FIHAV 2013 with record participation
• Largest of the last 11 years • 64 countries to attend
 • 2,000 international businesspeople expected

Lisandra Fariñas Acosta

THE 31st edition of the Havana Trade Fair, FIHAV 2013, scheduled November 3-9, is to be the largest of the last 11 years, according to Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca, who noted in a press conference that the exhibition and fair is to feature 64 nations, those with the largest participation being Venezuela, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Panama and South Korea.

Malmierca said that the most important news for this year’s event is information to be given to participants about the Mariel Special Development Zone, which should contribute to promoting foreign investment which Cuba seeks. This desire to attract investment is for the country’s development, in accordance with the guidelines approved at the 6th Congress of the Communist Party. At the same time, FIHAV 2013 should contribute to increasing income from exports, diversification of markets and replacement of imports.

Abraham Maciques, a member of the event’s organizing committee, stated that with more than 18,000 square meters of exhibition space have been reserved to date – 3,000 more than the previous edition, 907 foreign enterprises are to take part and more than 400 Cuban ones.

He emphasized that the EXPOCUBA fairgrounds’ 25 pavilions are being used, revealing the level of participation, a demonstration of growing confidence in the Cuban market internationally.

In this context, Maciques said that the fair is guaranteed to be a success, not only in terms of participation, but in the increase of the volume of merchandise displayed: 95 containers, 10 more than last year. Approximately 2,000 foreign businesspeople are expected, confirming the fair’s commercial and political value.

Malmierca commented that this edition is to focus on the issue of renewable energy. A one megawatt photovoltaic or solar energy park is to be inaugurated to coincide with the fair, and will supply EXPOCUBA with power in the future, independently of the national energy system. The equipment is a Chinese donation.

Many activities have been planned for FIHAV 2013, including the celebration of 12 national days, conferences, product launches and entrepreneurial displays, to be attended by 30-plus delegates from chambers of commerce and business associations.