The 41st Havana International Fair (FIHAV 2025) is in full swing on its second day, with the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) emerging as a focal point of trade and investment discussions. Accredited media outlets, including Cubadebate, are extensively covering the event, particularly the inauguration of the ZEDM Pavilion, which underscores its strategic importance to Cuba’s economy. The opening ceremony, led by Carlos Luis Jorge Méndez, First Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (MINCEX), alongside other key officials, highlighted the zone’s role as a hub for industrial and logistics activities. Ana Teresa Igarza Martínez, Director General of ZED Mariel, emphasized that the pavilion symbolizes not just a physical space but a gateway to business, innovation, and global partnerships. Featuring over 60 businesses, the pavilion showcases investment opportunities, project portfolios, and the achievements of both national and international companies operating in the zone. Visitors can explore testimonials from these companies and discover opportunities in sectors like biopharmaceuticals, renewable energy, logistics, agribusiness, and technology. As Cuba’s premier platform for advanced industry and global trade, ZED Mariel reaffirms its pivotal role at FIHAV 2025.
分类： business
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Antigua Welcomes Five Cruise Ships in One Day
Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry experienced a remarkable boost on Tuesday as five cruise ships docked concurrently at the St. John’s harbor. This unprecedented event, described by officials as a “powerful day” for the nation’s economy, brought a surge of activity to the capital. Local businesses, including tour operators, taxi drivers, retailers, restaurants, and waterfront vendors, reaped substantial benefits from the influx of visitors. Antigua Cruise Port highlighted the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in maintaining exceptional service standards throughout the bustling day. In a statement, officials commended workers across the sector for delivering what they termed “cruise excellence” to passengers. The port emphasized that cruise tourism is a vital economic driver, stating, “Cruise tourism works for all of us.” The strong arrivals signal growing confidence in Antigua and Barbuda as a premier Caribbean destination, further solidifying its position in the competitive tourism market.
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Flow Antigua & Barbuda Announces Winners of In-Store Raffle
Flow Antigua & Barbuda, a leading telecommunications provider, has officially announced the winners of its highly anticipated in-store raffle. The event, designed to reward loyal customers and attract new ones, saw participants eagerly awaiting the results. The raffle, held across various Flow retail locations, offered a range of enticing prizes, including cutting-edge gadgets, exclusive service packages, and other premium rewards. The winners were selected through a transparent and fair draw process, ensuring credibility and excitement among participants. Flow’s initiative underscores its commitment to customer engagement and appreciation, while also enhancing its brand presence in the competitive telecom market. The company expressed gratitude to all participants and congratulated the lucky winners, encouraging continued support for its services.
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ALMA Casa de Campo showcases Dominican–Spanish cultural and business exchange
The third edition of ‘ALMA Casa de Campo,’ hosted by Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in La Romana, successfully wrapped up on November 22, 2023. This prestigious event has cemented its position as a vital bridge between Dominican and Spanish business communities. Spanning three days from November 20 to 22, the gathering showcased Andalusian culture, gourmet cuisine, and high-profile networking opportunities, all aimed at positioning the Dominican Republic as a secure and appealing hub for Spanish investments. The festivities kicked off with the ALMA Networking cocktail, which saw the attendance of influential business leaders, furthering the event’s goal of fostering robust bilateral trade relationships. On November 21, the Marina Riverside hosted an exquisite dinner curated by two-Michelin-star chef Ramón Freixa. Attendees savored a bespoke menu while being treated to a captivating flamenco performance by acclaimed artist Miguel Poveda, blending culinary excellence with cultural artistry. The grand finale on November 22 transported guests to Seville’s iconic April Fair, recreated in La Romana. A stunning replica of the fair’s entrance gate, adorned with dynamic lighting, welcomed visitors. Inside, traditional booths offered Iberian delicacies such as ham, tortilla española, olives, and regional wines. The event was elevated by vibrant flamenco fashion and the mesmerizing Equestrian Sevillanas exhibition, where dancers and horses performed in unison, encapsulating the essence of Andalusia in the Caribbean.
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Dominican brand Helados Bon plans major U.S. growth
Santo Domingo-based Helados Bon, the Dominican Republic’s beloved ice cream brand, has unveiled a bold strategy to expand its footprint in the United States. The company plans to significantly increase its retail presence, targeting 450 to 600 new points of sale by 2026. This expansion will focus on states where Helados Bon already operates, with plans to venture into new markets thereafter.
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Bad Bunny tour sparks major tourism boom in Dominican Republic
SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic has experienced a substantial economic boost from Bad Bunny’s international “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” tour, with Tourism Minister David Collado highlighting the event’s significant contribution to the nation’s tourism sector and overall economy. The two concerts served as a powerful economic catalyst, demonstrating how major entertainment events can drive substantial revenue streams beyond traditional tourism.
According to official figures, the performances attracted approximately 15,000 international visitors, generating an estimated $14 million in foreign exchange earnings. The influx of concertgoers produced remarkable occupancy rates in Santo Domingo’s hospitality sector, with hotels reaching 92% capacity compared to the typical 62% average. Establishments throughout the capital reported exceptional business activity, with bars, restaurants, and local merchants experiencing substantial sales increases.
