Shenzhen promotes ICIF in Cuba

Video by Lin Songtao

A promotional event for the 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) and the National Foreign Cultural Trade Base (Shenzhen) was held in Cuban capital of Havana on Dec. 19, drawing high-level attendees from both countries.

A promotional event for the 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) and the National Foreign Cultural Trade Base (Shenzhen) is held in Cuban capital of Havana on Dec. 19. Photos from Dute News

Attending the event were Cuba’s First Lady Lis Cuesta Peraza, Culture Minister Alpidio Alonso Grau and Vice Minister Fernando León Jacomino, China’s Ambassador to Cuba Hua Xin, and Zhang Ling, head of Shenzhen’s publicity department and president of the Shenzhen Association for Foreign Cultural Exchanges.

Ambassador Hua described Shenzhen as a model of China’s development miracle and a national hub for cultural industry, saying the city “embodies China’s openness, enterprising spirit and innovative ideas.” He called on both sides to deepen cultural exchanges and cooperation to inject fresh momentum into economic and social development in China and Cuba.

Cuban Minister Alonso said Cuba admires China’s social, economic and cultural achievements and expressed willingness to strengthen mutual learning and push bilateral cultural cooperation to new heights.

Zhang highlighted Shenzhen’s innovative vitality, cultural appeal and the influence of the ICIF. She said choosing Havana as one of the key overseas stops for the ICIF was intended to invite Cuba’s cultural sector to participate, explore cooperation opportunities, build bridges of friendship and pursue mutually beneficial outcomes.

The two sides sign a memorandum of understanding on cultural industry cooperation.

The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cultural industry cooperation. Cuban media and cultural figures attending the promotion event said they plan to use participation in the 2026 ICIF as a starting point to introduce Cuban cultural products to the Chinese market and to strengthen ongoing cultural exchange between the two countries.