Vietnam to facilitate investment in Cuba: PM

Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz in Hanoi on September 10, pledging to encourage Vietnamese firms’ investment in the Caribbean nation.

Welcoming the delegation to Vietnam for a meeting of the Vietnam-Cuba Intergovernmental Committee, PM Phuc said Vietnam is delighted at the socio-economic achievements Cuba has obtained recently, noting that the two peoples have a special and faithful relationship that is increasingly consolidated.

Minister Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz vowed every effort to help the inter-governmental committee work effectively.

He said although the Cuban economy is facing numerous difficulties due to sanctions, it is still striving to move forwards. He also appreciated Vietnam’s rice supply for his country and expressed his hope that the Vietnamese Government will create conditions for businesses to continue the provision.

Highlighting both countries’ resolve to raise bilateral trade to 500 million USD in 2020, the official said Cuba wants to boost exports to Vietnam, especially healthcare services and biological products, and also wishes to attract more investment from the Southeast Asian nation as there are many Vietnamese firms operating effectively in Cuba at present.

Cuba is considering mechanism and policy improvements to better its investment climate and attract more foreign investment, he noted, adding that as Vietnam is experienced in agriculture, his country hopes Vietnam will assist it in this field.

As the two countries will mark 60 years of their diplomatic relationship in 2020, they should work closely together to organise many practical celebratory activities so as to further promote the traditional friendship, Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz said.

He added Cuba highly values Vietnam’s growing role and stature, especially when Vietnam will serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021 and the ASEAN chair next year.

At the reception, PM Phuc said the Communist Party and people of Vietnam always keep in mind the strong support and wholehearted assistance from the Communist Party and people of Cuba during the struggle for national independence and reunification in the past as well as the building of a socialist nation at present.

Vietnam will continue to work closely with Cuba to ensure stable rice supply and promote its investment in the Caribbean country, he affirmed.

Regarding agricultural cooperation, Vietnam is ready to assist Cuba on the basis of the latter’s potential and advantages, he said, welcoming Cuba’s intention to boost the export of healthcare services to Vietnam.

The PM also asked the two countries’ ministries and sectors to continue researching solutions to advance bilateral relations in a result-oriented manner.

He stressed that Vietnam always supports the Cuban people’s just fight and consistently advocates Cuba’s stance at UN forums.-VNA