Vietnam explores cooperation potential in Cuba’s westernmost province
The Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba emphasised the commitment to serving as a bridge to promote collaboration between Pinar del Rio and Vietnamese localities and businesses, particularly in agriculture and fisheries.
Ambassador Le Quang Long explores the meticulous hand-rolling process of cigars, a traditional art passed down through generations in Cuba. (Photo: VNA)
Havana (VNA)🌳 – Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long has visited Cuba’s Pinar del Rio province, known as the "cigar capital" of the world, to explore the local economic and social potential and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Receiving the Vietnamese diplomat on March 19, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Yamile Ramos Cordero told him economic and social strengths of the westernmost province of Cuba.
Cordero emphasised the province's tourism potential, highlighting its breathtaking natural landscapes as well as key export products such as cigars, honey, and other agricultural goods. She proudly shared the local achievements in education and health care, noting the presence of over 590 educational institutions and 835 healthcare facilities serving the population. The province has invested more than 80% of its budget into essential sectors, demonstrating a strong commitment to the welfare and quality of life of its residents.
Covering nearly 8,900 sq.km and home to over 570,000 people, Pinar del Rio contributes to around 70% of Cuba's total cigar production. However, it faces challenges related to energy and infrastructure. Cordero mentioned plans to focus on developing hydropower, expanding rice and crop cultivation, and enhancing the manufacturing of construction materials.
For his part, Long reaffirmed Vietnam's special solidarity with Cuba and proposed several concrete cooperation initiatives.
He emphasised the commitment to serving as a bridge to promote collaboration between Pinar del Rio and Vietnamese localities and businesses, particularly in agriculture and fisheries.
Regarding the expansion of cooperation between Pinar del Rio and Vietnam’s Dong Nai province under a memorandum of understanding signed in October 2024, the ambassador noted that Dong Nai is importing production materials while Pinar del Rio has abundant resources. He suggested the two localities explore the possibility of establishing a sustainable supply chain.
He also expressed his hope for stronger collaboration in political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges as in line with the agreements made by both countries' leaders following the visit by Vietnamese Party General Secretary and then State President To Lam in September 2024.
During their stay in Pinar del Rio, the Vietnamese ambassador and delegation visited to the Ormani Arenado Credit and Services Cooperative (CCS), renowned for its cigar tobacco cultivation. They also toured an outstanding local cigar farm and the Francisco Donatien factory, where world-famous cigars are made./.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals to improve public health and meet Vietnam’s medical care needs.
Quang Tri province will keep nurturing the special friendship relationship between Vietnam and Cuba in general, as well as between Quang Tri and Cuban localities in particular, a local official has said.
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The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
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The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
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NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
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The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
