62 Chinese firms to attend Cuba's trade fair

HAVANA - A total of 62 Chinese companies will attend the 30th Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV) scheduled for Nov 4-10, a Chinese diplomat said Monday.

The number marks a 55-percent rise from the previous year, when some 40 Chinese firms attended the fair at Expocuba, the island country's largest expo venue, said Ma Keqiang, the economic and commercial attache of Chinese Embassy in Cuba.

Chinese firms are expected to occupy some 1,000 square meters of the exposition floor to exhibit a wide variety of primarily industrial products, including construction machinery, appliances and electronics, said Ma.

Among the participating Chinese companies is the Zhejiang Geely Automotive Corporation, one of the fastest growing automobile makers in China, which will showcase its latest models.

Jinbei and Beijing North Star, two other Chinese auto brands well established in the Cuban market, will also make their presence the Chinese pavilion.

Ma said China's growing participation in Cuba's trade fairs demonstrates its interest in maintaining Cuba as its second biggest trade partner in the region and consolidating bilateral ties.

More than 1,500 exhibitors from 62 countries and regions have confirmed their planned attendance at FIHAV 2012, a 15-percent rise on the previous year.