Carricarte explained the CCC’s main priorities for this year, which include the promotion of Cuban exports and continuing training for workers of associate members’ companies. He also referred to developing a uniform barcode system on the island and encouraging the use of standards linked to improving electronic trade. Work with the cultural sector will also be boosted, given the importance of selling products related to that sphere.

According to a report in International Granma, fairs will continue to be a basic aspect of the Chamber’s work, along with other international activities; as well as greater efficiency — always trying to do more with less and evaluating the results. Work with other international organizations and institutions will be another CCC priority in 2002.

"The Chamber must have a more business-like focus in marketing its services and demonstrating their usefulness and performance-related aspects, supported by the country’s economic policies," emphasized Carricarte.

CCC International Relations Director Odalis Seijo García gave details of the most important Cuban trade delegations, plus those set to arrive during the first six months of this year. In the first half of 2002, multi-sector delegations will seek opportunities for Cuban exports during their visits to Italy, Namibia, South Africa, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom and Paraguay; in the next semester, Belize, Bahamas, the Netherlands and Spain will be visited.

Trade delegations from different Spanish regions will arrive in Cuba during February and March. The one from Sabadell, plus a British mission, will both concentrate on agricultural products.

Referring to international events involving Cuba, she mentioned the 27th meeting of the UN inter-agency acquisitions group, scheduled to take place April 23-27 on the island, which will give Cuba an opportunity to become a supplier for the UN, a market worth more than US$3 trillion per year.

Other events in which Cuba is hosting and participating are the 8th World Trade Center Association (WTA) Meeting June 19-2, and the first edition of the WTA World Corporate Games, involving over 1,000 entrepreneur/athletes, from October 21 through 25. The event will provide a framework for the foreign business community to meet with its Cuban counterparts and explore market opportunities in Cuba.

Luis Gutiérrez, director of fairs and exhibitions at the Chamber of Commerce, affirmed that 16 fairs are planned for this year, including one in Canada, 10 in Latin America (a priority market), three in Europe, one in China and one in Egypt. Six of them are focused on public health, informatics and construction. Given its potential market for Cuban goods, one is to be organized in Brazil.

In relation to fairs on the island, starting this year the Cuban Chamber of Commerce will have an institutional display at all these events, thus reinforcing its strong role in these activities, and so that its associate members will have access to its services and whatever assistance is needed.

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