CubaPLUS Magazine

The 41st edition of the Havana International Fair (FIHAV 2025) is slated to introduce five new thematic areas this year: "Made in Cuba," "Energy Transition," "AI Cuba," "The FIHAV 2025 Integration Mechanisms Forum," and "Unique Cuba," organizers announced Wednesday at a press conference.

The "Made in Cuba" area will feature an exhibition of 40 exportable products and services, involving 280 participants. The "Energy Transition" section will highlight the development of renewable energy sources and their national transformation prospects, drawing participation from both local and international economic stakeholders.

"AI Cuba" will be an interactive space dedicated to artificial intelligence, including an exhibition of key technological applications across various sectors. The "FIHAV 2025 Integration Mechanisms Forum" will be dedicated to presenting the integration schemes in which Cuba participates, such as ALBA-TCP, the Eurasian Economic Union, BRICS, and ALADI.

The "Unique Cuba" area is aligned with the country's ongoing tourism promotion campaign. On this occasion, it will feature innovative projects and new business models of interest to foreign entities, with the goal of boosting service exports.

Speaking at the press conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (MINCEX), Oscar Pérez-Oliva, stated that this trade fair—the country's most significant annual event—will, as always, take place at ExpoCuba. This commitment stands despite the obstacles the country faces due to the intensification of the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba for over 60 years.

To this must be added, concerning the difficult situation the island is experiencing, the recent impact of Hurricane Melissa on the eastern provinces, causing damage to housing, agriculture, power grids, communications, road and rail infrastructure, health centers, and educational facilities.

He underscored that, despite these challenges, the exhibition serves as a significant platform to foster exchange and inform both national and international business communities about business opportunities, as well as the nation's unique productive and export potential.

Pre-FIHAV 2025 activities will include the 8th Investment Forum, the updating of the Portfolio of Opportunities, dedicated business forums, product presentations, National Days, and briefings on new foreign investment policies designed to attract greater foreign capital.

Significantly, the Caribbean Banking Forum will be held with the aim of strengthening regional financial integration among CARICOM member countries, on November 26 and 27, at the Parque Central Hotel in the capital.

According to López Oliva's announcement, to date, 16 official delegations have confirmed their participation in the fair from Venezuela, Mexico, Bulgaria, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Czech Republic, Iran, Congo, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Angola, and South Africa. Also attending are the Director of Panama's Colón Free Zone, the Executive Secretaries of ALBA-TCP and the Latin American Economic System (SELA), and the Secretary General of ALADI, in addition to 15 trade and investment promotion agencies.