The City and Science

FOUNDED OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE 1964 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA

The city and science

Message from the President

uba Foreign Trade magazine is pleased to dedicate this issue to Havana’s 500th anniversary, which we Cwill celebrate in the next days. We are proud to have the capital as headquarters of our institution and venue of the upcoming 37th Havana International Fair (Fihav), where we will launch the present issue of our magazine. The article that appears in the first pages shows the potential that allows Havana to make a significant contribution to the economic growth of our nation. The wide range of business opportunities offered by the city has been segmented in order to present them adequately in the pages of Cuba Foreign Trade. This time we have put special emphasis on companies, products and services of the scientific sector. In other pages we review important events that have taken place in recent weeks and months, which tes- tify to the strength and progress of Cuba’s international economic relations in the face of the hostility that seeks to hinder them. An offprint inserted in this issue updates the status of foreign investment at the Mariel Special Develop- ment Zone one year after the publication of the article “Mariel: from Project to Fact” in our magazine. Cuba Foreign Trade is also pleased to present a testimony of the 55th anniversary of its foundation. We welcome our partners and other businessmen who visit us and those who join us in cordial ties and common interests, wishing them all a profitable and happy stay at Fihav 2019. Today, everything we do takes place in circumstances of marked hostility towards Cuba, its people and its economy from President Trump and his Administration. The Cuban business system, a relevant sector in our country, is fighting this battle together with the people: a battle of resistance and confrontation with the hatred, lies and aggressiveness imposed on us by the current US government.

Orlando Hernández Guillén OFFICIAL PUBLICATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA NO. 4/2019 EXECUTIVE BOARD DIRECTOR Loida E. Rivera Fabré PRESIDENT EDITOR Orlando Hernández Guillén Carlos M. Menéndez VICE PRESIDENT TRANSLATION Rubén Ramos Arrieta Abel González Alayón GENERAL SECRETARY ART-DESIGN Omar de J. Fernández Jiménez Roilán Marrero Gómez COVER-DESIGN José Enrique Area Echemendía BOARD OF DIRECTORS PROOFREADERS Maritza Lam Tajes INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT Olimpia Sigarroa Celia M. Labora Rodríguez ADVERTISING Lucila M. Domínguez Garcés FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS DEPARTMENT PRINTER Miriam Martínez Delgado Arelys B. Alfonso Zamora LEGAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT Natacha Gumá García ASSOCIATES DEPARTMENT Milena Pérez Cepero INFORMATION AND PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT Loida Rivera Fabré Editorial Office: Calle 21 no. 661 esq. a calle A, INFORMATICS DEPARTMENT El Vedado, La Habana, Cuba Reynol González Carballosas Phone: (53) 78338040 E-mails: ACCOUNTING AND FINANCES DEPARTMENT [email protected] / Danay Verdecia Navarro [email protected] Website: www.camara.cu HUMAN CAPITAL AND CADRES DEPARTMENT Belkis Smith Pérez Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba World Trade Center Havana Member of the International Chamber of Commerce ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE DEPARTMENT Alberto López Rodríguez Articles and graphic materials may be totally or partially reprinted provided the source is credited. CONTENTS

5 The City and Science

8 Economic Potential of the Capital

14 BioCubaFarma - Group of Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical Industries

16 Sierra Maestra: A Scientific Institution with History and Future

Inversiones Gamma: servicios profesionales del más alto estándar 19 Inversiones Gamma: Professional Services of the Highest Standard

26 Cecmed: Strategic Center for the National Health System

28 INN: Highly Qualified Medical Services

30 Cuba-European Union Joint Council

32 Developments in Cuba-Russia Economic Relations

34 New agreements with Vietnam

36 Mediators of the Cuban Court of Arbitration Ratified

37 Cuba Foreign Trade’s 55th Anniversary

44 THE CHAMBER TODAY TRIBUTE OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA AND CUBA FOREIGN TRADE MAGAZINE

he Cuban capital is about to celebrate its 500th Tanniversary and Cuba Foreign Trade, as the official publication of the Chamber of Commerce, wants to join the celebration. It will do so by pay- ing tribute to those features of the city proper of the magazine’s profile, namely, its remarkable economic potential, its export capacity, its business opportunities, and its interest for foreign investment. However, as the diversity of these topics is so wide in the capital, they will be divided by sectors addressing each in successive issues of the magazine in order to provide the required space. On this first occasion, a subject with a long tra- dition and current strength in Havana will be addressed: science.

