Cuba and China Strengthening Trade Relations

HAVANA TIMES — The 25th Meeting of the Cuba-China Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Trade Relations took place yesterday in Havana, where both countries expressed their willingness to deepen ties.

According to the Prensa Latina news agency, talks gave priority to issues such as the provision of spare parts for automotive equipment on the island, as well as China’s participation in the island’s program for the development of renewable energy.

On the Chinese side, Commerce Minister Chen Deming said that sugar, nickel and biotechnology are the main items exported to his country from Cuba.

Cuban President Raul Castro visited the Asian giant this past July, at which time important agreements were signed in the areas of health, information technology, banking, agriculture and customs.

At the end of the first half of this year, trade between the two countries exceeded $870 million, making China the second largest trading partner globally with the Island for the eighth consecutive year.