Cuba holds seminar on Vietnam’s development experience

Havana (VNA) – A number of speakers delved into Vietnam’s development path at the fourth conference of strategic studies of the Cuban Center for International Policy Research (CIPI) held from October 24-26.

Presenting his study on Vietnam amid the modern international order, Dr Ruvislei Gonzalez Saez from the CIPI pointed to the country’s high growth in consecutive years as well as its strategy to attract foreign investment by developing industrial centres and its policy on building an international environment for development.

He also mentioned advantages and disadvantages of Vietnam amid the US-China trade war and challenges the country is facing in the global current context.

Meanwhile, Liurka Rodriguez Barrios from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs reviewed milestones in Vietnam-Cuba special relations.

Based on a long-standing history, orientation similarities, and mutual trust, the bilateral ties are advancing into a new period, bringing more specific contributions to Vietnam’s reform process and Cuba’s socio-economic update, she said.

Barrios said Vietnam is the second biggest trade partner of Cuba in Asia and their partnership sees great potential for future cooperation.

In a sideline interview with the Vietnam News Agency, Dr Ruvislei Gonzalez Saez said he considers the Vietnamese economy an “Asian tiger” thanks to its high growth rate that have brought about changes in line with the country’s development orientations, such as improving national competitiveness and alleviating poverty.

However, he said the high independence on exports, particularly to some big markets, makes Vietnam more vulnerable to fluctuations in the global market.

The expert suggested the country improve education quality to increase added values of its products by boosting innovation and research, and better protecting its small- and medium-sized enterprises.-VNA