The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry (the dti), Mr. Bulelani Magwanishe says that South Africa’s continuous participation in the upcoming Havana International Fair will ensure that both South Africa and Cuba continue to consolidate on their set objectives and expand bilateral relations.

Magwanishe will lead a South African business delegation that is set to showcase the best in locally-made products and services at the Havana International Fair (FIHAV) that will commence on 30 October and end on 3 November 2017.

“Our 2016 total trade with Cuba amounted to almost R180 million, with South African exports dominant at R149.7 million and Cuban exports to South Africa sitting at R29,8 million. We also have an Economic Assistance Agreement in operation where we provide grants and loans totalling R350 million to Cuba for purchasing local products. Products purchased from this agreement to date range from pneumatic tyres, plastic resin and vegetable seeds,” says Magwanishe.

Magwanishe further adds that the Outward Selling Mission (OSM) that was undertaken to Cuba in July this year brought back valuable feedback on current existing trade opportunities in the country.

“We have gone at length to ensure that companies that form part of our delegation directly complement the sectors that have demonstrated high demand for our products and services. We will showcase these in our pavilion that we will officially open on 31 October. The products and services range from plastics, infrastructure development, food and other products used in the tourism industry,” he says.

The Havana International Fair (FIHAV) is the largest annual multi-sector trade fair taking place annually since 1983. It is the most general trade fair in Cuba and the Caribbean as well as one of the most representatives from Latin America.