Malmierca highlighted the presence of representatives of some 30 Chambers of Commerce. Photo: Vladimir Molina

Havana, Oct 31 (RHC) Cuba's Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca stressed Monday that to date, some 60 countries will be present at the 38th edition of the Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV 2022).

He pointed out that the event, which will be held next November 14-18 at the Expocuba fairgrounds, will be attended by top-level delegations headed by ministers and high-ranking government officials.

Malmierca underscored the presence of representatives of some 30 Chambers of Commerce of nations with which Cuba has ties, as well as hundreds of companies from the five continents.

The minister detailed that along with representatives from usual countries such as Spain, Italy, Russia, China, France, Mexico, Brazil, and Venezuela, a high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates will be attending the event for the first time.

"This confirms that despite the U.S. blockade, the economic difficulties faced by our country, and the international economic crisis derived from the Covid-19 pandemic, the world trusts the Cuban market," Malmierca emphasized.

Likewise, as part of the official program of FIHAV 2022, the holder remarked the V Business Forum is dedicated to the issues of foreign investment.

"The event will also develop panels to offer details about the Mariel Special Development Zone and the benefits of the one-stop foreign investment window," he added.

The event's agenda will include exchanges with business production centers and agencies and will place special emphasis on foreign investment opportunities for Cubans living abroad.

Malmierca added that "we expect that FIHAV 2022 will contribute to the insertion of the national economy in the international context and promote direct business between Cuban and foreign companies".

For his part, the president of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, Antonio Luis Carricarte, said that the island has 189 participants registered for the event with the presence, for the first time, of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and cooperatives linked in some way to foreign activity.

"Prioritized sectors of economic activity such as food, agriculture, light industry, health linked to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, education, transportation, and renewable energy will be present," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, the general director of the Palco Business Group, Eduardo Correa, pointed out that the preparation phase of FIHAV 2022 began last July at the Expocuba fairgrounds. (Source: PL)