FIHAV 2024 – Havana International Fair

The 40th edition of the Havana International Fair (FIHAV 2024) offers an agenda full of significant events starting on November 4 with the opening ceremony at the Plaza de las Banderas, ExpoCuba. The next day, the intense programming will continue with the inauguration of the VI Investment Forum and the launch of the 2024 International Transport and Logistics Fair, both events focused on expanding Cuba’s commercial perspectives.

November 7 will also be highlighted by a series of panels, including a discussion on the Mariel Special Development Zone, as well as sessions dedicated to Cuban exports and industrial capabilities that can be enhanced with foreign investment. These activities will take place in the Central Pavilion Theater and the ExpoCuba Theater, spaces where experts and participants can exchange ideas and explore new opportunities. In addition, times have been reserved for B2B meetings in the Executive Lounge and professional visits, providing attendees with the opportunity to establish valuable contacts.

As the week progresses, the fair continues to offer industry professionals the opportunity to learn more about emerging markets and current trends. On November 8, special panels focused on the Eurasian Economic Union and investment opportunities in Gulf countries will be presented, highlighting Cuba’s position as an attractive market for the region.

Innovation and youth entrepreneurship will have a special place with «JuvEmprende 2024», an international meeting of young businessmen and entrepreneurs, as well as workshops on IT and communications for society. The tourism sector will also be a protagonist with the presentation of the Incentive Tourism Portfolio by Gaviota, S.A. and Mintur.

Towards the end of the fair, on November 8, regulatory and certification issues will be addressed, and the role of consulting firms in foreign trade and foreign investment will be discussed, culminating with the closing ceremony at the ExpoCuba Theater. FIHAV 2024 says goodbye on November 9, opening its doors to the general public for visits, thus concluding a week of intense commercial and investment activity that promises to strengthen the Cuban economy and its international ties.

Among the Latin American countries that will be present at the fair, we find a diverse representation that includes:

• Argentina: With a varied economy, it usually exhibits agricultural products, wines, and technology.
• Bolivia: Known for its production of minerals and natural gas, it will promote its textiles and manufactured products.
• Brazil: As one of the largest economies in the region, it highlights its automotive, aeronautics, and agro-industrial industries.
• Chile: This Andean country usually promotes its rich wine industry, mining, and seafood products.
• Colombia: With an emerging economy, it will focus on coffee, flowers, textiles, and technology.
• Ecuador: known for its production of bananas, flowers, and cocoa, will present these and other agricultural products.
• Mexico: As a highly diversified economy, Mexico likely exhibited everything from cars and electronics to food and beverages.
• Panama: With its strategic position and free zone, Panama highlights its logistics and financial services.
• Puerto Rico: The island might have promoted its pharmaceutical products, electronics, and rum.
• Dominican Republic: Known for its tobacco, rum, and agricultural products, it will focus on these areas.
• Venezuela: continues to be a player in the oil and mining sectors.

The Colon Free Zone (ZLC), one of the largest commercial emporiums in the hemisphere, has emerged as a star participant, reflecting its vital role in international trade and foreign investment. This year, the fair, which took place from November 4 to 9, not only serves as a showcase for Cuba’s products and services, but also as a convergence point for commercial entities from all over Latin America and beyond.

The ZLC will arrive at FIHAV 2024 with a delegation headed by its General Manager and key representatives of Panamanian companies. With a well-positioned stand and a meticulously planned agenda, the ZLC seeks to take advantage of this platform to expand its network, explore new business opportunities, and strengthen relations with its Cuban partners and those from other countries.

The main objective is to promote the business model and attract investments to the commercial enclave. Through B2B meetings, discussion forums, and networking sessions, the Free Zone delegation demonstrates the zone’s ability to act as a world-class logistics and commercial hub. The participation is marked by interaction with government and business entities, seeking to consolidate its position as a bridge between the Americas and the rest of the world. Meetings with high-ranking officials and businessmen will serve to highlight the importance of bilateral trade and the investment opportunities that ZOLICOL offers.

The fair generates a considerable number of new business contacts and identifies possible cooperation and understanding agreements that could culminate in joint projects and strategic alliances. Looking to the future, the ZLC seeks to continue working on the initiatives discussed during the fair, with the intention of realizing business opportunities and continuing to strengthen its position as a leader in free trade and as a strategic ally in the Caribbean and Latin America. The ZLC goes with the certainty that its participation is another step in the right direction, strengthening its brand internationally and consolidating its role as a key catalyst for trade and investment in the region.