During a working session on March 19, Pinar del Rio’s Party Secretary Yamile Ramos Cordero highlighted the province’s strengths, from breathtaking natural landscapes that bolster tourism to key exports such as cigars, honey, and agricultural products.

The province also prides itself on having over 590 educational institutions and 835 healthcare facilities, allocating more than 80% of its budget to essential sectors. Despite contributing 70% of Cuba’s total cigar output, Pinar del Río faces challenges in energy and infrastructure. To deal with these issues, it is focusing on hydropower development, expanding rice and crop cultivation, and strengthening its building material industry.

Ambassador Le Quang Long reaffirmed the special Vietnam-Cuba solidarity and pledged to enhance cooperation between Pinar del Río and Vietnamese localities and enterprises, particularly in agriculture and fisheries. He also proposed that the two sides explore the possibility of establishing a sustainable supply chain, leveraging Pinar del Río’s abundant resources and Dong Nai’s demand for imported production materials.

The visit featured various field activities, including a trip to CCS Ormani Arenado Cooperative and the cigar farm of Idania Rodríguez Barrera. The Vietnamese diplomat gained in-depth insights into cigar cultivation and processing, while expressing keen interest in cooperation on technology transfer and premium product development. At Francisco Donatién Factory, renowned for producing world-famous cigars, he observed the meticulous hand-rolling process, a traditional craft passed down through generations.

The trip not only boosted economic cooperation but also strengthened the longstanding Vietnam-Cuba friendship. With shared natural conditions and agricultural expertise, both sides aim to develop concrete projects on farming, agro-processing, and rural development in the near future.

Cuban President pledges support for Vietnamese investors

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has reaffirmed his commitment to welcoming and supporting Vietnamese investors, while receiving Nguyen Van Tuan, General Director of the GELEX Group and Chairman of the Board of Viglacera Corporation, in Havana recently.