Frontispiece of the Museum of the History of Sciences, former venue of the Academy of Sciences, in Havana’s Historical Center National Center for Scientific Research, cradle of modern science in Havana

THE CITY AND SCIENCE Carlos Manuel Menéndez Lara

n the history of the city, science has a long history, became the seat of the colonial government. How- Ialthough of course Havana’s economy had a dif- ever, it was not recognized as capital until 1607. The ferent beginning. title of city had been conferred on it in 1592. Since the beginning of the Spanish colonies in Thus, Havana grew and developed. After the America, every year two fleets left Seville for the initial gold rush, exports consisted of tobacco and new overseas possessions: one in April to Mexico sugar cane, honeys and raspaduras, among other and the other in August to South America. For rea- goods. Meanwhile, services to the fleet and crews, sons of Cuba’s geographical location and sailing on the one hand, and smuggling, on the other, pro- convenience, both fleets had to meet in Havana duced essential income for the population. before embarking on the return trip to Europe in A milestone in the history of science in the March. This fact turned the port of Havana into a capital were, undoubtedly, the visits of the great great commercial center of America. German scientist Alexander von Humboldt at the The city boomed, and from 1563 onwards the beginning of the nineteenth century (in 1800-01 governor, who until then had settled in Santiago and 1804). Here he developed important works de Cuba, moved his residence to this town, which FOREIGN TRADE Pepe Menéndez : Pepe Photo

Foto / Humboldt’s house in the Historical Center of Havana

5 as a naturalist, geographer, economist and other After 1959, science gained a boom that was an- branches of science, but he was also connected nounced in the prophetic words of the leader of to notable scientists who were already outstand- the Revolution, Fidel Castro: ing in Cuba, such as the educator José de la Luz y Caballero, the doctor and hygienist Tomás Romay, the economist Arango y Parreño and others with whom he maintained relations of collaboration and respect. The Academy of Medical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Havana already existed in the 19th century, where personalities such as the civil engineer Francisco de Albear, the naturalist Felipe Poey, and very prominently the doctor Carlos J. Finlay worked.

“The future of our Homeland must necessarily be a future of men of science.”

From a very early date, biotechnology began to be promoted as a cutting-edge branch of the country’s scientific development. Some milestones of this process were:

Tomás Romay -1965: Foundation of the National Center for Sci- entific Research (Cnic). -1981: Beginning of the National Center for Bio- logical Research, which developed leucocyte and recombinant interferon and the first monoclonal antibody. -1986: Foundation of the Center for Genetic Engi- neering and Microbiology (CIGB). -1989: Creation of the meningitis vaccine, the world’s first effective vaccine against group B me- Pepe Menéndez : Pepe ningococcus. -1990-1996: Extensive investment program and Photo accelerated development of a scientific center west of the capital; creation of research-production in- Foto / stitutions; improvement of the health register; creation of the basis for the evaluation of products. FOREIGN TRADE Pepe Menéndez : Pepe Monument to Dr. Carlos J. Finlay in the Historical Center Photo

Entrance to the Planetarium of Havana Foto /

6 Pepe Menéndez : Pepe Pepe Menéndez : Pepe Photo Photo Foto / Foto /

This is how it came to be today, when Havana plays an important role within the scientific level that is also present throughout the country. The following pages present: Façade of the ancient Academy of Sciences - the consolidation and advances of biotechnology together with the pharmaceutical industry in the BioCubaFarma Business Group, whose headquarters and main institutions are located in the capital, - the continuation in the Sierra Maestra scientific, technological and innovative center of the research carried out by Commander Fidel Castro, Menéndez : Pepe - the interrelation of different scientific institutions in the services promoted by GAMMA Invest- Photo ments, - a strategic center for scientific development Foto / and health: Cecmed, - an example of the advanced medical services offered by Cuba: the Institute of Neurology and Neu- rosurgery and its international medical assistance facilities, which are outstanding testimonies of the link between the city of Havana and science.

