Posted: 27.09.2022 17:18:00

Ambassador: Cuba interested in co-operation with Belarus in medicine, mechanical engineering, tourism

Before the start of a Belarusian-Cuban business forum held today at the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Cuba to Belarus, Santiago Perez Benitez, revealed the areas of trade and economic co-operation that are of major interest for Cuba, BelTA reports

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"Our countries have maintained traditional ties of friendship and love since the Soviet Union. We share common principles of independence and sovereignty with Belarus. We should work together to develop trade and economic relations in this difficult time to strengthen our bilateral partnership," the diplomat said.

According to Santiago Perez Benitez, medicine is of the greatest interest for his country. “Cuba can contribute to the improvement of medicine, as this area is well developed in our country. The first batch of Cuban COVID-19 vaccines is leaving for Belarus today,” he said, adding that the country can co-operate with Belarus in mechanical engineering – not only in the purchase of new models, but also spare parts to revamp the machinery which is already being operated in Cuba. “We are interested in components for repair and restoration of tractors, MAZ and AMKODOR trucks, and buses. We can be engaged into assembling and also develop projects for the supply of this equipment to the Latin American market. Belarus and Cuba also enjoy great potential in the field of digital economy and tourism. It is necessary to approach these issues flexibly. Our joint work can help us overcome all barriers." At present, more than 20,000 Belarus-made tractors work in Cuba.

During the Belarusian-Cuban forum, the parties discussed promising areas of bilateral trade and economic co-operation, as well as topical issues of doing business. Representatives of the business circles of Belarus and Cuba held talks on development of mutually beneficial co-operation and implementation of joint projects. The forum was attended by more than 90 representatives from 65 Belarusian enterprises interested in the Cuban market – covering the spheres of industry, especially agricultural machinery, banking and logistics, science and medicine, special economic zones. In turn, Cuba was represented by 18 businesses.

Th event was organised by the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Cuba and the Embassy of Cuba in Belarus.