Havana, October 25 (RHC-Granma)-- Strengthening and diversifying solid opportunities for Cuba’s development will be a central focus of the Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV 2017), taking place October 30 through November 3 in the capital’s Expocuba fairgrounds. 

Over 60 countries will present their products, services, and investment opportunities during the 25th edition the event, considered to be Cuba’s most important commercial fair and one of the most significant in Latin America and the Caribbean. The event also includes panel discussions and bilateral meetings. 

The Second Investment Forum also takes place during the event, and includes the presentation of Cuba’s 2017-2018 Portfolio of Foreign Investment Opportunities by Rodrigo Malmierca, Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment (Mincex). 

According to Malmierca, speaking at a press conference, the latest edition of the portfolio focuses on strategic sectors linked to the country’s economic development through 2030, approved by the Seventh Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba. The updated document also addresses the need to achieve more productive chains and connections between projects featured in the portfolio. 

The Cuban official also said that despite a tightening of the U.S. blockade of the island, 16 of the over 300 entities participating in the event are from the United States, demonstrating the interest among businesses from that country in establishing trade relations with Cuba. 

FIHAV 2017’s main aim is to attract foreign investment and promote a wide range of the country’s products, services, and projects. The island’s principal business partners - China, Venezuela, Russia, and Spain – are also some of the largest delegations participating in the fair. 

According to Odalis Seijo García, acting president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba, the event will end with the launch of ProCuba’s (Center for the Promotion of Foreign Trade and Investment) new website, the presentation of the island’s Business Directory, and a call to attend the upcoming Latin America-Caribbean-China Summit, scheduled to be held in Uruguay.