Japan will contribute to the implementation of important projects for Cuba’s social and economic development through two non-repayable financial aid programs related to agriculture, infrastructure, and waste management.
The assistance package was formalized yesterday in Havana, with the signing of an Exchange of Letters between Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kentaro Sonoura, and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment of Cuba, Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz.
The funds will go toward purchasing garbage trucks, which will contribute to maintaining and strengthening waste collection capacity in the capital; and agricultural machinery for the development of rice seed production technologies.
As was reported, the financing is aimed, above all, at improving the environmental situation in Havana and increasing national rice production, a basic foodstuff on the island.
Both parties recognized that although much work remains to be done, the agreement will contribute to strengthening relations between Cuba and Japan, and represents a starting point from which to further expand cooperation.
In this regard, Rodrigo Malmierca stated that Cuba will do everything possible to ensure the success of these plans and enhance the ties of friendship between the two countries.
The Cuban Minister went on to note that the Japanese sponsored projects will contribute to the island’s economic development.
Meanwhile Sonoura, leading a delegation from his country to the ACS-AEC Ministerial Council Meeting, taking place today March 10, stated that these actions are important for consolidating bilateral ties.
He also noted that the next public-private Cuba-Japan Bilateral Cooperation Committee will be held early next year.
Both Cuban and Japanese authorities have acknowledged that the ties between the two islands, especially economic ones, are currently at the best moment in their history.
(Granma)