Prime Minister Manuel Marrero welcomed the 38th edition of an exhibition that could not be held for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Thanks to the work of the organizing committee, the Expocuba fairgrounds today exhibit in its pavilions the organization, vitality, and colors that have always characterized this event,” he said.
FIHAV 2022 is an opportunity to exchange in person with business people, Cuban and foreign friends and Cubans from different parts of the world who decide to bet on the development of their homeland, Marrero highlighted.
In this way, “it shows an atmosphere of optimism and confidence in Cuba’s potential and economy.”
Marrero recalled that Cuba withstood a health crisis, where Cuban science showed its immense value and excellence with the creation of pharmaceutical products and vaccines with proven effectiveness.
Two years later, he added, in the face of a situation that pretends to be discouraging, the joint effort of various national and foreign stockholders makes it possible to face the multiple challenges of the domestic and external situation.
Currently, the international crisis is deepening and the inequality gap is growing. “Although the pandemic did not discriminate in regions, again developing countries suffered the worst consequences,” the prime minister added.
In this context, the trade and investment sector is one of the most affected, due to the rise in the prices of food, fuel and raw materials; the increase in freight rates; the drop in international tourism and the impact of climate change, among other factors, he explained.
Cuba is not immune to this context, its condition as an archipelago with a high dependence on foreign trade makes it a vulnerable country in the face of the complex world situation, to which are added the effects of the economic blockade imposed by the United States, the premier pointed out.
Marrero acknowledged that this situation results in serious financial limitations, which cause delays in payments by Cuban companies and affects their ability to meet their obligations to foreign partners.
Despite this, he reiterated the Government’s determination to honor each of its obligations, and for this reason he thanked the companies, insurance agencies, and banks that remain by our side for their confidence, patience, and understanding.
“Cuba is not isolated, it not only resists, but it does not give up advancing in its development, to which this Havana International Fair will undoubtedly contribute,” he insisted.
The event, which will last until November 18, welcomes government and business representatives from 62 countries and 35 foreign Chambers of Commerce at different levels (sectoral, regional, national and association).
With more than 16,500 square meters contracted, traditional and renewed commercial partners from countries such as China, Russia, Spain, the United States, France, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, the United Arab Emirates and Laos come together at the meeting and at the 5th Investment Forum that will take place from November 15.
In addition, some 400 state companies, more than 70 micro, medium and small enterprises (MSMEs) and three Cuban non-agricultural cooperatives are participating, which will explore opportunities for commercial linkage between sectors of the national economy and foreign investment.
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