highlighted biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, renewable energy, food processing as a potential investment opportunity to promote the replacement of imports with national products, as well as packaging, canning and bottling industries.

He explained that the national office will be charged with overseeing national and foreign investments in the Zone, to accelerate the approval process for businesses and simplify paper work which will be handled on-site.

Ana Teresa Igarza, director of the ZEDM office, reported that investment proposals will be approved or rejected within a period of 45 to 90 days, while those not based on clean technologies to protect the environment will not be considered.

Malmierca announced that the Council of Ministers will intervene only in exceptional cases such as those related to the exploitation of natural resources, or when the concessionaire intends to provide public services or when a 100% foreign owned company’s proposal is being considered, for example.

With Venezuelan Vice President Jorge Arreaza on hand, gold medals and prizes were awarded, including a special honor for this sister country which significantly expanded its participation this year in comparison to past events. Mexico and Brazil shared the prize for Best National Pavilion.

Spain was recognized as the country with the greatest number of participating businesses, while Cuban and foreign companies including Cubaron, Brascuba, Havana Club, Bravo, Resigum, Etecsa, Cubalub, Gesime, ICT, Coralac, Imsa, Suchel and Los Portales received prizes and honorable mentions.

Cabrisas highlighted investments made by the Brazilian and Venezuelan delegations to improve and adapt their pavilions to meet their needs, reflecting, he said, a long-term commitment to continue participating in the Havana International Trade Fair.

He also acknowledged the quality presentation, design and broad range of products and services exhibited by Venezuela, as well as the important participation of Spain, Brazil, China, Italy, Mexico, Vietnam and Russia.