Caracas News Briefs -- Friday, June 27, 2008

Cuba Business Session in Caracas: The 4th ExpoCuba Fair includes 51 Cuban companies at the Círculo Militar, Caracas, until June 27 with a special trade round for investment opportunities in Cuba. Cuban Foreign Trade Senior Vice Minister Antonio Carricarte, and the president of the Venezuelan Foreign Trade Bank (Bancoex) Margarita García attended the opening act. Cuban Chamber of Commerce President Raúl Becerra lauded the Cuban business presence in this 400 sq. meter three-day promotion that took off Wednesday. Venezuela is a leading partner so this event helps the businesspeople become familiar with each other's potentials, added Becerra. The official said both countries will join efforts to further enhance medium term trade contacts, now including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and biotechnology. The visitors will also enjoy conferences on how to do business with Cuba, Heberpenta vaccine, diabetic feet diagnosis and treatment.

Rio Group over EU’s migration law: The 21 members of the Rio Group expressed their worry about the approval, last week, of the so-called "Return Directive" by the European Parliament, and asked the migratory issue to be approved by both nations. The Rio Group is convinced "on the necessity to protect and respect, unconditionally, migrants' human rights, in accordance to the suggestions made by the European Parliament and Latin American Parliaments at the recent Eurolat Assembly", a press release of the organization read. Regarding the "Return Directive", the Rio Group stated that the migratory phenomenon requires a comprehensive approach considering migrants positive contributions to the economy and culture in the countries where they reside. The Rio Group made a call on the European Union to "progress in the bi-regional agenda in this issue", allowing both parts "a better understanding of migration realities and deal with the links between migration and development, guaranteeing a honorable and fair treat to illegally residing citizens."