Havana International Fair Opens

Havana, Oct 31. -The 39th Havana International Trade Fair, FIHAV 2011, begins on Monday in the capital´s ExpoCuba exhibition site, in the presence of 3,000 exhibitors from 1,500 companies of about 60 countries.Despite the island's economic and financial problems, this edition is considered the most important one of the last 10 years, due to the large number of exhibitors and the 14,000-square-meter exhibition area, 1,500 square meters more than the 2010 edition.

According to Abraham Maciquez, president of the organizing committee, the most represented countries this year are Spain, which almost doubled its participation compared with FIHAV 2010, as well as China, Italy and Panama.

"There is no doubt that the international fairs are a very important tool in the strengthening of trade relations among nations," the executive recently said.

In the specific case of FIHAV, this has turned, since its first edition, into the ideal space so that the world knows Cuba´s potentialities, to encourage development and diversify productions, Maciquez stated.

FIHAV 2011 includes the visit of official delegations and representatives from 36 chambers of commerce and associations of not less than 20 countries.

Cuba´s participation in this event could be appreciated at the Central Pavilion, in which 350 companies of all sectors, mainly health, biotechnology and medical equipment, will present their products.

In addition of the opening ceremony, today´s agenda also includes the celebration of Spain and the Basque Country Day, a Cuba-Iran managerial meeting, and the presentation of SUCRE by the Regional Monetary Council. (Prensa Latina)