FIHAV 2025: An expression of a country committed to progress

By Daily Pérez Guillén

Cuba affirms that it will take firm steps to modernize its economy and offer a more dynamic and transparent environment with greater opportunities and guarantees for those who invest in its future. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, in his welcoming remarks at the 41st edition of the Havana International Fair (FIHAV).

“We want mutually beneficial relationships and allies who, like us, believe in the capacity to build a better future,” Fraga, who is also first deputy prime minister stated at the ceremony, which was attended by President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero.

He emphasized that more than a commercial event, FIHAV is above all the expression of a country that resists, creates and strives to move forward, even when circumstances are challenging.

He recalled that this year, the fair comes after difficult weeks for the country following Hurricane Melissa. “But it also left something else: evidence of our capacity to protect life, to rise again, to organize ourselves and to act in unity, with the support of many friends inside and outside of Cuba.” In that regard, he took the opportunity to extend his gratitude for the numerous expressions of solidarity.

In this context, “FIHAV is a declaration of will. Cuba works, Cuba rebuilds, and Cuba opens itself to the future with the conviction that it can be done. This event is precisely a concrete expression of that conviction,” he stated. He urged everyone to take action so that every economic step, investment, export and project becomes a step toward a better future. “That’s why this fair is necessary, because given the challenges we face, the economy is at the heart of our priorities.”

FIHAV 2025 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, according to the minister.

Pérez-Oliva 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 also highlighted the participation of regional integration organizations such as ALBA-TCP, ALADI, and the Eurasian Economic Union. FIHAV 2025 is also attended by representatives of business associations, chambers of commerce, trade and investment promotion agencies, as well as numerous Cuban businesspeople residing abroad. This edition features five thematic areas dedicated to key sectors and activities for the country’s economic transformation, showcasing its potential and opportunities: Made in Cuba, energy transition, artificial intelligence, Cuba Única (tourism), and integration mechanisms.

Over the next few days, specialized panels, business roundtables and forums will be held to promote trade with different regions of the world. As in previous years, national days will also be celebrated.

The exhibition area covers more than 18,740 square meters.