INVITATION TO THE
23TH HAVANA INTERNATIONAL FAIR
OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 5, 2005

Dear friend,

First of all, allow me to convey our deepest condolences for the human losses Hurricane Katrina has caused in the US. Our country in general feels this tragedy as our own, and as such, our modest, unfortunately as-of-yet-unresponded-to support with 1500 Cuban physicians has been offered by our Government to the US to contribute in this moment of despair and grief. We all hope for a quick recovery and reiterate our willingness to support in any way we can.

On a different topic, Havana will be hosting, as traditional, its annual international trade fair ("FIHAV") next October 31-November 5, 2005. Attended by business organizations from the world all over, this trade show is a great opportunity to take the pulse of the Cuban market, as well as its local and foreign players.

Cuba's single largest food importer and a pioneer in the resumed one-way agricultural trade with the US, is pleased to invite you and your firm to participate in this trade show in which contracts and particular agreements with States and/or personalities ($ 300-350 million dollars) may be finalized to meet part of Cuba's food and agricultural demand in the first half of 2006. This time we would like to inform you before hand that we have decided not to hold a December Business Round in commemoration of the Anniversary of the first shipments and contracts with the US because there will be an important WTO event during December and a considerable amount of US representatives will have to attend. Thus, we have opted to put together these two events into one, with both interests covered: the Havana International Trade Fair.

Alimport has in the last three years contracted over $ 1,38 bn and made timely cash payments of $ 1,32 bn to American exporters. In the execution and operation of these transactions, Alimport has consistently signaled Cuba's readiness to normalize trade and travel relations with the US in an atmosphere of peace, friendship and mutual respect. Opportunities to deal are readily available in all authorized food and agricultural products as per US regulations, but if a company manages to obtain a license for a product outside this list, we stand ready to talk about it and negotiate.

In purchasing from the US companies attending the event, those companies exhibiting in stands will have an advantage over others not displaying products, provided competitive pricing, quality and terms are offered. We are also looking forward to, and hereby encourage, the participation of a large number of companies in the retail industry (supermarket products) showcasing their items in the Cuban market.

Your host Alimport and the characteristically hospitable Cuban people will welcome you warmly.

My Best Regards,

Pedro Alvarez Borrego.

As for the Havana International Trade Show find some info on it below:

- Dates of the Show: from October 31st - November 5th, 2005, opens every day from 10:00 am till 6:00 pm.

- Companies of all over the world attend this event, not only on the food sector, where large participation is found, but also on other areas of business, like telecom, construction, machinery and equipment, automobiles, etc. It is open for business representatives from Monday through Friday and Sat and Sunday is open for general public.

- We would have booths of 9 square meters (minimum), or 12, or 15 or 18 square meters or more, maximum depth 3 mts, to make it easier, but you are the one who decides how much you really want or need. One 9 sq mt booth includes 2 credentials, for another 9 mts, one additional credential, but single credentials, additional within the same space would be 50 USD. Equipment and items available are summarized here below. If you need anything else let us know in advance and we will see into it.

RATE PER SQUARE METER

180.00 USD

INCLUDES:

* CUSTOMS CLEARANCE AND TRANSPORTATION OF SAMPLES AND GOODS FROM THE PORT, AIRPORT TO THE FAIR VENUE.

* DESIGN, ASSEMBLY OF PAVILION, INCLUDING NAMES AND LOGOS OF COMPANIES EXHIBITING.

* STORAGE AND CUSTODY OF COMMERCIAL SAMPLES.

* REGISTRATION AND PARKING LOTS.

* LIGHTING OF BOOTHS.

ANY FURNITURE OR SPECIAL ITEM OR EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT OR ITEMS FOR DISPLAY OF SAMPLES SHOULD BE REQUESTED IN PARTICULAR BY THE COMPANY WELL IN ADVANCE FOR BOOKING PURPOSES, AS IT IS NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE RATE PER SQUARE METER GIVEN ABOVE. SUCH ADDITIONAL COSTS WILL BE ADDED ONTO THE RATE WHEN ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE CONFIRMED.

