Holguin's Eighth Tradeshow underscored its category as a national event with a turnout of 138 companies linked to manufacturing and services –most of them hailing from the province itself- and the attendance of foreign joint ventures that cut deals for more than 9 million pesos and way over $1.6 million.

Since January 1997, this fair has been steadily buttressing its position as the number-one marketplace of eastern Cuba. The goal behind this effort has always revolved around the convenience of bringing a multiple sample to both entrepreneurs and companies interested in shifting from imports to high-quality and competitive products. Another objective is to link outlandish firms and local producers within the boundaries of the national territory.

That aim got a big boost this time around with record numbers of purchasing companies from all branches of the economy –especially hotel and tourist industry providers- who found on the premises plenty of choices as far as foodstuffs, furniture, utensils and materials are concerned.

An attraction to this kind of direct commercial dealings was the introduction of brand-new enterprises and products, such as Group Caudal, that managed to pinpoint the integrating aspects of independent companies like INTERMAR (checking and repair of shortcomings), ESICUBA and LA ISLA (general insurance), INTERHOLDINGS (financial services), and ASISTUR (tourism assistance).

A TRASVAL affiliate swung its gates wide open with scores of opportunities for safe currency transportation, both for state-run institutions and private people from overseas, at very affordable prices.

The National Exportable Funds Meeting that held sessions during the timeframe of the Holguin tradeshow –presided over by Isabel C. Blanco, director of imports for Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Trade- was attended by entrepreneurs and producers keen to branch out and expand the market into the hard-currency area.

Holguin's Tradeshow –sponsored by the abovementioned ministry and the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba- got cracking in the first month of the year to show off what eastern Cuba has to offer in 2003. “There's no doubt this is going to be a very active year in the realm of local productions and in the search of sources to jack up exports,” said Jorge Luis Sierra Cruz, top political chief of the territory, during the tradeshow's ribbon-cutting ceremony.

For a fifth year straight, Caribbean Tourist Excellencies magazine attended Holguin's Tradeshow, whose jury handed down the Best Design mention to our supplement that circulated around the venue.