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Plaza America conference center

The fifth edition of Expo Varadero 2002 will have its grand opening next September 10. This 4-day tradeshow is keenly bent on becoming exactly what its slogan reads: “A commercial showcase for your businesses.” Laying the foundations for such meetings among attendants and being an ideal scenario for commercial exchange and import substitutions are the major goals in mind this time around.

Sergio Rodriguez Vega, vice president of Expo Varadero's organizing committee, said in an interview that the fair will be a fundamental tradeshow for Cuba-based enterprises, especially for those in Matanzas now producing export-quality items and commodities wanted by resorts in the major tourist circuit of Varadero. The event will also foster the participation of firms and enterprises from other provinces. Another novelty of the fifth edition: the inclusion of enterprises with no hard-currency revenues that will pay their admission fees in Cuban pesos.

A business showcase As to the particular features of the tradeshow, Mr. Rodriguez Vega –who's also deputy manager of events at the Plaza America Conference Center- said, unlike former editions, the 2002 fair won't stage exhibit-sales and will rather focus on becoming a business meeting for all participants. In order to provide the most adequate ambiance in that respect, the agenda has been carefully laid out in such a way that neither presentations nor negotiations will take place in the same spot where products will be showcased, regardless of the fact that the Plaza America Conference Center will serve as the only hosting ground. Halls and rooms with all necessary conditions for business meetings have already been booked so that public turnout, music and other elements linked to the exhibition area won't interfere with the course of negotiations.

Cuba's 22nd Tourism Convention successfully held last May in this gorgeous backdrop favored the fact that Plaza America's facilities are currently working on all six as far as air-conditioning, fresh coats of paint and environment are concerned. That means the center is all set to welcome expositors and visitors alike when Expo Varadero 2002 opens its gates next September.

Mr. Rodriguez went on to say a new fee policy for exhibit stands depending on spatial features has been put in force, in all cases way below last year's edition. The aim behind this new implementation is to guarantee the greatest participation possible of enterprises in keeping with the fact that any tradeshow's basic objective is to lure the largest number of exhibitors and visitors, with hotel and extra-hotel firms bearing the brunt of it this time around.

A flow of interests heading into the tradeshow Mr. Rodriguez told Caribbean Tourist Excellencies that Cuba's Chamber of Commerce front office in Matanzas and the Plaza America Conference Center –teamed up with the province's office of the Ministry of Tourism- make up the event's organizing committee that has already hurled an all-embracing promotional blitz. For its part, the Chamber of Commerce has not only provided the necessary and valuable advisory for such a major event like this, but has also briefed all its members on the features of the commercial and exhibition meeting. Like in past editions of the tradeshow, this particular event will put up discount offers to its associates.

In short, many steps have so far been taken to brace for the success of this event that is now painting a clearer picture of what its real content and purposes are all about.

Expo Varadero 2002's is sponsored by:

¨ Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba ¨ Convention Bureau of the Republic of Cuba ¨ Matanzas' local authorities ¨ Ministry of Tourism ¨ Islazul Hotel Chain (Matanzas Division)

Fees: .indoor stand ................................ $90 per square meter .non-mounted indoor stand............ $75 per square meter .outdoor roofed stand .................... $60 per square meter

Each and every stand includes such services as air-conditioning, carpeting, lighting, sample protection, among others.

For further information, please contact:

Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba (Matanzas' front office) Calle 14 No. 435 e/ Ave. 1ra. y Camino del Mar, Varadero. phone: 614799

Plaza America Conference Center Autopista Sur, km. 9 phone: 668181