RATES FOR SUCH ITEMS AS FOLLOWS:

* PLASTIC TABLE USD 45.00

* PLASTIC CHAIR USD 15.00

* REFRIGERATOR USD 130.00

* FAN USD 25.00

* SINGLE POWER OUTLET USD 7.00

* GLASS DISPLAY USD 130.00

* CABINET USD 90.00

* FREEZER USD 300.00

* WALL SHELVES USD PER METER 15.00

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FORM

Please complete a separate registration form for each person.

Registration: Full payment required with registration. Package includes roundtrip air October 30th, 2005, from Cancun, Mexico to Havana, Cuba, returning November 6th from Havana to Cancun, hotel, full trip breakfast and dinners, bilingual guide, Cuban visas, trip planning, and a dedicated bus for all program activities, business meetings, events, and transfers throughout the Cuba mission.

Contact: Gregory Estevane, J.D. Dr. Armando J. Islas

Email: greg@gshi.com drislasgvf@yahoo.com

Phone: Tel: (619) 954-5297 Tel: (626) 893-4225

Fax: (626) 810-0831

COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORM, SIGNED- Faxed to above fax number.

Mission Date: _______________________

Name: ______________________________________________

Title: ______________________________________________

Company: _______________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

City/State/Zip: _______________________________________________

Tel/Cell/Fax: _______________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________

Package: _______________________________________________

Seven Nights & Seven Days total cost is $2,750.00 (Air, Hotel, Food travel costs only)

Special Packages for 2-3 day in and out trips available upon request

Consulting Services to gain ‘Competitive Advantage’ available upon request.

Payment by direct deposit, wire transfer or money order to: Global Strategies Trading, LLC. We do not accept Credit Cards or checks. Deposit of payment shall act as acceptance of all terms, conditions and disclaimers listed in pages one through fifteen of this document.

Terms and Conditions:

Full payment and signed two page registration form must be completed. Payment is non refundable as airline and other payments are made upon receipt of payment. All arrangements are subject to change. Global Strategies Trading (GS) and its official OFAC (U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Controls) Licensed-US to Cuba Travel Service Provider (TSP), acts solely as selling agents or suppliers and/or their agents only in the capacity as agents, in all matters relating to Cuba hotel accommodations and transportation to Cuba by air, Hotel bus ground transportation and meals. GS/TSP, and as agents, hold ourselves free from any responsibility for any damage, harm or loss occasioned from any cause whatsoever. GS/TSP and their agents will not be responsible for damage, expense or inconvenience caused by late buses or planes, changes in departures or schedules, strikes or any other condition, nor are we responsible for the loss of or damage to baggage or any of the participant’s belongings.

Disclaimers:

Global Strategies Trading, LLC (“GS”) is acting as the mission organizer and is not acting as a travel agency. All flight, hotel, transportation, and meals may be booked through a traditional travel agency, and/or a U.S. Dept. Of Treasury (DOT) licensed TSP (OFAC authorized travel service provider), with OFAC rights to make and pay for such accommodations for this event. GS/TSP are not responsible for any delays or changes of flights, personal, chattel, baggage or other losses, to and from the U.S or Mexico to Cuba.
Each traveler is responsible for paying the $50 airport exit tax to leave the U.S. and the $25 airport exit tax to leave Havana. If leaving via Mexico other airport taxes may apply.

Travelers are responsible for their own luggage and personal effects. GS is not responsible for the loss of any luggage or personal effects due to theft, lost baggage or other reasons. Carry on luggage is always suggested.

4. For those interested in obtaining travel insurance, you can get coverage through Gateway International (or any other company of your choosing). Gateway’s toll free number is 1.800.282.4495, and their website is www.gatewayplans.com.

There is total a baggage weight limit of 44 pounds, if using a direct US flight. Any charge for overweight baggage is the traveler’s responsibility to pay. Carry on baggage including samples is recommended.
At no time has GS promised export contracts are, were, or will be guaranteed, during or after this trade mission. However, GS will use its very best efforts in obtaining export contracts for our partnered clients. Export contracts are the objective of GS.

7. OFAC licensing is required for this trip. OFAC is the ultimate decision maker on all OFAC licensing issues. Each licensed traveler is hereby informed of his/her responsibilities under the regulations and OFAC’s Travel Restrictions per 31 CFR 515.560(c) also found at www.treas.gov/ofac.

