MINSK, 7 August (BelTA) - Belarus is actively developing cooperation with Cuba, Belarus’ Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Cuba Vitaly Borchuk said in an interview with First News TV Channel, BelTA has learned.
The ambassador emphasized that food security remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations. “Dairy products, particularly skimmed milk powder, account for half of Belarus’ exports to Cuba. Our products are well-known and valued for their price-to-quality ratio, securing a strong market position that we intend to expand. The partnership extends to pharmaceuticals, with mutual benefits for both nations. We have established joint projects and production facilities. Belarus imports top Cuban medications, while over 50 Cuban drugs are now registered here. Several contracts are nearing implementation. Plans are underway to support Cuba’s machinery sector by supplying essential components and spare parts for repair enterprises. We are entering this market not just with products but with technology,” Vitaly Borchuk stressed.
The ambassador highlighted Belarus’ participation in Cuba’s Health for All international trade fair in late April, where enterprises from the Belpharmprom holding company and the National Academy of Sciences’ Akadempharm showcased their products. “We have established close cooperation between regulatory and certification bodies. In late July, I attended the first packaging of a new jointly developed drug in Cuba - fully certified and ready for production. This medication is now approved for Cuba’s domestic market, with potential for export to other countries recognizing Cuban certifications. Serial production will begin once long-term contracts are finalized,” the ambassador shared the plans.
The two nations have launched tractor assembly in Cuba’s Holguin Province, with the first batch completed last year and a second in early 2025. “Another major shipment of tractor kits is expected soon to Cuba. This initiative creates jobs and lays groundwork for gradual localization. Meanwhile, Bobruiskagromash and Amkodor are in direct negotiations to establish equipment assembly lines in Cuba,” Vitaly Borchuk said.
“There was a time when we supplied significant amounts of passenger vehicles to Cuba. Now we're developing competitive proposals for supplying heavy-duty and specialized vehicles, including container carriers and water trucks,” he added.
The ambassador highlighted Cuba's growing mining sector, noting: “This country is one of the world's leading nickel producers. We held a number of meetings. Representatives of BelAZ have paid visits to Cuba. While we previously supplied equipment to Cuba, we lost this market fifteen years ago. Market re-entry is always challenging, but we've taken initial steps and will continue developing cooperation under new, more flexible terms. We will be proposing various approaches including outsourcing arrangements, leasing schemes, and potentially establishing joint production facilities,” Vitaly Borchuk said. “Belarus has reached preliminary agreements with Cuban partners to discuss potential joint development of new nickel deposits with friendly countries. For these projects, we'll organize supply chains for our transportation technologies and equipment, while creating local service centers capable of manufacturing components and assemblies onsite.
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