Sources Eusebio Leal: “History, Geography... and Business”, interview by Fernando Dávalos, CFT 1/98. Armando Bayo: Humboldt. Ciencias Sociales Publish- ing House, 1972. Enildo González: “Cuba’s first exports in the 16th century”. CFT 4/09. Ecured: Carlos J. Finlay Museum of the History of Sci- ence. FOREIGN TRADE

7 ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF THE CAPITAL HAVANA, AT 500, HAS MORE TO OFFER Eng. Luis Carlos Góngora Domínguez MSc. Isabel Luisa Hamze Ruiz

A sea that is eager of palms bling casinos, prostitution and recreation centers and the foam of rumba and son… for wealthy clients. At the same time, an impor- Nicolás Guillén tant part of its population, workers and the un- employed lay in miserable living conditions, slums, he Conquistador Diego Velázquez organized, overcrowded cities, and scarce opportunities for Twith mercantile vision, the location of the first education and health. seven villas in the island that he was conquering, The 1959 Revolution arrived in the capital on Jan- and the kings trusted his sound sense when issuing uary 8 with the triumphal entry of the Rebel Army the foundational edicts. The cross that marked for headed by Fidel Castro, and from that moment on posterity the exact place of the event was nailed in it was another story for the people of Havana. the shadow of a robust ceiba tree. Nearby, only a A world of new possibilities opened up for its few meters away, Havana Bay, privileged by nature inhabitants, and while the richest went north flee- with its almost perfect bag shape, offered refuge ing the Revolution of the humble to maintain their against hurricanes, storms and assaults. social advantages, thousands and thousands of Havana became the port with the greatest young people joined a new life of literacy educa- movement in the new world, the starting point tors, industrious workers and students of multiple for other conquests, a safe stopover for the ships careers. that took the riches of our America to Europe and The Empire did not wait long to punish with hard

FOREIGN TRADE brought goods, animals, plants and colonizer or en- blows the audacity of choosing a different course slaved men from all continents. from the one they had ambitioned for more than a Thus, being a bridge for trade, Havana grew as a century for nearby Cuba. But the rebellious island metropolis and over the years began to develop a went further: it resisted, advanced, resisted again hotel infrastructure. It was also the scene for ma- and advanced again. The capital is the summary fiosi and traffickers to invest their capitals in gam- of that development, and today, in the midst of a

8 : Jorge Ricardo Photo Foto /

Nicolás Guillén, in a sonnet dedicated to the Bodeguita del Medio, referred to the characteristics and symbolism of this unique restaurant of Havana:

La Bodeguita es ya la bodegona, que en triunfo al aire su estandarte agita, mas sea bodegona o bodeguita La Habana de ella con razón blasona.

Hártase bien allí quien bien abona plata, guano, parné, pastora, guita. Mas si no tiene un kilo y de hambre grita no faltará cuidado a su persona.

La copa en alto, mientras Puebla entona su canción, y Martínez precipita marejadas de añejo, de otra zona, brindo porque la historia se repita, y porque es ya la bodegona nunca deje de ser La Bodeguita. new aggressive escalation, it resists and advances of the world in December 2014 after three years of toward the progress that has been designed for its a hard-fought competition among 1,200 cities of future. Havana’s economy is its solid prow. With the the planet. The chain of Havana’s high standard mixture of different ownership and management hotels is diversified and multiplied, and is managed forms and with the opening to foreign investment by different Cuban and foreign companies and by in numerous sectors, Havana is growing. joint ventures. It is complemented by a network of 15,000 private lodgings and six lodging cooperatives. Food and beverages, retail and recreational services make significant contributions to the Havana economy. The constant demand of its more than two million inhabitants and almost one million daily visitors from all over the country and overseas is growing. These services are offered by state enterprises, 161 cooperatives and 35,179 private citizens. Many of its restaurants enjoy high international prestige such as El Floridita, La Bodeguita del Me-

: Jorge Ricardo dio, La Guarida, El Aljibe and others. One of the most important challenges of this sector is to raise

Photo the quality of services, improve the conditions of its facilities and diversify their offerings to meet