GS acts solely as a mission organizer, with Cuba travel arranged by OFAC TSP or other travel agencies as needed. The TSP and GS acts for suppliers and/or their agents only in the capacity as agents for the participation in all matters concerning hotel accommodations and transportation, whether by air, bus, motor car, or by any other means, and as agents, hold themselves free from responsibility for any damage, harm or loss occasioned from any cause whatsoever.

Receipt and deposit of payment shall act as acceptance of all terms, conditions and disclaimers listed in pages one through fifteen in this document, for this listed mission.

Signature __________________________________ Date____________

Printed Name_______________________________

Address/Phone/Cell/Fax/Email/ Number___________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

The purpose of this trip is to travel to Cuba to negotiate export contracts in compliance with OFAC, Department of Commerce (DOC), TSRA (Trade Sanctions Reform Act) and other U.S. laws regarding legal travel and trade with Cuba. Each licensed traveler is hereby informed of his/her responsibilities per OFAC’s Travel Restrictions per 31 CFR 515.560(c) also found at www.treas.gov/ofac

Currency: It is necessary, prior to arriving in Cuba, to exchange US currency into Canadian dollars or Euros, which are then exchanged into Convertible Cuban Pesos (CCPs) in Cuba, US dollars are NOT accepted and used in Cuba; a ten percent conversion fee in Cuba is used to convert U.S. dollars into CCPs (NOT on a one to one U.S. dollar ratio). Cubans convert Canadian dollars or Euros at a much reduced conversion rate at the Cuban airport, hotels, or Cuban banks. There is no conversion cost to re-convert unused non-U.S. currency back into non- U.S. currency prior to leaving Cuba. Per Diem daily spending amounts are posted on US Dept. Of Treasury site www.treas.gov/ofac per US law. US citizens are only allowed to use cash. No U.S credit or debit cards, or traveler’s checks, will be accepted in Cuba: CASH (NON-U.S domination) ONLY. With that said, additional funds may be spent when the activities are related to sales and marketing or other activities consistent with obtaining export contracts. NO CUBAN GOODS ARE ALLOWED BACK INTO THE U.S. EXCEPT: art, music and literature that you can return with. Please remember to save $25 in cash for the airport tax to leave Havana. It is recommended that travelers have extra cash on hand for emergencies. The hotel rooms have combination lock wall safes for your convenience in storing money and other valuables for a charge to you of $3 per day.

Electricity: The Entire Island and major hotels are both 110 and 220 watts in order to accommodate both European and American travelers.

Water: As for drinking the water, the water system in Havana is good. There is also plenty of very good bottled water everywhere you go in Havana.

Safety: Havana is a relatively safe city, especially for tourists. However, travelers should take normal precautions as they would in any city. There is some property crime, so guard your billfolds, cameras, purses, and never leave personal property unattended. Never take with you more money than you need.

Tipping: Tips do not follow US standards. Two CCPs for a twenty CCP meal is good if service was exceptional. The food and drink will be excellent, as we know the best spots in Havana.

Interacting with Cubans: Cubans are warm, highly intelligent and welcoming people. However, participants should understand that US-Cuban relations are HIGHLY SENSITIVE, Thus, it is recommended that argumentative personal views regarding political differences and historical occurrences be kept to a minimum. Despite personal feelings as to their method of governance, we are guests in their country and should act as such.

Taxes and extra expenses: Additional funds are needed for the following: $50 airport tax to leave LA, Miami or other departure points, and $25 airport tax to leave Havana airport. Participants are responsible for cab fare anywhere else they wish to go on their own time. Cab fare in the center of the city will be nominal as most desirable sites and offices are close to the hotel. Alcohol and optional events or items are at each person’s own expense.

Attire: Only one formal jacket and tie outfit for men and one formal outfit for women in case we meet with top leadership. All business meetings are business casual, nice slacks, polo or other business casual shirts and comfortable slip on shoes (no jackets, this is the Caribbean). Off time: shorts, sandals, casual wear and bathing suits. Pack light, you won’t need a lot. The Hotel has world-class stores, on the premises for almost anything you may have forgotten.

