Export portfolio for island of freedom

The Belarusian-Cuban business forum gathered over 80 representatives of companies and organisations from both countries

The development of mutually beneficial co-operation and the implementation of a number of joint projects in key economic areas were discussed at the Belarusian-Cuban business forum. The event was held at the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and brought together more than 80 enterprises and organisations of the two countries on its dialogue platform.
As part of the event, the parties considered promising areas of Belarusian-Cuban trade and economic co-operation, as well as topical business issues. Among the most discussed topics for co-operation are implementation of joint projects in molecular immunology, scientific and technological developments, education, metallurgy, agricultural engineering and trade.

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BelCCI Deputy Chairman Denis Meleshkin said that the meeting of business representatives of the two countries in this format is being held for the first time in a long time, “We have gathered in such format and numbers for the first time in a decade. On behalf of Belarus the event was attended by more than 90 representatives from 65 enterprises. Industry is well represented among them. I would like to single out agricultural engineering here. Banking and logistics are also represented. There are special economic zones as well. We have something to share in this area: the China-Belarus Great Stone Industrial Park has been created not far from Minsk, where innovative production facilities can be located. The Belarusian delegation is widely represented by scientific and medical institutions. Prospects for the exchange of experience in the production of vaccines are being considered.”
According to him, for Belarus Cuba is a partner in export-import operations, an independent country. At the same time, Cuba is considered a gateway to the large market of Latin America — Venezuela, Bolivia and other major countries in the region. 
“This event is one of the steps to enter new markets. In turn, we can ensure that Cuban companies enter the markets of the EAEU member countries. In 2021 the trade between Belarus and Cuba amounted to $22.9 million. This is a small number, but our potential is much greater. Since the beginning of the year, this figure has been about $3 million, but we expect this meeting to increase it.”
In turn, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Cuba to Belarus Santiago Perez Benitez noted that the two countries are connected not only by economic interest, but also by traditional friendly ties, “In the current conditions, we must work together to develop and strengthen from an economic point of view. Cuba could contribute to import substitution in the field of medicine in Belarus. We can assemble and develop projects to supply this equipment to the Latin American market. Belarus and Cuba also have great potential in the digital economy.”

By Ilya Kryzhevich