The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) is leading 22 South African companies which are participating in the annual Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV) taking place from 3 to 9 November 2013.
The trade fair is the largest exhibition in Cuba and one of the most important in the Caribbean. The dti has participated in the fair for the past four years, assisting a number of South African companies to gain a foothold in the Cuban market.
The Director-General (DG) of the dti, Mr Lionel October states that the recent growth in South Africa’s exports to Cuba and the increase in the number of South African products exported to that country are a clear indication that the South African companies are gaining a foothold in Cuba.
According to October, the main reason for South Africa to be participating in the fair is to enhance South Africa’s capacity as a supplier of products from a variety of sectors, to continue the upward trend of South African exports by introducing more new products to the Cuban market.
“The fair is going to afford South African companies an opportunity to showcase their capabilities, to establish and build more business contacts and relations between exhibitors and Cuban importers,” says October.
October says South African trade with Cuba is still very small. He highlighted that in 2011 South Africa exported goods to the value of USD335 000 to Cuba, and this amount doubled to USD801 000 in 2012.
“The number of exported products is also increasing which means that South Africa is successfully positioning itself in this market,” adds DG October.
The Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV) is the largest annual multi-sector trade fair in Havana. Russia and Italy are also among the countries increasing their presence in FIHAV.
The 2012 edition of FIHAV was the 30th anniversary, and the largest in its history, with over 3000 companies from 62 countries participating.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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