Cuban non-state cooperative signs international trade agreement

The Havana International Fair FIHAV 2019, which opened on November 4th and concluded on the 8th, featured more than 3 exhibitors from no fewer than 60 countries. For the first time in the history of this type of event, Cuban participation also included representatives from the emerging private sector, specifically, non-state cooperatives of Cuba's economy.

The digital news portal CGTN America published the news of the two non-state cooperatives that had the opportunity to exhibit their products at the Havana International Fair this year, 2019, thereby demonstrating how private initiative in Cuba can contribute to the island's economy with its productions.

The non-state cooperative of Cuba Decorarte, is a company dedicated to decoration designs, toys and furniture for children, among other products, and was one of those present at FIHAV 2019.

Within the framework of this important commercial event, this state cooperative signed an agreement with the German company Profuemed, through a state-owned export company, to be able to market educational toys for children within the European market.

Following the signing ceremony, Profuemed's representative for Cuba, Marco Heinrich, emphasized the quality and effectiveness of Cuban-made products, stating that while "in a world where all children's toys are associated with violence and weapons, such as video games, this is the first time we have found a cooperative that produces high-quality educational toys, with great prospects and a prosperous future for the world."

For her part, Laura Santana, marketing specialist at Decorate yourself, stated that they are very happy to see that their toys, which represent Cuban identity, are reaching the European market thanks to this agreement with this German company.

Achieving bilateral trade agreements and attracting foreign investment are the essential objectives of each edition of this Havana International Fair. However, according to official statements by Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Rodrigo Malmierca, within the framework of FIHAV 2019, the most recent measures by the United States are intended to scare off potential investors and thwart new commercial projects on the island.

"Foreign investors with companies in Cuba have been threatened, and some have been sued in U.S. courts. This situation has forced us to strengthen legal protection and support for foreign companies operating in our country," the minister emphasized in his opening remarks to the thousands of foreign businesspeople and guests attending the event.

Cuban authorities have expressed their gratitude for the significant foreign participation in this 37th edition of the Havana International Fair, as a demonstration of the global business community's ongoing interest in the Cuban market.

The Havana International Fair (FIHAV 2019) officially launched in 1983. This year, 2019, this important trade event took place during the month of Havana's 500th anniversary celebrations. FIHAV is the largest international trade and foreign investment fair held on the island. This event is always attended by numerous delegations from across Latin America and the Caribbean, and this year, delegations from nearly every continent attended. The event offers an excellent business platform for new companies emerging and competing in the market, as well as for established ones.