Vietnam, Cuba vow to foster multifaceted cooperation

Vietnamese Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha said that at the meeting, the two sides agreed to continue enhancing the efficiency of the committee’s operations in a practical and specific manner, and were unanimous in several new points in cooperative agreements in numerous fields.

Both were determined to lift economic cooperation to match the good political ties between the two Parties and countries, Ha stated.

Along with achieved results, there remained several shortcomings and difficulties that need to be solved in the time ahead, he added.

Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz stressed that Vietnam and Cuba are at their best to strengthen their trade ties.

The two countries plan to conclude negotiations on a new trade agreement in the fourth quarter of 2017 in order to bring two-way trade to US$500 million in the next five years.

Many Vietnamese firms, including Viglacera, Hanel, Tin Thanh and Thai Binh, have worked closely with Cuban partners to get licences for their investment in Cuba in construction materials, consumer goods, hotel, and renewable energy.

At the meeting, the ministers also agreed on cooperation possibilities in potential aspects such as tourism and medical tourism.