The 4th International Food Fair in Havana is buzzing with activities as Cuban and international food companies connect to discuss potential partnerships and foreign investment opportunities.
Cuban Deputy Premier Jorge Luis Tapia and Food Industry Minister Alberto Lopez inaugurated the event in Havana on Tuesday, with the fair highlighting Cuba's push to revitalize its domestic food industry.
Over 100 local and international companies are showcasing a wide range of food products and processing technologies at the food fair, which runs until Thursday.
The event facilitates business exchanges, presentations, and networking opportunities, while also promoting Cuba's portfolio of export products. Foreign participants at the fair have brought both raw materials and finished food products to the Cuban market.
"Our company focuses on the Caribbean market. Cuba is a very attractive market due to its current demand, so we are in the fair to expand our client lists," said Jorge Guerra, director of a Panamanian company.
"We are exporting to the Cuban market for around two years. We have sunflower oil products, wheat flour products and pasta products here in the market and the supermarkets also," said Ahmet Kose, export manager of Naz Group.
The 4th International Food Fair is a matchmaking event for Cuban companies, both state-owned and private, to connect with potential local and foreign partners.
"Our main objective at the fair is finding providers of wheat flour to produce bread for the Cuban people," said Beatriz Urrutia, quality manager of Cuban Bread Industry.
"We have been working with state companies to produce different product lines. We are also working with chain stores including CIMEX," said Mario Hernandez, general director of El Rey Company.
Cuban authorities said that the event fosters joint initiatives to improve the local food industry, while promoting exchanges and trade among global companies to mutually benefit each other.
Companies at Havana food fair aim to revitalize industry, attract investment opportunities
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
