CubaPLUS Magazine

The 39th edition of the Havana International Fair (FIHAV 2023) opened this Monday with the participation of representatives of over 800 companies from 63 countries. Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment and president of the Organizing Committee of the exhibition, Ricardo Cabrisas, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the importance of that space conceived by the historical leader Fidel Castro, so that “countries and companies around the world could present their services and strengthen commercial ties.”

It also meant that despite the difficult economic situation that the island is going through, this meeting is evidence that Cuba continues to be open to the world and to the possibility of offering new investment opportunities that promote market diversification of exports, access to advanced technologies and import substitution. Later he expressed his satisfaction of the presence of the main commercial partners of the country, among them: Venezuela, Russia, China, Mexico and Spain.

The participation of companies from many sister nations in our region, in addition to encouraging, reaffirms the priority given to Latin American economic integration and Caribbean,” he highlighted. On the other hand, he considered the presence of American companies significant, which demonstrates the consistent position of an important part of the business community of that country in favor of trade with Cuba, for which he appreciated, at the same time that he said that they will continue receiving the support of the Cuban side.

Cuba, he said, does not discriminate against investors based on the country of origin of the capital. The companies of all nations with business interests are welcome, including those that are owned by Cubans residing abroad. Thanks to them today we have one more fair broad, diverse and representative fair .” In another part of his words, Cabrisas referred to the problems faced by Cuba, which includes the consequences of the pandemic, the economic blockade imposed by the United States and the international situation, while he highlighted the country's efforts to seek solutions such as the Mariel Development Zone (ZEDM) and new economic actors. Finally, I would like to highlight the relevance of this edition of Fihav, which will foster multiple and interesting business opportunities with Cuban and foreign companies, since Cuba is an indispensable door in links with Latin America and the Caribbean.

Present at the opening were Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, authorities of the government, the Chamber of Commerce and the Palco Business Group; governors of several provinces, official delegations from various countries, Cuban and foreign businessmen, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Cuba, representatives of chambers of trade and trade and investment agencies and other institutions interested in the Cuban market.