Cuba reaffirms that FIHAV 2025 is proof that it is possible to move forward

In the presence of Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, and Manuel Marrero Cruz, member of the Political Bureau and Prime Minister, Perez-Oliva Fraga who is also president of the FIHAV 2025 organizing committee welcomed participants from 52 countries.

Despite the damage caused to the eastern provinces by Hurricane Melissa, the traditional trade event was necessary, and even in the face of the criminal economic war imposed by the U.S. government, the response has been not to be paralyzed, Perez-Oliva Fraga noted.

He emphasized that the actions are for the benefit of the people, who have earned and deserve greater prosperity, well-being, and opportunities, and that every step in the economy, investment, exports, and new projects should be a step toward a better future.

That is why this Fair is necessary, because in the face of the challenges we face, the economy is at the center of our priorities, the Deputy Prime Minister asserted.

He described the event as an expression of a country that resists, that creates, and that strives to move forward, even when circumstances seem to defy its momentum; it is also an expression of solidarity with Cuba and a testament to the courage of those who are joining us.

Perez-Oliva Fraga thanked everyone who made this edition possible: exhibitors, organizers, Cuban and foreign institutions involved, and especially the Expocuba fairgrounds, which are welcoming participants after being renovated following the damage caused by Hurricane Rafael in 2024.

He reported that the event opens its doors with the participation of 715 companies representing 52 countries from all continents, including 268 Cuban companies from various sectors and management structures.

In his welcoming remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister extended a special greeting to the official delegations from Venezuela, Russia, Mexico, Iran, Angola, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Congo, Panama, Zimbabwe, and the Czech Republic.

He highlighted the participation of representatives from regional integration organizations that distinguish this edition, such as the Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples' Trade Treaty, the Secretary General of the Latin American Integration Association, and the Minister of Macroeconomics of the Eurasian Economic Union.

We also welcome, he added, business associations, chambers of commerce, trade and investment promotion agencies, and we especially recognize the presence of numerous Cuban businesspeople residing abroad, committed to contributing to the economic and social development of their country.

FIHAV is more than a business meeting point; it is a space where visions are shared, alliances are forged, opportunities are identified, and efforts are mobilized for the development of Cuba and the achievement of shared benefits, the Minister of Foreign Trade stated.

He noted that this edition is dedicated to the centennial of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz (1926-2016), the driving force behind the Havana International Fair, and to the 65th anniversary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, which will be celebrated on February 23.

In his speech, he highlighted the main activities and new features of FIHAV 2025, including the five thematic areas dedicated to showcasing Cuba's export potential and the development of priority sectors.

The opening ceremony included cultural performances by the National Choir of Cuba, directed by Digna Guerra, and the Camerata Cortés, as well as a slideshow of images from previous editions attended by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro.