Cuba, a strong market for Lankan products

Cuba is a potential market for Sri Lankan products and exporters should explore this market, Cuban Ambassador Enna Viant said.

Addressing The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) members on expansion of trade ties between the two countries she said garments, textiles, spices, rubber and rubber products, coconut products, gems and jewellery, pneumatic tyres and foodstuff are some of the products that would be of interest to the Cuban market.

The Ambassador stressed on the expansion of two way trade between Sri Lanka and Cuba. She felt that the 25th Havana International Fair would be the ideal forum for the Sri Lankan business community to visit Cuba.

This fair will comprise over 1125 stalls from 48 countries and is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors.

She also briefed on the Non Aligned Movement Summit scheduled from November 2 and 3, which will be followed by the Havana International Fair scheduled from November 5 to 10, 2007.

The members had the opportunity of getting an insight into the cultural, economic and trade aspects of Cuba through the excellent presentation made by the Ambassador. She also touched on the workings of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce.

"If you wish to enter the Cuban market, the best option would be for you to visit and see for yourself the potential for your products and the gateway to this would be the 25th Havana International Fair,' she said.

Secretary General CEO, CCC Prema Cooray, assured that the CCC would work with the Embassy in enhancing trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Cuba.

He also stated that the opportunity is now available for the Sri Lankan and the Cuban business community to explore the markets, through the Havana International Trade Fair and 'IMEXPRO 2008' an International Trade Fair organized by the CCC which will be staged from February 14 to 16, 2008.

Both the CCC and the Cuban Embassy are positive that their efforts will lead to growth in trade.