国际英语新闻：Cuba hosts int'l trade fair

HAVANA, Nov.1 (Xinhua) -- More than 400 companies from 58 countries attended the 28th International Trade Fair of Havana, which opened here Monday.

The week-long event is aimed at promoting Cuba's exports and strengthening the position of its products in the international market.

Spain attended the fair with the largest delegation, followed by Canada, China, Italy, Panama, Venezuela and Brazil, an indication of the growing interest in the Cuban market.

China is represented by more than 30 companies covering electronic, biotechnology and energy industries.

Companies of the European Union, after years of absence, attended this year's fair.

The participating Cuban companies are mainly from health, information technology and communications sectors.

The event is part of Cuba's efforts to ease the impact of the global financial crisis through export promotion.