Foto / the current demands. The movement of people in the metropolis to and from other regions of the country, and the transfer of Cubans and foreigners between this city and the world as well as the cargo transportation integrate a sector of far-reaching impact on Strengths the economy of Havana. The plans and challenges In the year of its 500th anniversary, the capital point to the growth of equipment and infrastruc- ended the first semester with a growth in its econ- ture for the improvement of all transport indica- omy, which means an important contribution to tors. Railways, land transportation, aviation and the country’s results. maritime transport are called to continue multiply- Havana has a highly qualified and competitive ing and increasing their efficiency. workforce that takes on production, services and scientific research in all sectors with promising results and increasing productivity. The capital’s economy is based on key sectors such as construction, carried out by more than 50 state-owned companies, 42 cooperatives and around 10,400 self-employed workers who inte- grally assume the construction processes of projects, rehabilitation, assembly of new works or repair of roads, etc. Havana’s builders are respon- sible for important transformations taking place in the city: the rescue of areas for the conservation of architectural heritage, the improvement of housing and the construction of modern facilities that have received an important boost in the context of the celebration of the 500th anniversary. The future development and prosperity of Havana

FOREIGN TRADE will depend to a large extent on the improvement, growth and efficiency of the construction activity. Another important area is tourism. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are attracted by the patrimonial beauties and hospitality of its people, qualities that turned it into one of the seven wonder cities

10 Havana is home to emblematic transportation Havana most cherished around the world are Par- facilities such as the José Martí International Air- tagás, Cohiba, Romeo y Julieta, Montecristo, Hoyo port and the Railway Central Station, which is now de Monterrey, H.Upmann, José L. Piedra, Simón being restored. Bolívar, Vegas Robaina, Quintero,and Fonseca. Other main export lines of Havana’s economy are the products of the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries. The BioCubaFarma Business Group, whose headquarters and main centers are located in the capital, is one of the most important in this sector. This organization exports to more than 50 countries and holds 1800 patents abroad. Among its institutions are the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), the Center for Production of Laboratory Animals (CENPALAB), the Center for Immunoassay, and the Center for Molecular Immunology (CIM). Suchel Camacho, a Havana-based company that produces cosmetics, hygiene products and per- fumes, places emphasis on exporting Cuban per- fumes of exquisite fragrance such as “Alicia”, and has just presented a star product on the occasion of the 500th Anniversary of the Village of San Cris- tóbal. The aroma of the fragrance “D´Habana” al- ludes to the Malecón and Caribbean sensuality, with a case representing the iconic Giraldilla that invites sailors to come ashore. Havana Exports The setback in the relations with the United States and the tightening of the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba have a negative impact on the Havana economy. This sce- nario does not paralyze growth but rather calls for creativity and aggressiveness in trade policy, which is oriented towards export growth, import substitution and the invigoration of production chains. President Diaz-Canel has insisted on the matter and systematically checks the progress that must result from the highly qualified and competitive human capital and the leading export products of international prestige whose productions can be increased. On the other hand, it is imperative to diversify the range of export products by emphasizing the initiative of the territories based on their characteristics and potential. The call of the Cuban president was reiterated in September as an urgent need. It is possible to produce for export and this is evidenced by the examples that emerge both in Havana exports high quality services. The medi- large industries and in small craft workshops. An cal services of all specialties have become an appre- example of this is Humidores Aguilera, where a ciated item throughout the world. The profession- group of hard-working handicraft artists create el- alism, humanism and expertise of Cuban doctors FOREIGN TRADE egant and coveted cigar humidors. have been tested in the most complex situations: World-famous cigars made from the unsur- earthquakes, hurricanes and epidemics such as passed leaves of the century-old tobacco planta- those of cholera and Ebola. The millions of patients tions of Pinar del Río are excellent export prod- they have treated keep for life the memory of a lov- ucts. Among the tobacco brands manufactured in ing and different treatment.

