The International Convention and Exhibition of the Cuban Industry kicked off in Havana Monday. 16 Chinese companies took part in the fair. And some of them have already taken a firm footholding in the country.

This is the largest scale Cubauindustria in recent years, with exhibitors from machinery, electronic, petrochemical, aviation and many other sectors.

At the heart of the exhibition center stand two brand new coaches from Yutong Group. The Chinese bus maker has become the market leader in Cuba, as millions of cubans take buses made by the company every day.

"Over the past decade, Yutong Group has succeeded in developing in Cuba. This is not just our pride, but also the pride of Chinese brand and people," said Fang Mingliang, Yutong Group Cuban Representative.

Another realm China leads the world is home appliances. They have grown beyond sales and marketing, and started in making the country's industry standard, according to Haier.

"Now Cuba has adopted Chinese digital television's standard as its national standard. Haier not only sells its products in Cuba, but brings the whole industrial chain here to serve the market," said Sun Yongle, Haier New Energy Company.

Chinese manufacturers are becoming more influential around the world. Sales and marketing can no longer satisfy their demand, Chinese companies are looking to export technology and capital. Officials approve this move, saying the government would back the initiative.

"Chinese companies have multiple opportunities in Cuba, as their technology and products meet the development need here. We could further encourage firms to expand in the country," said Miao Wei, minister of Information and Industrial Technology.

Analysts say Cuba is in great need of almost all kinds of industrial products, thanks to decade-long economic blockade. This has given a number of opportunities for businesses. And it seems Chinese makers have now gained a head start.