Cuban Minister of Economy describes as very positive visit to China

HAVANA, Cuba, Nov 27 (ACN) Alejandro Gil Fernandez, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Planning of Cuba, described as very positive the results of the official visit to China.

Speaking to the press at the end of his stay in Beijing, the official considered it as a relaunching of relations between the two countries, which will contribute to the gradual progress of the economy and the recovery of the country's social conditions, which have been deteriorated by the intensification of the economic, commercial and financial blockade, and the impacts of the pandemic.

He pointed out that 12 legal instruments were signed, among which stand out aspects related to the reopening of new financing.

Among the investments planned is the Floating Dock, which arrived in Cuba since 2019, and will be a source of foreign currency income by providing service to ships transiting the Caribbean basin, and the press reconversion or modernization program.

He said that both issues have an important degree of progress and as a result of the conversations it was agreed to finalize some aspects to be able to complete both investments.

Gil Fernández said that there are other joint projects such as the Herradura wind farm, located in the north of the province of Las Tunas, and a photovoltaic solar farm of more than 100 megawatts.

There are two biopesticide plants, one in Havana and the other in Villa Clara, which are at an advanced stage of execution, and it was agreed to seek greater flexibility in terms of financing that would put these investments in the conclusion phase or in further progress, in addition, another plant in Granma is pending start-up, he explained.

China donated 100 million dollars, which we will use, of course, in priorities of our people, and we talked about the debt we have assumed during these years with China, said the Minister of Economy.

He said that in the last 15 years China is Cuba's second largest trading partner, with an important role, not only in the present, but also in the future of our entire National Economic and Social Development Plan.

The Cuban President explained the situation of the country, there was understanding on the Chinese side and we are going to bring positions closer so that we can find mutually acceptable formulas for the arrangement and restructuring of debts, and in this sense, the credits associated with Chinese investment projects in the country can flow, he said.

Chinese companies were invited to make direct investments in our country, the subject of tourism and the return of airlines was discussed.

As we recover from the pandemic and advance in the recovery of the economy, we will also have a greater participation from China, he affirmed.

He assured that in the exchange it could be seen that both leaders converged in points of view related to the world political and economic situation, as well as in the way to face it, each one with its own particularities.

Gil Fernández valued the dialogue between both countries as favorable, productive, frank, open and transparent, and with tangible results for the economy and the population.