11 The academic services of teachers and profes- or services, contracts for the provision of professors of the different teachings enjoy special pres- sional services, and risk contracts for the explora- tige in the world. The “Yes, I Can” literacy method tion of non-renewable natural resources, construc- has been developed in different languages, and tion and agricultural production. through its application millions of people around In the case of totally foreign capital companies, the world have learned to read. The training of the possibilities are: the foreign investor may es- professionals in different upper and middle-level tablish himself in the national territory as a natu- careers has experts in Havana’s institutions. ral person acting on his own behalf; a legal person Postgraduate studies, especially the training of may constitute a Cuban affiliate of the foreign en- teachers and doctors in various sciences are of- tity owned by him, or a legal person may establish fered by prestigious teams of teachers who inte- a branch of a foreign entity. grate projects in different countries. Many investors have opted to invest in Cuba, The export of sports training services, physical and the portfolio of the Ministry of Foreign Trade culture for different ages and the development and Investment is constantly increasing. of projects for the sports organization are export There are eight projects in construction, nine lines for which the capital has evident strengths. in food production and distribution, 33 in the con- An example is the performance of doping tests in struction and marketing of hotel capacities in the the modern Havana laboratory founded by Com- city, six in the construction and administration of mander Fidel Castro, which has never lost its cer- cultural or recreational centers, and others in pack- tification. aging, computer equipment and audiovisual media Entities such as EGREM, ARTEX and the Fondo for the education, operation and administration of Cubano de Bienes Culturales, among others, com- the Casablanca shipyards; construction and equip- mercialize artistic products with high aesthetic ment of an international sports medicine, anti- values that represent Havana’s traditions in music, doping control and education clinic; and textile plastic arts, theater, dance, literature, cinema, and and footwear production, etc. the most authentic crafts. Havana has obtained export licenses for live ani- Habaneros mals, medical equipment, biopesticides, construc- The city that celebrates half a millennium is an tion materials, liquors, audiovisual and multime- inexhaustible source of spirituality, creativity, soli- dia products, ferrous and non-ferrous recyclable darity and drive. The people of Havana, who are waste, and many others about which there is de- celebrating the foundation of their cosmopolitan tailed information in the Trade Directory of the Re- and magical city these days, are also carrying out public of Cuba. the feat of advancing their economy in spite of the blockade, and for this purpose they insert their Opportunities for Foreign Investment productions in the international market and call In Cuba, a new Constitution was approved less for foreign capital investment in various spheres of than a year ago. The law of laws defines a socialist, production and services. independent, sovereign, democratic, prosperous and sustainable country, with a planned economy that takes into account the market and regulates and controls it according to the interests of society. The following forms of property are recognized and offer ample opportunities in accordance with the law: socialist property owned by all the people, Sources cooperative, private, and mixed, among others. Statistical Yearbook, National Statistics and Informa- It also promotes and provides guarantees for tion Office (ONEI). foreign investment. Havana is the main place to Economic Results at the End of June 2019, Provincial invest, and as established by Law No. 118, this can Division of Economics and Planning (DPEP) of Havana. be done in the form of mixed enterprises, interna- Cuba Foreign Trade 1 / 2019. tional economic association contracts and totally Cuba: Portfolio of Foreign Investment Opportunities

FOREIGN TRADE foreign capital companies. The international eco- 2018-2019. nomic association contracts include, among oth- Commercial Directory of the Republic of Cuba. ers, contracts for hotel management, production

SCIENCE

Group of Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical Industries BIOCUBAFARMA Efficient, Competitive and close cycle Enterprises

ioCubaFarma es una organización empresarial 20 000 trabajadores que la integran. Cada una de Beficiente y competitiva que investiga, desarro- estas instituciones está organizada siguiendo el lla, produce y comercializa medicamentos, siste- principio de empresa de “ciclo cerrado” que inte- mas de diagnósticos, equipos médicos y servicios gra todas las etapas de realización del producto, de alta tecnología, a partir del desarrollo cientí- desde la investigación hasta la comercialización, fico-técnico, con destino al mejoramiento de la para maximizar el impacto de sus programas de salud del pueblo y la generación de bienes y servi- I+D en la biotecnología y la industria farmacéutica. cios exportables y tecnologías de avanzada en la producción de alimentos.

