Havana, February 13 (RHC/PW)-- A group of U.S. publishers and publishing professionals is in Cuba to take part in the Havana International Book Fair, going on until the 19th in this city.

Brought by Publishers Weekly and Combined Book Exhibit in cooperation with the Cuban Book Institute, the group will showcase some 400 American titles at the U.S. Pavilion at the Fair, in an effort to bring U.S. and Cuban publishers closer together and lay the groundwork for future business partnerships. 

The U.S. publishing mission, the second of its kind, is looking to build on the relationship established  during the first mission last year, which included a memorandum of understanding between Publishers Weekly, Combined Book Exhibit and the Cuban Book Institute, seeking  to “promote "cooperation and understanding" between the U.S. and Cuban publishing industries.

The U.S. mission this year comprises 31 people.  They will be holding professional panels.

Held at La Cabana, the 18th century fortress,(now a museum), overlooking port and City of Havana, the Havana Book Fair attracts publishers from around the world, and thousands of Cuban readers.

This year’s U.S. publishing mission comes as new administration is in office in the U.S. Jon Malinowsk, president of Combined Book Exhibit, said U.S. publishers “remain committed to strengthening bonds of friendship, based on our common love of the written word.”