Granma newspaper reported that the exhibit ground covers over 17,000 square meters distributed in 24 pavilions, which turns FIHAV 2009 into the largest event of its kind ever, while proving the increasing interest of foreign entrepreneurs in the Cuban market, despite the world economic crisis.

The countries with the largest delegations at the Fair are Spain, Canada, China, Russia and Venezuela, although Italy, Germany, Mexico and Brazil also have a noticeable presence at the event.

Cuba is being represented by 111 companies, mainly in the fields of exports of goods and services and particularly in the areas of tourism and health.

The Cuban strategy for this commercial fair partly focuses on the replacement of imports with local productions and the encouragement of investment projects that provide the island with markets and technology.

Expocuba, traditional venue of the International Trade Fair, will be opened from Monday through Friday for entrepreneurial contacts, while the general public will visit the large exhibit on Saturday.