FOREIGN TRADE Es un sector estratégico para el país, desarro- llado sobre una sólida base científica, que cumple con altos estándares de calidad y un alto prestigio internacional. Su fortaleza y valor agregado se de- rivan de las 32 empresas, ocho de ellas comercia- lizadoras, 61 líneas de producción y de los más de

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Con más de 30 años de experiencia en inves- tigación, cumplimiento de Buenas Prácticas de Fabricación, ensayos clínicos y exportaciones, la industria biofarmacéutica cubana es actualmente un sector maduro que se beneficia de las sinergias entre todas sus empresas. BioCubaFarma fabrica y distribuye más de 1 000 productos, de ellos 482 medicamentos incluidos en el Cuadro Básico de Medicamentos de Cuba. Estos satisfacen diferentes programas de salud que abarcan todas las etapas de la vida como son: Entre los impactos de la biotecnología agrope- - Programa para la atención integral al paciente cuaria están la vacuna Gavac, una aplicación para diabético. el control de la garrapata, y la novedosa vacuna - Biofármacos originales para cáncer, diabetes, Porvac contra la peste porcina. enfermedades cardiovasculares y enfermedades BioCubaFarma tiene una presencia internacio- autoinmunes. nal consolidada, 765 registros médicos sanitarios - Biosimilares, que incluyen anticuerpos mono- en 53 países y exportaciones a más de 50 países. clonales. Cuenta con más de 400 proyectos en diferentes - Medicamentos genéricos y productos quími- fases de desarrollo y una gran cartera de inven- co-farmacéuticos de avanzada. ciones con 2 640 patentes registradas en Cuba y - Sistemas para diagnóstico temprano y preven- en el exterior. ción del cáncer, malformaciones hereditarias, en- Las líneas estratégicas para la diversificación fermedades infecciosas, enfermedades no trans- de productos de BioCubaFarma se concentran en: misibles y otras. - Equipos médicos, dispositivos y tecnologías - genéricos médicas avanzadas. - biosimilares - Biotecnología agropecuaria. - productos innovadores - Productos naturales. - productos naturales - Neurociencias y neurotecnologías. - equipos y dispositivos - hemoderivados - derivados de la placenta The Cuban biopharmaceutical industry is ready to - productos agropecuarios strategically increase its international network of - intangibles associations. Its catalogue of products and intangi- ble assets provides the basis for an open and flexi- Además de su red nacional de empresas, BioCu- ble approach. baFarma tiene una amplia presencia internacional a través de empresas mixtas en China, España, Singapur y Tailandia. También cuenta con empre- Entre sus productos líderes para uso humano sas 100% cubanas en Venezuela, Ecuador, Brasil y se encuentran: México, una oficina de representación en China y una sucursal en Colombia. - Heberprot-P La industria biofarmacéutica cubana está lista - Heberferon para incrementar estratégicamente su red inter- - ProctoKinasa nacional de asociaciones. Su catálogo de produc- - Nimotuzumab tos y activos intangibles proporciona la base para - Vacuna CIMAVax EGF un abierto y flexible enfoque de colaboración con - Melagina plus socios externos a través de modelos como la ne- - PPG gociación de proyectos en estadios tempranos

del desarrollo, licencia y codesarrollo de proyec- FOREIGN TRADE tos, creación de empresas mixtas en Cuba y el exterior, contratos de representación y distribución, creación de empresas 100% capital cubano en el exterior, contratos de transferencia tecnológica y servicios de manufacturas.

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Present headquarters of Ecti Sierra Maestra

A SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION WITH HISTORY AND FUTURE Dra. Marisol González Pérez MSc. Miguel Julio Pérez Fleitas

