China beefs up presence at Havana trade fair

16  January 2013

HAVANA – China has beefed up its presence considerably at the week-long 30th Havana International Trade Fair compared with the previous ones.

China is participating with a record 62 companies, 22 more than last year, in a 1,000-square-meter exposition area.

The products on show range from automobiles and motorcycles to electronics, medical equipment, hardware, cosmetics, everyday items, machinery and traditional handicrafts. Prestigious brands include Zhejiang Geely, Jinbei and Beijing North Star.

Ma Keqiang, economic and trade consultant at China’s embassy in Cuba, said China’s expanded presence at the fair showed its interest in maintaining its status as the island nation’s second-biggest trade partner after Venezuela, and in consolidating bilateral ties.

Zhejiang Geely, the fastest-growing carmaker in the history of China’s automotive industry, is exhibiting its latest models, which stand out for their comfort and bright colors.

The company started supplying Cuba with cars six years ago, carving a niche for its vehicles in the Cuban market, especially in the tourism services sector.

New at this year’s fair are the company’s minibuses for public transport, which show great potential for the national market.

Beijing North Star, already well known in Cuba, is featuring its range of solar-powered lamps and heaters among other products.

Visitors to the fair appear to be particularly drawn to the Chinese-built construction machinery, home appliances and electronics.

The trade fair, which started Sunday and ends this Saturday at the 16,000-square-meter exposition space Expocuba, brings together more than 3,000 businesspeople, representing 1,500 foreign companies from 62 countries. More than 100 Cuban companies are also taking part in the fair.