Golovchenko: Belarus and Cuba increase trade turnover and consider new joint projects

February 16, MINSK. Belarus and Cuba are increasing their trade turnover and considering new joint projects. Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko said this during a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Cuba to Belarus Juan Valdes Figueroa on the occasion of the completion of his diplomatic mission, BelTA has learned.

“You have been ambassador to Belarus for about four years, and during this time there are achievements to be proud of. In 2019, the visit of the HEAD of the Cuban state to Belarus took place, which became a certain impetus, a signal for business circles, ministries and departments to organize work. "Unfortunately, soon after this visit, we faced a global challenge - a pandemic, which prevented the implementation of part of the agreements. Nevertheless, we are restoring our positions. By the end of 2021, trade has tripled. We have overcome the recession and are reaching a good pace," he said. Roman Golovchenko.

He stressed that the pandemic did not affect the interaction between Belarus and Cuba in international organizations, mutual support in integration associations. "It is important that the head of the Cuban government regularly takes part in the meetings of the EAEU, puts forward valuable initiatives. I am sure that, despite the geographical distance of Cuba from the EAEU, the practical component of the observer status will certainly bear fruit in the near future," the Prime Minister stressed.

Roman Golovchenko drew attention to the fact that the head of state instructed to intensify the implementation of all projects and come up for consideration of new ones. "We know the conditions in which Cuba is living. it is an ongoing external pressure, an economic blockade. Thanks to the wisdom of the leadership and the courage of the Cuban people, you are able to cope with these difficulties. Nevertheless, the economy needs to be developed, the country's food security and people's well-being must be improved. Therefore, we are considering a number of projects in the agricultural sector, poultry farming, livestock breeding. We understand that there is a demand in Cuba and Belarusian technologies can be applied there. Now specialists are working out an action plan," he said.

"The work is quite active, it is under the control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government. I am sure that by fulfilling the instructions of the heads of state, we will find new opportunities for cooperation," the Prime Minister concluded.

The trade turnover between Belarus and Cuba in 2021 amounted to $22.9 million (340% by 2020), exports - $20.8 million (384.4%). The main EXPORT items were tractors and truck tractors, condensed and dry MILK and cream, parts for receiving and transmitting equipment, parts and accessories for cars and tractors, instruments and devices used in medicine, piston internal combustion engines. The basis of imports from Cuba were spirits, medicines, coffee, hand tools (pneumatic, hydraulic or with built-in engine).