The event drew a diverse international audience from key markets including major U.S. cities such as Miami, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles. Additional visitors arrived from Puerto Rico, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, and various Asian and European regions. Many tourists extended their stays to explore cultural attractions including the Colonial City and popular coastal destinations such as Punta Cana, Samaná, Boca Chica, and Puerto Plata.
This economic phenomenon mirrors similar success observed during Bad Bunny’s recent residency in Puerto Rico, confirming that large-scale concerts effectively stimulate multiple sectors including hospitality, gastronomy, transportation, and entertainment. Minister Collado emphasized the government’s strategic commitment to positioning the Dominican Republic as a premier destination for international events, leveraging the country’s robust security protocols, quality service standards, and extensive hotel infrastructure to attract future high-impact entertainment productions.
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New digital tools ‘coming’ as govt vows smoother biz regulation next year
The Barbadian government has announced a series of sweeping reforms aimed at streamlining business operations and enhancing the island’s investment climate. Senator Lisa Cummins, the Minister for Business Development, revealed on Monday that these changes, set to take effect in the coming months, will focus on modernizing bureaucratic processes and introducing advanced digital tools to support business growth. Speaking at a Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) forum at O2 Beach Club, Senator Cummins emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a more predictable and efficient environment for investors and businesses alike. Key initiatives include reducing red tape, implementing transparent monitoring frameworks, and establishing an enterprise exchange to facilitate smoother transactions. The minister also highlighted a whole-of-government approach to policy-making, ensuring alignment across ministries to benefit micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). She stressed the importance of institutional reforms, such as embedding financial reporting standards and fostering innovation, to build confidence and stability in the business ecosystem. However, Senator Cummins acknowledged the challenges posed by outdated legislation, such as the nearly 30-year-old Companies Act, and the slow pace of regulatory compliance. She also noted that some compliance requirements are dictated by international bodies, adding complexity to the process. Despite these hurdles, the government remains focused on creating systems that attract investment and support economic growth.
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Airport aims to surpass ‘busiest day ever’
Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados is preparing for an unprecedented surge in passenger traffic this December, with tourism officials predicting December 20 to be the busiest day in the airport’s history. Civil Aviation Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill hailed this milestone as a “historic occasion,” marking a significant achievement for the island’s aviation sector. The airport is already bracing for a high-volume day on “Fat Thursday,” November 30, when approximately 8,000 passengers are expected to pass through. However, December 20 is set to surpass this, just five days into the official winter tourist season. While Gooding-Edghill did not disclose exact figures for December, he emphasized the collaborative efforts of airport staff and aviation stakeholders in achieving this milestone. On “Fat Thursday,” 53 aircraft, excluding cargo and private jets, are scheduled to land, including 21 commercial flights, 19 air-to-sea transfers, and regional carriers. Notably, five flights from Germany, operated by Discover Airlines, Condor, and TUI, will facilitate air-to-cruise port operations. The surge in arrivals reflects a broader expansion of services, including double daily flights from the UK, a first for the winter season. This initiative is part of a strategic effort to reduce tourism seasonality and build sustainable airlift capacity. Airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, and Air Canada are also extending services and deploying larger aircraft to strengthen connections. To manage the increased traffic, over 100 temporary seasonal workers have been hired by Caribbean Aircraft Handling and Goddard Catering Group. Gooding-Edghill stressed the importance of efficiency in handling the high volume of flights and passengers, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers.
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Grantley Adams International ‘can now handle’ largest passenger plane
In a significant move to enhance tourism and operational efficiency, the two primary aircraft handling companies at Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport have collectively invested over $17 million in state-of-the-art upgrades over the past two years. The investments, announced by Tourism and International Transport Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill during a tour of the Seawell facility, include advanced ground handling equipment, upgraded sky and airport dining services, and new facilities for air-to-sea passengers.
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Building productive and business alliances that contribute to the country’s development
During the opening day of the Havana International Fair (Fihav) 2025, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez highlighted the significance of the event as a testament to the nation’s resilience and creative resistance in the face of ongoing economic challenges. Addressing the Cuban press, Díaz-Canel emphasized that the fair, which runs from November 25 to November 29, serves as a platform to showcase Cuba’s potential and foster international partnerships. Despite the intensified U.S. economic blockade, the president underscored the importance of innovation, productivity, and alliances to overcome adversity. He noted that the fair enables Cuba to demonstrate its capabilities while learning from other nations, thereby building productive and business alliances crucial for the country’s development. Díaz-Canel also praised the presence of foreign businesspeople at the event, interpreting it as a sign of continued trust in Cuba. He acknowledged the challenges faced by these businesspeople, including unpaid debts and unmet commitments, yet highlighted their commitment to Cuba’s integrity and respect for their rights. The president also reflected on the participation of Cuban businesspeople living abroad, emphasizing their role in shaping the economic actors needed to build socialism in contemporary times. Díaz-Canel concluded by affirming Cuba’s determination to defend its present while striving for a better future, with the 41st edition of Fihav playing a pivotal role in this endeavor.