MINSK, 29 September (BelTA) - Belarusian-Cuban relations are getting a new impetus for development, Sergei Dik, a member of the Standing Commission on International Affairs of the House of Representatives, told reporters in Minsk on 29 September, BelTA has learned.
"The visit of the president of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, Antonio Carricarte, to Belarus will give a qualitatively new impetus to the development of Belarusian-Cuban relations. Since our countries are under sanctions (Cuba has been under sanctions for more than a dozen years and it has survived), our task is to survive in the same way, no matter what," Sergei Dik said.
Recently, interaction of Belarusian-Cuban specialists and enterprises has been picking up pace. "Now we are implementing a big project. 200,000 doses of the vaccine have already been registered in our country and will be delivered to the Healthcare Ministry of Belarus in just a week . The interaction with the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology is very promising. This means the development of new drugs. Cuba is known to be one of the world leaders in terms of new medicines," the MP said.
“Cooperation with the Hi-Tech Park is underway. The Cubans want to set up a similar park in their country. There are great opportunities in training Cuban IT specialists in Belarus. For example, the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics (BSUIR) offers internships with the use of remote technologies. Belarus is also famous for its automobile and tractor industry. Cuba is interested in supplies of Belarusian tractors. Moreover, the country is interested in setting up assembly factories in Cuba and delivery of component parts for more than 70,000 Belarusian tractors that are now in Cuba. This is interaction with MTZ and Bobruiskagromash. In other words, we have long-term prospects. Cuba, just like Belarus, wants to ensure its food security. Here our experience is invaluable for them,” said Sergei Dik.
The House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus is hosting a meeting of the Cuban delegation with Belarusian MPs. Plans are in place to discuss trade and economic relations between the two countries.
A delegation of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce led by its president Antonio Carricarte arrived in Belarus on a working visit on 26 September. The events which have already taken place include a business forum and meetings with heads of enterprises. The parties reached agreements on cooperation in mechanical engineering, agriculture, pharmacology and IT. The visit will last through 30 September.