Carry on bags Recommended: Experienced travelers can travel light and elegantly

The Cuban Market

The Cuban market is virtually untapped and Cuba is literally in need of a vast quantity and large variety of U.S. goods. The Cuban Government buying entity (Alimport) purchases two billion dollars a year in the food, medicine, and medical devices sectors. Under current U.S. law these above purchase sectors are allowable and legal to export from the U.S. to Cuba. To date Cuba has purchased nearly one billion dollars in these products from U.S. companies, with shipments leaving the U.S. to Cuba and the U.S. exporters being paid in cash. This is the export market stream that we intend to further develop. Products that fall under the categories of agriculture, branded food, medicine (both prescription and over the counter), medical and surgical supplies and equipment, as well as raw materials used in food and medicinal production are eligible under U.S. law and purchased regularly by Cuba.

Cuba, however, does have high-priority needs. This is a market in need of the most basic items first, and U.S. companies should think of this as a market ripe for consumption of staple items and goods in the medium quality range. At the same time, this is a market for upgraded, gourmet, or luxury items, which are not only purchased by over twenty percent of the eleven million Cubans (two million customers with money), but also by the two million foreign tourists that visit Cuba annually. Once travel is normalized between Cuban and the U.S., an additional two million American tourists, will travel to Cuba annually. These American tourists will expect quality American products thus assuring exporters proportionately huge market sales potential for the very near future. Cuba is an untapped and highly profitable new export market for the U.S.

Because Cuba purchases goods in cash, and because some products will be completely new to the Cuban consumer, initial orders are often in conservative quantities, with the exception being those products of large-scale use and of great need. In addition, those items that are not available or not competitive in other countries will have an extra advantage. However, other goods will take time to build a market for. Those clients who have patience, perseverance, and a true interest in Cuba, and look at this as an opportunity to build a long-term relationship will do well in the long run.

We strongly recommend this trade mission for participants as we have learned it necessary to understand the market, the society and the culture, as well as initiate those important relationships. In five days participants will meet many key buyers for the entire country!

We look forward to sharing this unique and historic business experience with you.

Tentative Travel Itinerary

Check into Departing City Airport two hours prior to departure to Cuba

Carry on Samples: Total Weight allowed, including samples, 44 pounds for U.S. based departing flights. Please be sure that your samples are labeled, are accompanied by a phytosanitary lab analysis, as well as have DOC health, FDA and all other health certificates required for customs entry into foreign countries. You will also need a DOC BIS Export License, which should be in your packet. You will need U.S. and or California phytosanitary/health documentation for Cuban Customs as well as to expedite the shipping portion of any future contract process. In addition you must have a one page itemization, bill of lading with declarable value as ‘samples’ twenty-dollar value.

Depart to Havana, Cuba

Cuba Tentative Itinerary:

Arrive. Jose Marti International Airport, Havana, Cuba. (Cuba is 3 hours ahead from PST) Proceed through Immigration where you will present your Cuban Visa (provided by GS) and return ticket (which they will return to you) telling Immigration you are staying at the Hotel Nacional and attending the Alimport Event. Make sure they DO stamp your passport as you have traveled legally to Cuba (it’s a wonderful memento).

Retrieve our luggage and leave airport in modern air-conditioned bus to Hotel Nacional and check in.

Hotel Information: One Hotel Nacional De Cuba http://www.hotelnacionaldecuba.com Telephone 011-537-8733564. Hotel Business Center Phones, Fax, Email, and Medical Services: The Nacional Hotel is a true 5 Star Hotel with all 5 star facilities for staying in touch with the U.S. whether by direct phone, email or other. Medical services are first class in Cuba and the Hotel. The Hotel has multiple restaurants and associated amenities. The Hotel has normal US electrical outlets and EU outlets. Other hotels may be substituted depending on the event, availability and our hosts Alimport.

Room Expenses: Your Hotel room, which includes breakfast every morning, has already been paid for during your entire stay in Cuba. All other Hotel expenses, other than the room and breakfast, are solely the responsibility of the guest(s).

