On September 28, President Triet delivered a speech at the Cuba-Vietnam business forum in which he confirmed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam always support the Cuban people’s just revolutionary cause. Vietnam has set up economic ties with many countries in the world but its relations with Cuba are special.

Relations between the two Parties, States and peoples are more special than others as both countries are like twins and share many similarities such as together pursuing socialism under the leadership of the communist Party and also being developing countries. Despite being far away from each other, both countries are close in sentiment and cooperation and should boost effective cooperation in economics as well as in friendship, Mr Triet said.

Mr Triet analysed the potential and advantages that Vietnam and Cuba have. Cuba’s strong areas are healthcare, sports and bio-technologies while Vietnam has agricultural production, seafood, industry and services.

The State President said that he hopes entrepreneurs from both countries will boost their cooperation to tap into their potential areas effectively to help each other surmount every difficulty.

Mr Triet witnessed the signing of the Vietnam-Cuba Joint Business Committee’ action programme for the 2009-2010 period, and the two governments’ agreement on a medium-term loan programm to help Cuba boost domestic food production. He also attended a ceremony to present 3,000 tonnes of rice as a symbolistic gift from the Vietnamese people to Cuba in return for its support and valuable assistance given to Vietnam’s revolutionary cause.

On the occasion, several Vietnamese organisations and businesses donated 500 computers and school materials to Cuban agencies and organisations.