MINSK, 16 February (BelTA) - Belarus and Cuba are increasing mutual trade and considering new joint projects, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko said as he met with outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Cuba to Belarus Juan Valdes Figueroa on 16 February, BelTA has learned.
“You were ambassador to Belarus for about four years, and during that time some achievements have been made that we can be proud of. The visit of the Cuban head of state to Belarus in 2019 was a certain impetus, a signal to the business community, ministries and departments to organize work. Unfortunately, shortly after that visit, we faced a global challenge - the coronavirus pandemic which prevented the implementation of some of the agreements. Nevertheless, we are restoring our positions. Trade tripled in 2021. We overcame the recession and are coming out of it at a good pace,” said Roman Golovchenko.
In his words, the pandemic did not affect the interaction between Belarus and Cuba in international organizations and mutual support in integration associations. “It is important that the Cuban head of government regularly takes part in the EAEU meetings and puts forward valuable initiatives. I am sure that despite Cuba's geographical remoteness from the EAEU, the practical component of the observer status will certainly bear fruit in the near future,” the prime minister stressed.
Roman Golovchenko stressed that the head of state instructed to intensify the implementation of all projects and to consider new ones. “We know what conditions Cuba lives in. It is a never-ending external pressure, an economic blockade. Thanks to the wisdom of the leadership and courage of Cuban people the country manages to cope with the difficulties. Nevertheless, the economy needs development. It is necessary to improve food security of the country and wellbeing of its people. We are considering a number of projects in agriculture, poultry farming, and cattle breeding. We understand that Cuba needs Belarusian technologies. Now specialists are working on the action plan,” he said.
“The work is active and is monitored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government. I am confident that by fulfilling the instructions of the heads of state we will find new opportunities for cooperation,” the prime minister said.
In 2021 Belarus-Cuba trade amounted to $22.9 million (340% as against 2020); export made up $20.8 million (384.4%). Belarus' main exports included tractors and tractor units, milk, condensed and dried cream, parts for receiving and transmitting equipment, component parts for trucks and tractors, medical instruments and devices, piston internal combustion engines. The main imports from Cuba were spirits, medicines, coffee, hand tools (pneumatic, hydraulic or with a built-in engine).
