Havana’s popular trade fair brings international business to Cuba

Cuba

Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel, center attend the opening ceremony of the 37th Havana International Fair(Alexandre Meneghini/Pool Photo via AP)

Entrepreneurs from more than 60 nations around the globe are attending Havana’s 36th International Trade Fair. It’s an event designed to bring business and investment to Cuba.

CGTN’s Luis Chirino filed this report.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel kicked off the opening ceremony along with some of his cabinet members at the exhibit fairgrounds on the outskirts of Havana.

Addressing participants, Cuban Foreign Trade and Investment Minister Rodrigo Malmierca praised the performance of the fair over the past 36 years. Malmierca referred to the economic challenges faced by the country, which have prevented Cuban companies from maintaining up-to-date payments to their providers.

“We reiterate Cuba’s firm stance to honor its commitments, as we appreciate the trust and understanding of those who remain by our side in these circumstances,” Malmierca said.

Despite Cuba’s economic difficulties and financial limitations, the Havana International Fair continues to attract interest from the international business community and promote the Cuban market.

The countries with the largest business delegations at the fair are Russia, Venezuela, Spain and China. Spain is the country with the largest number of joint ventures in Cuba. More than 200 Spanish entrepreneurs are currently operating businesses on the island. 

One of the most popular Chinese companies at the Cuban market is MIDEA, an electric appliance manufacturer that’s made a significant contribution to the island’s everyday life.

Meanwhile, some 350 Cuban companies are displaying a large array of products and services at the fair. The five-day program also includes business forums, presentations by major companies, and the launch of a foreign investment effort in coordination with local partners