he Sierra Maestra Entity of Science, Technology It has a staff of more than 700 workers that in- Tand Innovation (Ecti) is a continuation of im- clude researchers of different profiles, specialists, portant research initiated in 2011 by Commander in technologists, technicians, and specialized agricul- Chief Fidel Castro Ruz in agriculture, food, the phar- tural workers, as well as service personnel. It has maceutical industry, biotechnology and cosmetol- generated jobs for people without previous employ- ogy, among other branches of the economy. It was ment commitments, and in several projects such as created on December 26, 2017 by Decree 338/2017, as sericulture, women are the main work force. a public entity subordinated to the Council of Minis- Among its functions are: ters of the Republic of Cuba. The Sierra Maestra Ecti is made up of five projects - To produce plants and seeds of Moringa oleif- and five production base units (UBP) where part of era, Morusalba, Cratylia argentea, Thitonia diversi- the research is carried out. It has more than 1,000 folia, Plukenetia volubilis, Stevia rebaudiana, Cur- hectares devoted to agricultural and livestock pro- cuma longa and Hibiscus sabdariffa, among others, ductions located in the Cuban western provinces of for the planned experiments and the commercial- Pinar del Río, La Habana, and Mayabeque. The main ization of products derived from these plants. plantations and research productions are managed - To develop productions derived from the above agroecologically and, in some cases, organically. described plants for the domestic market and ex- The entity produces through full cycle processes port. and works in strategic alliances with prestigious in- - To have a quality management system and the stitutions within and outside the country. linkage with the food, pharmaceutical, biotechno-

FOREIGN TRADE logical, cosmetics and textile industries, among others.

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Currently the main projects of the Sierra Maestra Ecti are:

- Moringa as nutritional supplement The Moringa oleifera, coming from India, is one of the most useful plants because of its high nutritional value. In many countries it is cultivated for human and animal consumption, and in Cuba it is also used for both purposes. These products are developed in pilot plants and marketed in chain stores and pharmacies. An as- Sacha Inchi products sortment of them is part of the Ministry of Public Health’s basic framework of natural medicines. The literature refers that the consumption of these products has hypoglycemic antihypertensive, anti-fatigue, and anti-inflammatory effects.

- Sericulture Sericulture is the combination of morera cultivation and silkworm breeding. This novel project for Cuba has focused on “functional silk”, which is the production of biomaterials such as proteins and oils from silkworm cocoon molecules, obtained from the cocoon and the chrysalis. Medicinal planta Stevia The silkworm has been raised since 2011, and with this project, imports in the cosmetics industry have In a rigorous process and with traceability, the been substituted since 2016. leaves and seeds are daily processed to obtain prod- The protein components of the silkworm co- ucts for infusions, salads, sauces, soups, stews, coon are very valuable. Sericin stimulates collagen fried foods, and dressings in general, and also to production and anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, be mixed with juices or fruit cocktails and varied regenerating and antioxidant properties have been dishes of the international cuisine, which enriches described, among others, making it an excellent their value. component for preparing cosmetics. The available products are: Another protein is fibroin, which has biomechani- cal properties, slow biodegradation, innocuousness - Capsules and jars with moringa leaf powder. and biocompatibility, making it an excellent bioma- - Packets of dehydrated tea leaves in 30 g and 100 terial for a wide range of therapies. g formats. The product currently marketed is “silk protein - Moringa seeds. hydrolysate” (or sericin) for cosmetics, and the ef- - Moringa oil. fectiveness of its pharmaceutical use is being inves- tigated. The products under development from sericulture are:

- Silk protein nanoparticles for medicinal uses. - Silk thread filaments for health and textile applications. - Chrysalis oil for cosmetic and medicinal use. - Sericin cream for the treatment of burns and wound healing. FOREIGN TRADE

