Havana Trade Fair recognized
as one of the most important
in Latin America
• Cuba to present portfolio of foreign investment options

Livia Rodríguez Delis

The 32nd edition of the Havana Trade Fair (FIHAV 2014), scheduled for the first week of November, is dedicated this year to the promotion of foreign investment in Cuba. Toward this end, to be introduced is a portfolio of projects seeking investors, the first such presentation featuring detailed information of interest to potential associates on this group of projects, important to the country’s development.

Speaking to the press, Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, minister of Foreign Trade and Investment explained that businesspeople from more than 60 countries attending FIHAV 2014 will be invited to join endeavors in all sectors of the Cuban economy.

"A significant effort was made in the country to identify concrete projects, in all sectors of the economy, in which we hope to receive investment, and which have already undergone a certain degree study, in many cases, feasibility studies have been done, which will allow foreign investors to have truly valuable information to make decisions."

He stated that the ratification of law 118 in March has enabled the promotion of the island’s economic interests to advance. "While the process of implementing the guidelines is advancing, the updating of our economic model is entering a more complex and decisive stage, with the creation of favorable working conditions in the country for our business partners."

In regards to Expocuba, which will host the event and has already reached the limit of its space capacity, given the interest which FIHAV continues to arouse, he commented, "The level of participation, which grows each year, reinforces the assertion that the blockade, despite causing continued harm to our country, has failed in its intention to isolate Cuba from the rest of the world’s commercial entities."

He added that almost 30 delegations from different government and foreign institutions will also attend this edition of the Havana Trade Fair.

Orlando Hernández Guillén, president of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that the central area of around 5,000 square meters will be occupied by more than 360 national entities.

"There are 170 stands where Cuba’s principal products and services can be found. On this occasion, and presenting for the first time, will be the Mariel Special Development Zone and Container Terminal," he stated.

Similarly, Malmierca Díaz noted that there will be a space with representatives from the Sucre currency office providing information to Cuban and foreign business about the mechanism’s role and function.

Also taking place during the Fair will be the tenth session of the Cuba-China Business Committee; a business committee with Hungary; the Cuba-Caribbean business forum, in addition to meetings with businesspeople from Venezuela, Russia, South Africa, Mexico and Canada, among other nations. Likewise, representatives from 46 Chambers of Commerce and promotion will also visit the Fair.

FIHAV 2014 will be a good opportunity to promote activities set to take place in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of its founding, stated Hernández Guillén.

Abraham Maciques, President of the PALCO Business Group, commented that in 2013 the exposition area measured 18,300 square feet, footage which has already been surpassed this year. All 25 pavilions have now been reserved with only the exterior spaces remaining.

"Among the countries which have expanded the most in the exposition area are Brazil and Italy. No less than 25 nations requested space for this fair, among them Venezuela, Hungry, Russia, Holland, Mexico, Chile, Serbia, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Germany, Panama, Canada, Uruguay and Spain, once again with the greatest representation at the event with five pavilions."

To resolve spacing issues which the Fair is now facing, Maciques commented on plans to continue developing more thematic fairs such as those of Construction and Public Health, taking place in 2015.

"There are different types of fairs which will be incorporated by specialty, and will contribute to providing other spaces in which to promote Cuban products," he said.

Maciques confirmed that included for the first time, among the 45 gastronomic entities which will present their services at the Fair, are two cooperatives - The Carmelo and La Casona de 17, both offering traditional and Creole food.