CubaPLUS Magazine

The 41st Havana International Fair (FIHAV), the most significant trade event in Cuba and the Caribbean, commenced this Monday at ExpoCuba. The opening ceremony was attended by the nation's President, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez; Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz; and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Oscar Pérez Oliva.

Addressing the attendees, Minister Pérez Oliva welcomed participants and underscored the critical role of trade for the Cuban economy. He further emphasized that FIHAV, more than just a commercial gathering, serves as a platform for sharing visions, particularly as his ministry celebrates its 65th anniversary.

He later indicated that FIHAV is geared towards key sectors and activities crucial for Cuba's economic transformation, especially amidst the country's complex energy situation.

Pérez Oliva noted that Cuban professionals are leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence to drive the country's economic and social development. He also highlighted tourism, a cornerstone of the national economy, which demonstrates robust integration among various bodies and is poised to be a forum for exchange, reaffirming Cuba's commitment to South-South cooperation.

He then outlined the fair's agenda, which includes the 8th Investment Forum. During this forum, government decisions aimed at fostering business development in Cuba will be unveiled.

He also mentioned that numerous meetings, business forums, and other engagements are scheduled, all designed to promote trade across various global regions. Additionally, as is tradition, National Days will be observed throughout the fair.

Addressing the recent impact of Hurricane Melissa on the country's eastern region, Pérez Oliva stated that the fair would showcase proposals aimed at aiding recovery efforts for the damage caused by the storm.

Finally, he emphasized that despite facing financial difficulties, Cubans possess the determination to overcome them. The measures currently being implemented in Cuba to address these challenges are positioning the island for improved conditions, he concluded.

FIHAV 2025 [Translator's Note: The original text states "abrió sus puertas este lunes" (opened its doors this Monday), but then refers to the fair as "FIHAV 2025" in this concluding paragraph. Assuming "2025" is a typo for the current year's fair.] is scheduled to run until next Saturday. It features participants from 47 countries and the European Union, including 16 official delegations, approximately 20 trade and investment promotion agencies, representatives from around 20 Chambers of Commerce, 181 national state enterprises, and 61 private MSMEs.