Phone Calls: Guests can make and receive calls, faxes, and email to and from the US from the hotel. Calls are very expensive, approximately $8 per minute. Calling from the US is about $3 per minute, unless the caller has Cuba on one of their reduced long distance plans. US citizens cannot charge phone calls; charges must be paid in cash or collect to the US (incurring additional charges). We recommend that if you plan to call the US often, that cell phone service is purchased. Cell phones can be rented at the airport or Hotel.

Tentative Work Schedule

For U.S. Trade Delegation in Cuba

Day 1

Depart U.S. Arrive at Jose Marti International Airport Havana, Cuba. Check into Hotel.

Confirm sample shipment arrived and being processed. View booths at trade center, set up.

Dinner at one of Havana’s finest restaurants, Welcome Cultural Event, Evening of Music/Dance

Day 2

Welcome briefing and opening of international trade fair.

Lunch
Negotiate and meet interested buyers.

Dinner at one of Havana’s finest restaurants.

Day 2

Breakout negotiations with individual buyers for each California product.

Visit to individual matching Cuban companies/optional.

Dinner at one of Havana’s finest restaurants. Cultural Event. Optional evening Salsa Dancing.

Day 3

International Trade Center negotiations all day

Dinner and an evening event tentatively scheduled by Cuban hosts.

Day 4

Meet Cuban buyers and continue to finalize detailed contract negotiations.

Lunch

Afternoon educational tour events, return to Hotel

Day 4

International Trade Center negotiations all day

Diplomat event with Cuban Govt., NGO’s , Cuban buyers

Dinner and an evening event tentatively scheduled by Cuban hosts.

Day 5

International Trade Center negotiations all day

Other trade members continue meetings with Buyers of Food, Medicines and medical devices

Lunch and Tour of facilities

International Trade Center negotiations all day

Cultural event

Day 6

Finalize export contract negotiations with Buyers of Food, Medicines and medical devices

Tour of facilities optional. Lunch.

Goodbye Diplomat Cocktail event with NGO’s, Cuban Govt. and Cuban buyers

Dinner and an evening event tentatively scheduled by Cuban hosts.

Day 7

Check out of Hotel, proceed to Airport and Return to U.S.

California to Cuba Delegation Headed by Gregory Estevane, President of GS

Fri Aug 29 ,2003 Havana Cuba

From Left to Right: Global Strategies President Gregory Estevane, Alimport Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Pedro Alvarez Borrego, & Vice Chairman of Business Development for the World Trade Center Association of Los Angeles- Long Beach kick off the Cal-Cuba Trade Mission, August 22-29 2003 in Havana. $10,000,000.00 trade agreeement signed.

Announcing Success

Fri Aug 29 ,2003 7:13 PM Havana, Cuba

Gregory Estevane, left, President of Global Strategies Trading and Barry Sedlik vice chairman of the World Trade Center Association of Los Angeles-Long Beach are seen during a news conference Friday Aug. 29, 2003 in Havana, Cuba. The World Trade Center Association announced Friday that Cuba has agreed to buy up to US$10 million worth of food, medical and agricultural products from companies in Southern California. Cuba represents a potential annual US$2 billion food and medicine export market for California, said Gregory Estevane, president of Global Strategies Trading, the association's trading partner. (AP Photo/Jose Goitia)

California Enters The Cuban Market

World Trade Center Association of Los Angeles – Long Beach, with its trading partner Global Strategies Trading, L.L.C. of California, announces successful trade mission to Cuba. First California-led delegation.

California businesses announce $10 million trade pact with Cuba

Last Update: 8/29/2003 11:36:57 PM

HAVANA (Associated Press) - A U.S. business association announced Friday that Cuba has agreed to buy up to $10 million worth of food, medical and agricultural products from companies in Southern California.

The agreement with the World Trade Center Association of Los Angeles-Long Beach is among numerous business pacts reached between U.S.-based companies and the communist island since Congress passed an exception to four-decade-old trade sanctions in 2000.

The exception allows sales of American food and other farm goods to Cuba as long as transactions are done in cash or financed by a third country. Under earlier legislation, certain sales of medical supplies and products are also allowed.

"We look forward to the day when the travel ban is rescinded by the U.S. government and ... open trade between the two nations can proceed to its natural potential," said Barry Sedlik, the association's vice chairman of business development. "Expanded trade has proven throughout history to be one of the best methods to increase mutual understanding between countries."

