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Cuba's Economy Improves Despite US Blockage, Minister Says
Cuba's economy is improving despite the US four-decade-old blockade, said Government Minister Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz.
Addressing the 13th session of Sino-Cuban joint commission for economic and trade relations here Tuesday, he said in this year's first six-month period, a 7.7 percent economic growth was registered, with an increase in productivity and reduced unemployment.
Cabrisas thanked China for helping the Cuban people during their moments of hardship, praising bilateral cooperation in sugar industry, foodstuff, raw material and medicine in particular.
During the meeting, both parties reviewed economic and commercial cooperation since the commission's previous meeting and explored possibilities for cooperation in new fields for next year.
The Chinese delegation which includes a number of top entrepreneurs is headed by China's Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Shi Guangsheng.
The Chinese visitors and the Cuban delegation, which is composed of a number of government ministers as well as senior officials, are expected to sign a number of accords on Wednesday, by which China will help Cuba in seismic movement forecasts and hotel crediting.
Tuesday's meeting focused on cooperation in the exploitation of hydraulics, oil and nickel resources, and better utilization of
sugar cane residues.
Cabrisas expressed the hope that Cuba could diversify its exports to China, for which he mentioned Cuban prestige products such as medicines, cigars, sugar industry derivatives and rum.
Shi said China will continue to develop the economic and trade relations with Cuba on the basis of equality and mutual benefits, pledging a certain amount of economic assistance to Cuba within China's power.
He believed that the economic and trade ties between the two countries will surely be strengthened through joint efforts.
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