Cuba reaffirms its confidence in a vision of sustainable, rational industry that contributes to the nation's development plans.

With this basic premise, the 2nd International Convention and Exposition, CubaIndustria 2016, was inaugurated yesterday, June 20, set to continue through Friday at Havana's Convention Center and the Pabexpo fairgrounds.

During his opening remarks, Salvador Pardo Cruz, who heads the Ministry of Industries (Mindus), identified as strategic sectors light industry, and the steel, electronics, and chemical industries. He referred to the importance of manufacturing equipment designed to use renewable energy and for automation of industrial processes.

Pardo Cruz noted that the event included representatives from the United States for the first time, while recognizing Russia as the guest country of honor, a reflection of the high impact projects underway with this nation, including the development of the island's steel industry.

He likewise recalled important joint projects with Chinese companies linked to the production of household appliances, vehicles, and renewable energy.

Gregory Kalamanov, deputy Russian minister of Industry and Trade recalled the longstanding relationship between the two countries, and mentioned joint projects underway in the generation of electricity and renovation of the island's railroads.

Some 600 attendees from 29 countries and 1,600 representatives from Cuban entities participated in the inauguration chaired by Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, Political Bureau member and a vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers; with Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, also a Council of State vice president attending as well.

The Exhibition fair at Pabexo was also inaugurated yesterday, with representatives from 130 Cuban enterprises, and 84 companies from 14 other nations displaying their products and services.