Speaking at the opening ceremony, Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca highlighted the event as a space for foreign firms to concretise business opportunities in Cuba.

He stressed the increased number of exhibitors at this year’s fair shows that international businesses are increasingly interested in establishing partnership with Cuban companies, as well as their growing trust in the prospect for development of the Caribbean country.

On the first day of the fair, Cuba and Russia signed two agreements on supply of the Vira radiobroadcast system serving radio communication in Cuba’s civil aviation, and on modernisation of Cuba’s sugar-cane industry.

The Cuba Chamber of Commerce also inked a memorandum of understanding with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), aiming to their boost future cooperation.

Initiated in 1982, FIHAV is the largest annual trade fair in Cuba, and one of the largest bazaars in Latin America. It significantly contributes to improve the prestige of Cuba in the international market.