The government visits to different regions of the country, led by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, have been invigorating work days and included lively conversations with workers and residents.

This was reaffirmed during the summary meeting concluding the President’s second government visit to Holguín, when he expressed satisfaction with his tour of the sugar cane harvester factory “60 Aniversario de la Revolución de Octubre,” popularly known as the KTP, where productive chains have been developed that contribute to the Azcuba state enterprise group and other companies affiliated with the Ministries of Agriculture and Construction.

Regarding the development of the new cane harvester CCA 5500, he noted the need to produce this machinery for the country and the export market, while proposing evaluation of possible foreign investment options, to give the project a wider scope and greater sustainability.He likewise called for extension of the experience gained here to the design and production of harvesters for rice and other crops, also mentioning the possibility of manufacturing a machine to clean beaches and remove sea weed.Díaz-Canel also recognized the potential of the “26 de Julio” Agricultural Implements Factory, which provides another example of developing productive chains and the potential to supply both the domestic and foreign markets.He highlighted the work done at this factory to develop a wide range of equipment for rice production, and said that instructions have been given to design and manufacture – independently or in conjunction with others – machines required by the rice processing industry, including mills and dryers, to avoid importing these, as is currently the case.

(Granma)

Pavel Rodríguez, director of the center, told ACN that works are concluding on the final stretch of the total of some nine kilometers, which will help reduce traffic congestion.

The official explained that the project includes the expansion of the road to include a section of avenue, four vehicle lanes, two cycle lanes in the urban stretch, as well as sidewalks, curbs, landscaping and lighting

He added that the main companies involved in the works are ECOI-17 and ECOI-9, working together with other bodies to ensure quality standards.

The completion of this project will reduce the travel time between the airport and the tourist destination in the north of the territory, as well as the city of Holguín itself. Holguín is the third most popular tourist spot in Cuba, after Havana and Varadero.

Rodríguez also noted that the risk of traffic accidents will decrease, given improved flow of vehicles, animal drawn vehicles, cycles and pedestrians.

The provincial highway administration center will invest a total of 16 million pesos during 2016, and among the main tasks are works on the Banes-Nipe highway, stretching 35 kilometers, and the Holguín-Moa highway.

In the latter, works are primarily focused on specific sections in the municipalities of Mayarí, Sagua de Tánamo and Moa.

The body is responsible for carrying out works on highways of national significance, which join the provincial capital to the municipalities, covering a total of over 800 kilometers.

His Holiness left the capital at 8:00am this morning and at 9:10am the Alitalia aircraft transporting the Pope touched down at the Frank País International Airport, located 15 kilometers from the city centre.

Pope Francis was received on the tarmac of the airport terminal area by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermudez, first vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers, who was accompanied by government and ecclesiastical authorities.

Shortly after 3pm, Pope Francis will bless the city of Holguín from the Hill of the Cross and then depart for the heroic and welcoming city of Santiago de Cuba.

(Granma)