Havana, Cuba.- For the same date in 2017, the government released the 2017-2018 portfolio, which included about 456 projects estimated at $10.7 billion USD, for executions in tourism, food, sugar, pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries, agricultural and forestry activity, construction and renewable energies, among other areas.

In response to the executive's projections, it is expected that the 2018-2019 proposal will tend to diversify its content and prioritize productive linking, import substitution and the introduction of modern environmental and friendly technologies.

FIHAV 2018 will host on Wednesday the final session of an investment forum, with representatives of more than 100 companies from some 30 nations, who show interest in the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM), west of Havana.

The program also foresees the celebration of the National Days of Venezuela, Bulgaria, Italy, Japan, Slovakia, Brazil and the United Kingdom, at the EXPOCUBA exhibition site.

The visit of Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, who opened his country's display and reaffirmed Cuba's support in fighting the lifting of the U.S. economic, financial and commercial blockade, stood out among the Tuesday events.

Instead of creating obstacles, the countries should accompany the internal process Cuba is carrying out with profound changes in the economic system, Varela said.

According to reports, the ZEDM currently has 41 users and an investment amount of $1.66 billion USD, in order to support development.

The approved entities are five companies with 100 percent Cuban capital, 23 with total foreign capital, 11 mixed firms and two international economic associations, coming from 19 nations, Wendy Miranda, director of coordination and processing at ZEDM, said.

2018 has been the best year for the ZEDM because about 10 new users joined up, whose initiatives represent the attraction of investments for more than $474 million USD, the official said.

The businesses approved this year will operate in many fields; for example, Vietnamese ViMariel S.A., the first concessionaire in the area, will be responsible for the development of an industrial park, and the Cuban-American joint venture Innovative Immunotherapy Alliance, S.A., will develop biotechnology products against cancer.

FIHAV 2018 will be opened until November 2. This year's edition is dedicated to recognize Havana that will celebrate the 500th anniversary of its foundation in November 2019. (PL)

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