Saint Lucia Prepares to Participate at Largest Multi-Sectorial Trade Fair in Cuba
Lauded as the most important trade fair in the Caribbean—Latin American Region, this year’s 33rd edition of the Havana International Fair (Feria International de La Habana, FIHAV) is expected to host some 4,500 national and foreign exhibitors from over 60 countries, while attracting over 150,000 visitors. Saint Lucia, through efforts by the Trade Export Promotion Agency (TEPA), in collaboration with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), is among participating exhibitors.
Slated for Oct. 31 – Nov. 3, 2016, FIHAV is a multi-sectorial trade fair geared at enabling exhibitors and visitors to establish commercial contacts, cement business relationships, share experiences, while being updated on new technological developments. A range of sectors are expected to be represented at FIHAV 2016 including food, agricultural, health, machinery, equipment, technology, raw materials and various services.
This year, Saint Lucia will be represented by seven companies within the household, construction, food, and health and wellness sectors. Areas were carefully identified by TEPA as a result of extensive work and research in the Cuban Market.
TEPA’s Marketing and Promotions Officer, Andrena Simon, says FIHAV provides an ideal platform for Saint Lucian exporters to exhibit their products and services to not only the Cuban and Latin-American markets, but to an international audience. It will also allow Saint Lucian entities to gain first-hand information on the necessary requirements to conduct business within the Cuban Market.
Meanwhile, from a national standpoint, Andrena says participation in FIHAV enables TEPA to identify existing and emerging markets for Saint Lucian products and services, and establish key linkages with trade support agencies, buyers and relevant stakeholders important to import success.
In the months ahead, efforts by TEPA and the OECS will ensure a continual, optimal Eastern Caribbean and Saint Lucian presence at FIHAV 2016.
