Camagüey City.- ExpoCamagüey 498 was officially open last February 3rd with the presence of the top political authorities of the province and the participation of more than 40 local enterprises and the representation of four foreigner companies settled in Cuba.
The opening speech was delivered by Eduardo Cueto Iblis, Delegate of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce in Camagüey, who affirmed that 2011 represented an increase of exports and a diminishing of imports under the current parameters in use worldwide.
Cueto Iblis sustained that both indicators cannot be separated and asserted that under the present conditions (global economic crisis and the American blockade on Cuba), substituing imports becomes a strategic subject since it contributes to be more independent from external sources, gives an impulse to the local and national production, creates jobs and foments productions which may rapidly turn into exportable goods.
Agriculture and food industry are the two economic branches showing the broadest representation in the fair though the latest KIA vehicle, a modern low consuming car, is possibly the most attractive item in the whole exhibition center.
According to the program, the first bussiness rounds were scheduled to be held in the stands of ETECSA (Telephone Company), Local Industries, TecnoAzúcar, Economic Consulting Offices and ACINOX (Steel Company).
Julio César García, the First Secretary of the Communist Party in Camagüey, and Luis Ynchausti, the Governor of Camagüey Province also attended the re-opening of a cafeteria “El Meñique”, which was fully restored, and the inauguration of the Risk Reduction Managing Center as part of the celebrations for the 498 aniversary of the city.
Translated by Luis Viamontes for Adelante Online
