FIHAV – HAVANA INTERNATIONAL FAIR is Cuba’s premier event for international businesses and exhibitors eager to showcase and promote their products and services. Every year, FIHAV brings together thousands of international business representatives from over 700 companies across more than 60 countries, spanning all regions of the globe. This is the most significant trade fair in Cuba and the Caribbean, and one of the most attended in Latin America. FIHAV gathers a wide range of consumer goods, machinery, equipment, technology, raw materials, and services from around the world. The event provides a platform for exhibitors to connect with potential customers, partners, and investors, as well as gain insights into the Cuban market. The 40th edition of FIHAV took place from 4th to 9th November 2024.
In 2024, 68 countries participated in FIHAV. International companies from various countries, with the support of their respective embassies, took advantage of this opportunity to promote and market their products.
Although no Sri Lankan companies participated this year, the Embassy of Sri Lanka made a dedicated effort to reserve a stall for Sri Lanka, featuring Ceylon tea, spices, and tourism promotional items. The stall was attractively decorated with Sri Lankan crafts, cultural artefacts, and images that showcased the island’s stunning natural beauty. Promotional video clips on Ceylon tea and tourism were also played at the stall.
The Sri Lankan stall was one of the most colourful and eye-catching, attracting many visitors. Travel agents from Latin America and the Caribbean visited the stall, enthusiastically collecting tourism brochures and expressing interest in organising group tours to Sri Lanka. Many tea exporters also visited, collecting contact details of Sri Lankan tea-exporting companies.
In recognition of Sri Lanka’s participation, Ambassador Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne (Retd) was invited to the Business Forum held on 5th November. The Embassy is currently facilitating connections between interested companies and Sri Lankan counterparts.
