M. Caridad Gonzáles, correspondent permanent of Excellences
Eulogio Rodríguez, President of the Convention Bureau
Elio Mesa, Cubanita Citrus Enterprise

During the opening, significant moments were lived as the cutting of the ribbon ceremony which was solemnly carried out by Mr. Eulogio Rodríguez, President of the Convention Bureau of Cuba and of the Latin Caribbean Bureau; the opening speech delivered by the Director of the Chamber of Commerce of Matanzas, Mr. Rafael Rivero Jerez; the homage paid to two representatives of the Cuban science and letters; respectively: Julio Font Tió and Carilda Oliver Labra, and the launching of issue No. 32 of Caribbean Tourism Excellences magazine and of the promotional web page on this event.

About the Participant Enterprises and Sectors Among the most outstanding economic sectors of the province attending the Fair were: industries from the field of iron and steel, food, sugar (MINAZ), agriculture, public health, the Ministry of Construction and the machinery, light and local industries, as well as the small- and medium-size enterprises. Representatives of Peru, Colombia, South Korea and Spain, as well as visitors from France, Canada and the United States expressed their interests of exchanging trade and business links with Cuba.

Results

Regarding letters of intent, 172 were signed as well as 17 contracts for the marketing of products in the free zone. "As a representative of the Chamber of Commerce, I believe that this 4th edition laid the grounds of what should be a fair of this kind," stated Rafael Rivero.

Next Edition It will be called Expo-Varadero and should be designed for a short period of time, trying to be more and more original and aimed to meet the largest number of trade and business interests.

Excellences at Isla del Azúcar 2001 Caribbean Tourism Excellences magazine was actively present at this event as it's the case whenever a fair or an event is held with its strong advertising and promotional campaign. On this occasion with the launching and distribution of issue No. 32 of the magazine, Matanzas Special and the presentation of the web page on the event, Isla del Azúcar.

AWARD CEREMONY

Booth Design Award "Cubanitas". Empresa de Cítricos de Matanzas

Quality Prize Empresa Provincial de Alimentos de Matanzas Los Portales S.A. Complejo Agro-Industrial "Jesús Rabí" (CAI) Empresa Citrícola de Matanzas Bravos S.A. Central de Acero Valdés Reyes Prosa