Vietnam – Cuba: Sharing experience on agricultural, forestry and fisheries development

On May 13, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien met with Cuban Deputy Minister of the Food Industry, Javier Francisco Agular Rodriguez.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien conveyed his gratitude for the enduring solidarity and close ties between the two countries, which have been cultivated through mutual friendship and joint efforts, as he welcomed Deputy Minister Javier Francisco Agular Rodriguez to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam.

Vietnam and Cuba have consistently prioritized agricultural and fisheries cooperation as a strategic and exceptional priority. Vietnam is amenable to providing assistance and sharing its expertise to assist Cuba in fully realizing its agricultural and aquaculture potential, given its robust agricultural foundation and strengths. The objective of this partnership is to enhance Cuba's agricultural security, enhance living standards, and foster sustainable economic growth.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien announced that he would directly lead a business delegation to Cuba for discussions and exchange activities later this year in order to encourage Vietnamese enterprises to expand investment and production in Cuba.

"An information-sharing and investment promotion forum will also be held to invite capable Vietnamese enterprises to explore cooperative and development opportunities in Cuba," he added.

Deputy Minister Tien reiterated that Vietnam is prepared to offer assistance and share technical expertise to assist Cuba in maximizing its aquaculture and cultivation capabilities. Photo: Phuong Linh.

Cuban Deputy Minister Javier Francisco Agular Rodriguez responded by announcing that the country has recently implemented a number of special policies and mechanisms to encourage Vietnamese business investments in the country. The President of Cuba is directly responsible for the supervision of these initiatives.

"I trust that the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam will continue to support us in facilitating the connection between businesses engaging in operations and investment in Cuba". 

Mr. Javier underscored that Vietnamese agricultural products have the potential to expand into broader regional markets owing to Cuba's trade agreements with countries in Central America and the Caribbean, in addition to accessing the Cuban market.

Additionally, he recognized Vietnam's sophisticated aquaculture models as valuable examples for Cuba to study and emulate. Additionally, he expressed his optimism that Vietnam would provide Cuba with the necessary technical assistance and knowledge to facilitate the effective development of this sector.

Cuba has committed to collaborating closely with Vietnam in the near future to develop and implement new cooperative projects that are based on financial efficacy and sustainability. This will contribute to the long-term, stable development of both nations.

 

Dieu Linh