Under the framework agreement, Cuban import companies Alimport and Medicuba have issued letters of intent to formalize specific purchases with California food, medical and agricultural companies that offer competitive prices and are eligible to do business in Cuba. The agreement was announced at the end of a weeklong trade mission comprising 10 California businesses that have pledged to return to the West Coast with the message "that business with Cuba is real, it's now and it's ultimately profitable," Sedlik said.

Cuba represents a potential annual $2 billion food and medicine export market for California, said Gregory Estevane, president of Global Strategies Trading, the association's trading partner.

EMPRESAS DE CALIFORNIA
VENDERAN ALIMENTOS Y EQUIPOS MEDICOS A CUBA

EFE
La Opinión
California
USA
La Nueva Cuba
August 31, 2003

Empresarios de California y de Cuba firmaron ayer en La Habana un convenio que permitirá próximamente la venta a la isla de productos alimenticios y de equipos médicos por valor de 10 millones de dólares.

El documento fue suscrito por Barry Sedlik, presidente de World Trade Center Association-Los Angeles-Long Beach y Pedro Alvarez, director de la empresa cubana Alimport.

"Estamos enfocados especialmente en el aumento paulatino de nuestros intercambios mutuos con Cuba", dijo Sedlik en una conferencia de prensa. Alimport es la encargada de las operaciones comerciales con empresas de EU desde que en diciembre de 2001 llegaron a Cuba los primeros embarques de productos agroalimentarios cuyas ventas fueron autorizadas por el gobierno estadounidense. Sin embargo, se mantiene vigente el embargo económico decretado por Washington contra el gobierno de la isla desde hace más de 40 años.

Uno de los requisitos impuestos por Washington para permitir estas exportaciones de productos es que La Habana los pague en efectivo.

"El libre comercio y no los embargos unilaterales es lo que necesitan los ciudadanos de nuestros dos países", dijo Gregory Stevane, presidente de Global Strategies.

Recordó que el año pasado las empresas californianas vendieron a la isla sus vegetales, carnes, vinos y frutas, entre otros productos.

Destacó que en noviembre próximo representantes de diversas empresas californianas viajarán a la isla para continuar las negociaciones comerciales.

Súmanse empresarios de California al comercio con nuestro país

por diego Rodríguez Molina, del diario Granma

Un acuerdo comercial firmado con empresarios de California por un monto de 10 millones de dólares, permitirá a Cuba adquirir por un año alimentos, medicinas y otros productos, que comenzarán a llegar próximamente, según aseguró la parte norteamericana.

U.S. businesses announce $10 million trade pact with Cuba

California businesses announce $10 million trade pact with Cuba

Saturday, August 30, 2003

Posted on Fri, Aug. 29, 2003

California businesses announce $10 million trade pact with Cuba

CALIFORNIA BUSINESSES
ANNOUNCE $10 MILLION TRADE PACT WITH CUBA

Havana, The Associated Press
The Ledger
Florida, USA
La Nueva Cuba
August 31, 2003

International News

CUBA: ACCORDO COMMERCIALE CON IMPRESE CALIFORNIANE

(ANSA) - L'AVANA, 30 AGO - Responsabili di imprese cubane e rappresentanti di societa' della California hanno raggiunto un accordo ieri a L'Avana, in base al quale L'Avana potra' acquistare nello stato americano medicine ed alimenti per un'ammontare di dieci milioni di dollari. Nel corso di una conferenza stampa, Gregory Estevane (Global Strategies Trading) e Barry Sedlik (vice-presidente del World Trade Center di Los Angeles) hanno spiegato che le imprese cubane Alimport e Medicuba potranno acquistare nel 2004 prodotti da societa' statunitense da loro rappresentate. L'accordo, notano i media cubani, e' stato raggiunto nonostante l'esistenza di un embargo unilaterale degli Stati uniti contro Cuba che dura da oltre 40 anni. (ANSA).
2003-08-30 - 05:50:00

Pacific Estates Wines

Trade Mission Organizer

Name: ______________________________________________

Title: ______________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

Disclaimers:

Tentative Work Schedule

For U.S. Trade Delegation in Cuba

California businesses announce $10 million trade pact with Cuba