HAVANA: Sri Lanka marked its return to the Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV) after a 15-year hiatus, participating in the 40th edition of the event held from November 4 to 9, 2024. The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Havana took part in the exhibition, a premier platform for international businesses seeking to showcase and promote their products and services in Cuba.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, FIHAV is renowned as the most significant trade fair in Cuba and the Caribbean, attracting thousands of international businessmen from more than 700 companies worldwide. This year, 68 countries participated, utilizing the opportunity to connect with potential customers, partners, and investors while gaining insights into the Cuban market. The fair featured a wide range of goods, machinery, equipment, technology, raw materials, and services.

The Sri Lankan stall, organized by the Embassy, highlighted authentic Sri Lankan products such as tea, spices, and tourism promotional items. Decorated wit
h Sri Lankan crafts and cultural items, the stall screened promotional videos on Ceylon Tea and tourism, making it one of the most colorful and eye-catching displays at the fair. Its appeal drew travel agents from Latin America and the Caribbean, eager to arrange tourist groups to Sri Lanka, and tea exporters who exchanged contact details with Sri Lankan counterparts.

In recognition of Sri Lanka’s participation, Ambassador Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne (Rted) was invited to the Business Forum on November 5, 2024. The Embassy is actively working to establish connections between interested international companies and relevant Sri Lankan businesses.