Latin American trade expo in Cuba powers regional integration

Havana, Oct 2 (RHC) The First Vice Minister of Foreign Trade of Cuba, Ana Teresita González, affirmed today that the macro business roundtable of the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI) in Havana will enhance intra regional trade.

The inauguration of ALADI's largest annual event this Monday at the Havana Convention Palace was attended by the President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, and the Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero.

During his opening speech, González pointed out that Expoaladi 2023 resumes in-person character after three years of virtual participation, due to the confinement generated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This tenth edition of the multi-sector business macro-roundtable, he said, has a high commitment for Cuba since for the first time it takes place in a Caribbean country.

He mentioned that the presence of 368 companies from Latin America is very significant, since they which constitute an opportunity for Cuban entities, whose commercial and financial operations are hindered by the US economic blockade.

For Cuba, the increase in exports, the diversification of markets for products and services, the substitution of imports and the attraction of foreign capital in businesses that generate exports are part of the strategies undertaken for national economic development.

The ALADI trade meeting will focus on the exchange of goods in agribusiness and livestock, food and beverages, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, textiles, clothing and footwear, plastics, containers and packaging, which play a prominent role in the regional economy.

Negotiations will also be made regarding services provided to companies, communications, transportation, tourism, important sectors for the development of commercial relations between ALADI member countries, which are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. (Source: PL)