The Havana International Fair (FIHAV 2024), held every November, is the largest and most important multi-sector trade fair of the Latin American-Caribbean region.
This year’s 40th edition takes place November 4 to 9, 2024.
The FIHAV provides a convenient meeting point for international corporations and Cuban businesses. It is the place for introductions, networking, and information gathering.
There are many good reasons to attend FIHAV. For business, it has been a proven entry strategy into Cuba. It is important to note that Cuban buyers consider attendance a key part of the pre-selection process. Exhibiting in a pavilion establishes both your brand reputation and a level of endorsement by your government. It is a proven growth strategy for international companies. A business presence can result in finalized contracts in as little as six to 12 months.
The VII Foreign Investment Forum, sponsored by the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, takes place within the framework of FIHAV. Meetings between investors can move the process forward.
FIHAV is also where Cuba launches its latest foreign investment portfolio. For the last several years, the portfolio has been online and can be viewed at https://inviertaencuba.mincex.gob.cu/en/. The investment portfolio of 2023 contained 708 projects located throughout the island.
The projects in the portfolio have been examined to determine feasibility and affordability, and return on investment projection. There are also projects still on the drawing board awaiting feasibility study completion. Cuba is also open to other investment ideas not yet considered. The projects included in the annual portfolio are those set for fast tracking.
Normally, business in Cuba needs to be undertaken with a Cuban partner, but some portfolio projects are seeking 100% foreign financing, and presumably, the foreign partner’s profits and ownership would be negotiable. Other projects are jointly funded.
Approximately 63 countries and over 844 companies took part in FIHAV 2023. The central pavilion housed over 350 Cuban companies. Spain typically has the largest presence, with four pavilions. Other countries taking part included Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Curaçao, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, and others. These countries are already well-positioned with Cuba in existing bilateral relationships and businesses on the island.
Who’s Attending FIHAV 2024?
State enterprises, joint venture companies, agricultural cooperatives, and the private business sector identified as having export potential will attend.
Also, there is a pavilion for Cubans living abroad who have business relations or are in the process of establishing a business with Cuba.
Despite the U.S. embargo, many countries are still pursuing relations with Cuba, so this year’s numbers are expected to be constant.
Some of Cuba’s most recognizable companies will be there throughout the pavilions: CUPET, ZED Mariel, BioCubaPharma, Heber Biotech, BrasCuba, Habanos SA, CIEGO Montero, Confihar, Castrol Cuba and more.
Industry Sectors at the FIHAV 2024:
- Agro Industry and its by products
- Automotive
- Chemicals
- Construction
- Food Production
- Fisheries and seafood
- Ocean Technologies
- Wine, Beer, and Spirits
- Consumer Products
- Real Estate
- Oil and Gas
- Energy
- Mining
- Culture
- Professional Services
- Banking and Financial Services
- Transportation
- Water and Sanitation Networks
- Education
- Life Sciences
- Industrial Machinery
- Transport and Logistics
- Forestry and Wood Products
- Information Technology
- Infrastructure
- Pharmaceuticals
- Telecommunications and Info Technology
- Health Tourism
- Tourism
If you intend to do business in Cuba, don’t miss the FIHAV. Attendance at the FIHAV trade fair is a prerequisite for those who wish to expand into the Cuban market. Contact the commercial office of your embassy to book booth spaces within the pavilions. Your country’s embassy can provide you with a price list for exhibition in their pavilion.
Cuba has immense market potential, but access to these markets requires a presence. Cubans consider business relationships essential. The FIHAV presents an opportunity to network with the key players in the Cuban market.
Americans can attend the conferences with a special license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
FIHAV 2024, at the ExpoCuba fairgrounds, is on the Carretera del Rocio, Km 3 ½, in the Arroyo Naranjo municipality, approximately 25 km southeast of Havana’s center.
For more information on FIHAV 2024, visit the official site of the Havana International Fair.
From our staff writers and editors.
