Up Next On the Fihav 2019 Agenda

The Havana International Fair (FIHAV) is known by business leaders as the most important multisectoral business and investment trade fair in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

The 37th edition of the International Fair of Havana (FIHAV 2019), takes place on the grounds and pavilions of Expocuba between November 4 and 8 and brings together entrepreneurs and delegations from more than 50 countries. About 360 Cuban firms will participate this year to make connections and strengthen commercial ties. The attendance of 14 official delegations has been confirmed.

Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment told a press conference on Tuesday, “In a situation marked by the resurgence of the U.S. blockade against Cuba and the application of persecution measures, the Fair will demonstrate its consolidation as one of the main events of its kind in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

The Cuban presence consists of a broad representation of national companies with participation from all provinces, companies that the country promotes for exports, he said.

The latest of the Foreign Investment Opportunities Portfolio for 2019-2020 will also be presented at the IV Investment Forum. Minister Malmierca also revealed that Mexico, Germany and the European Union have organized three events focused on the interests of international investors keen to invest in Cuba.

Also on the agenda of FIHAV 2019 will be the presentation of the new digital platform for investors, the Single Window of Foreign Trade, (Ventanilla Unica del Comercio Exterior) VUCE-Cuba and the release of the Commercial Directory for 2019-2020. Important upcoming fairs and exhibitions of Cuba for 2020 will also be revealed at this year’s Havana trade fair.

Orlando Hernández Guillén, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Cuba who joined Minister Malmierca at the press conference added that the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) will have its own exhibition pavilion to show the progress of development at the Port of Mariel and the goods and services of the businesses which are now in operation at the Port.

Several business forums and two non-agricultural cooperatives will participate at the trade fair for the first time.

If your company is seeking to invest in Cuba, you should not miss attending the FIHAV. Attendance at the FIHAV trade fair is a prerequisite for those who wish to expand into the local market and start a business on the Island. The multi-sector fair is the arena for international business people to make important connections with potential partners in Cuba. Booth spaces can be arranged with the embassy of your country or consultant firms with on-the-ground experience in Cuba.

Last year’s trade fair was the biggest in its 37 year history. This year’s numbers are expected to be much higher as many countries are actively pursuing relations with Cuba before the end of the American embargo, a time which many see as a great opportunity.

As this year’s Fihav coincides with Havana’s 500th anniversary celebrations known as “Habana 500,” this once in a lifetime event will receive special recognition during the days of the trade fair.