Spain Demonstrates Largest Presence at FIHAV

Spain has once again demonstrated the largest business presence at this year’s 37th edition of the International Trade Fair of Havana (FIHAV 2019).

Cuba’s largest annual multisector business fair takes place each year at the ExpoCuba Fairgrounds in Havana. FIHAV opened on Monday attracting international business from more than 55 countries.

Spain’s presence at FIHAV has always been and is the largest with 110 companies from a diversity of sectors including the agri-food industry, construction, services and logistics, and hospitality supplies, among others.

Maria Peña Mateos, the CEO of ICEX Spain Exports and Investments, said the country will continue to invest in Cuba despite the difficulties.

“Spanish exports to Cuba in the last year have grown by more than 10%, and that means more exports from Spain to Cuba than to countries like Peru, Ecuador and Argentina,” said Peña.

Spain’s exports to Cuba amounted to 1.016,2 billion euros between August 2018 and September 2019, an increase of 10.2%, according to data published by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism.

According to Pena, “it clearly reflects that commitment, that reliability, that bet that Spanish enterprises are making on this market to continue being present, independently of the fact that the moments are not the easiest,” referring to the effects caused by the hardening of U.S. sanctions against Cuba.

FIHAV, open until Friday, is taking place while Cuba is coping with shortages of hard currency and fuel and increasing trade sanctions imposed by the U.S.

Spain will continue to support Cuba not only through its presence at FIHAV but also by looking for new tools to improve the presence and visibility of Spanish companies in this market that is so loved by us, the CEO said.

Cuba’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment thanked Spain for its continued presence at the FIHAV and its position against the U.S. blockade imposed against Cuba.

FIHAV will run until this Friday, November 8.