A few weeks before the start of the 40th edition of the Havana International Fair (Fihav 2024), the participation of more than 700 Cuban and foreign companies is projected, it was reported Thursday in a check-up of the preparations for the largest commercial exchange of the country and the region, led by Political Bureau member and Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz.
At the Expocuba fairgrounds -the usual venue of this important event-, it was also learned that more than 50 nations have already confirmed their presence, there are a dozen official delegations, and more than 17,000 square meters have been hired, which shows the magnitude of this event, which will be held from November 4 to 9, explained Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment.
He added that, to date, the national participation amounts to 193 companies, with representation of all the actors of the economy, of which 30 are MSMEs. In addition, he said, there will be a specific pavilion dedicated to showcasing the development potential and commercial interests of each province and the special municipality Isla de la Juventud, in line with our country's policy of promoting territorial development.
"This year the fair has a special connotation, as we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the conception of the largest multisectoral trade fair in our country and the Caribbean, which had its origins in 1984, thanks to the vision of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz.
In addition, this event takes place in the context of the important transformations our country is undergoing to correct distortions and boost the economy in 2024, said the Minister, who added that, even in the midst of the complex financial situations we are facing, "the conditions exist for us to have an austere, decent and dignified fair", and to work "to make it a successful event."
Pérez-Oliva Fraga said that the large participation of foreign businessmen that "is expected to attend this event is a sign of their confidence in the country," and a confirmation that Cuba is open to the world to promote new investments, replace imports and access other markets.
As explained at the meeting, as part of the Fair, the 7th Investment Forum will be held, in which an update of the Portfolio of Business Opportunities in the largest of the Antilles will be presented. There will also be a presentation of the Cuba Foregin Trade magazine and a meeting with binational chambers, among other activities.
Expocuba will host business meetings, business rounds, seminars, conferences and other activities in its 25 pavilions.
When giving an update on the state of the pavilions, Mirelys Pintó Hernández, director of the facility, explained that among the tasks undertaken are the capital investment in the theater, the renovation of the multi-purpose hall and the rehabilitation of the pizzeria restaurant, located in the Central Pavilion.
In addition, work is being done to repair the roof, rain gutters and downspouts, replace marquetry, glass and doors, and install new lighting fixtures. At the same time, specialized brigades are taking on the maintenance of the air conditioning system, ducts and air conditioners, as well as the widening of some of the interior roadways.
Precisely, upon learning these details of Fihav 2024, the Head of Government highlighted that "it is a challenge, but also a privilege that we must know how to take advantage of," and called to "make a different fair," to work with seriousness, professionalism and to dedicate as much time as possible to prepare it well.
"Each institution must be clear about what it aspires to achieve with this fair, what it intends to take advantage of it for its institution, what concrete projects it is going to work on; everything that can be negotiated, concreted and agreed, for the benefit of the country, we have to do it," the Prime Minister pointed out.
He noted that the main challenge remains the permanent attention to the pavilions by the responsible entities at the end of the days of the Fair. "We have to turn Expocuba into a home for each organization, where activities, thematic exhibitions, conferences, important recreational, sports and cultural events are organized."
This Thursday, the Prime Minister also led the analysis of the complex situation presented by Lenin Park, from the marked deterioration of equipment, recreational facilities and the abandonment of green areas.
He indicated to design and implement an action program to rescue this space, devised by Fidel and executed by the heroine Celia Sánchez Manduley. With more than five decades of existence, the Park constitutes a symbol for family enjoyment, in its more than 765 open hectares of nature and forest.
