The Vietnam-Cuba Agricultural and Natural Health Biotechnology Network, an initiative launched by the Green Economy Institute, was officially announced and inaugurated recently in Havana, Cuba.

Speaking at the event before research institute leaders, hospital representatives, business executives, and Vietnamese and Cuban scientists and experts, Duong Bich Diep, Director of the Green Economy Institute, highlighted that the network will serve as a comprehensive and coordinated platform, from ideas to practice, from research to production and trade, enabling Cuban products to reach the Vietnamese market and beyond, while integrating Cuban scientific knowledge into Vietnam’s development efforts.

Over the past 65 years, Vietnam-Cuba relations have symbolized exemplary international solidarity, marked by loyalty and sincerity. From the struggles of defending the homeland to nation-building and development today, Vietnam has always stood shoulder to shoulder with Cuba.

 Entering a new era, this steadfast cooperation extends beyond political and diplomatic forums to pioneering fields such as biotechnology and green development. In this context, the Vietnam-Cuba Agricultural and Natural Health Biotechnology Network opens a new chapter in scientific cooperation while continuing the enduring story of Vietnam-Cuba friendship.

Leandro Luis Licea Vagas, Chairman of Labiofam, which co-hosted the network launch, said the network will create plenty of opportunities for co-operation in biotechnology research and development, as well as the trade of pharmaceutical products for the health of citizens in both countries. He noted the launch is a key event among activities celebrating the 65th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations (December 2, 1960-December 2, 2025).

Marta Ayala Ávila, Politburo member and General Director of the Center for Genetic and Biotechnology under BioCubaFarma, said that the network’s launch demonstrates the special solidarity and friendship between the Cuban and Vietnamese peoples. She expressed confidence that the network will succeed and expand, providing high-quality pharmaceutical products to benefit the health of both nations’ people.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long described the network as a breakthrough in Vietnam-Cuba biotechnology cooperation. He expressed confidence that the initiative will allow the two countries to leverage their strengths and potential, while producing valuable research and biotechnology and medical products as a great contribution to the health of their citizens.

During their visit to Cuba from October 8-13, the Vietnamese delegation, including representatives from the Green Economy Institute, Hoa Sen Group, Tan Mai Group, New Fortune Consulting JSC, the Institute of Biology, the National Dermatology Hospital, the National Lung Hospital, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Ca Mau Petrofertilizer JSC, met with Cuban biotechnology companies and research institutes such as BioCubaFarma and Labiofam.

Representatives from both sides signed cooperation documents for joint projects on biotechnology research, technology transfer, trade links and the establishment of joint ventures.

The delegation also held meetings with Cuban leaders, including Vice Prime Minister Jorge Luis Perdomo Di-Lella, Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, and Minister of Agriculture Ydael Jesús Pérez Brito. During the discussions, Cuban officials pledged to provide favorable conditions and legal frameworks to support the network’s development and encouraged Vietnamese investors to co-operate Cuba’s sectors of strength and potential.

During their stay in Cuba, the delegation also carried out charitable activities, including presenting gifts to the 10.10 District Elderly Home in Havana and donating 487 tons of rice to the Cuban people.

During their stay, the delegation also carried out charitable activities, including donating gifts to the District 10 Elderly Care Institute in Havana and providing 487 tons of rice to the Cuban people.

Joint media efforts deepen Vietnam–Cuba friendship ahead of 65th anniversary

VOV.VN - A joint documentary on Vietnam’s rice cultivation project in Cuba will air simultaneously in both countries in celebration of 65 years of diplomatic ties and the Vietnam–Cuba Friendship Year 2025.