Moringa products

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- SachaInchi The cultivation of these medicinal plants can con- The plant known as sachaInchi (Plukenetiavolu- tribute to family farming projects, local develop- bilis) originates in the Peruvian Amazon and has oil- ment and municipal self-sufficiency. rich seeds with a high content of omegas 3, 6 and 9. Among the main components of Sacha Inchi we find Work Projections proteins, essential fatty acids and vitamin E. In project are the strengthening of potentiali- Roasted seeds and extra virgin nutraceutical ties for the development of value chains; achieve- oil are currently marketed, with a high content of ment of Good Production Practices and knowledge omegas 3, 6 and 9. on procedures that ensure the innocuousness of Main products are: the crops and fruits to be used as food, nutritional supplements, cosmetics or medicines; the constant - Soft capsules withSacha Inchi oil. training of agricultural and industrial producers, - High protein, gluten-free flour. and market studies to place the products in the in- - Nutraceutical emulsion for human consumption. ternational market in the short and medium terms. To date, 15 products have been marketed, the - Plants of high protein value for animal feed commercial register of which is available. Plans are Four plants of high protein value have been stud- to develop new productions until obtaining more ied: than 40 by 2021. The Sierra Maestra Science, Technology and In- - Morus alba (morera). novation Entity is open to the development of joint - Tithonia diversifolia (tithonia). research, the investment of foreign capital and the - Moringa oleifera (moringa). introduction of its productions in the international - Cratylia argentea (cratylia). market, and it is continuity and commitment of the work initiated by the historical leader of the Cuban All of them have more than 20 % protein contents, Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz. are well adapted to the tropics, and have possibilities of more than four harvests per year, providing abundant green or dry biomass for animal feed. These plants are not used massively in the country; therefore, we work on their dissemination and generalization among technicians and producers to create valuable food sources for livestock, fresh Contacts: fodder supplemented with pasture and components of animal feed, along with other national en- Dra. María del Carmen Pérez Hernández ergy sources. General Director Telephone: 7272 4535 - Medicinal plants Email: [email protected] The Sierra Maestra Ecti has been working since 2012 with four other plants with medicinal proper- Dra. Marisol González Pérez ties in addition to moringa: Director of Science, Technology, Research, Devel- opment and Industrial Production - Hibiscus sabdariffa (Jamaica Flower). Telephone: 7272 0223 - Morus alba (morera). Email: [email protected] - Curcuma longa (turmeric). - Stevia rebaudiana (stevia). MSc. Miguel Julio Pérez Fleitas Commercial Manager The research is based on the optimization of ag- Telephone: 7272 0223 ricultural and industrial processes, the character- Email: [email protected] ization of active ingredients, the traceability of final

FOREIGN TRADE products, and the performance of clinical trials in justified cases to enable their recommendation as natural products for the treatment of diseases.

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Inversiones GAMMA S.A. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD División de Mercadotecnia, Inversiones GAMMA Marketing Division, Inversiones GAMMA

ince the beginning of the twenty-first century, which undoubtedly leads to a notable increase in SGAMMA has consistently made interesting gains the quality and efficiency of the services provided. by its management successes in a sector of the Among the outstanding results we can mention: economy that was beginning to expand and has become the country's main source of hard currency - five National Service Exporter Awards received earnings: the export of services. in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009, granted by the GAMMA is a mercantile society founded on July Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment 8, 1988 with the objective of providing services re- (Mincex), lated to scientific, technological, information, and - the considerable increase in the implementa- environmental issues generated by institutions and tion of its services in Cuba, centers linked to scientific and research activity. - the sustained growth of its exports. During these years, the consolidation of an In- tegrated Management System has been achieved, FOREIGN TRADE

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The services provided by the company include: Abroad stands out the work performed in Mexi- co, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Recovery of beaches and coastal areas It is a service of excellence in which specialists Implementation of the Maintenance Manage- from GAMMA and other Citma institutions such ment System as the Institute of Marine Sciences and other en- This service is based on software created by the vironmental centers of the province participate. company itself and validated by national and inter- The works carried out benefit tourist poles of para- national regulatory organizations. It is an integral mount importance for the country such as Varade- technology accompanied by a computer system for ro, the northern keys of Villa Clara and Ciego de the organization and control of the planned pre- Ávila. It has become an important service from the ventive maintenance activity, designed to reduce country's point of view. maintenance costs. In Cuba it is implemented in the Today there is a State Plan for Confronting Cli- Electrical Union, the Cuba-Petroleum Union (Cupet), mate Change known as "Life Task" and mitigating BioCubaFarma and in the nickel industry. the effects in the coastal zone is a priority for the It has also been implemented in the international country's environmental policy. GAMMA is part of airport of El Salvador, in 19 hospitals in the Domini- tasks such as: can Republic, 11 hospitals in Mexico and 6 sugar mills in Brazil, among others. - To identify and undertake comprehensive and progressive actions and projects to adapt to cli- Environmental Studies mate change in order to reduce vulnerability in the The Company has carried out and continues to 15 prioritized areas considering the threatened pop- carry out environmental impact studies, monitor- ulation, their physical and food security, and devel- ing of variables, application for environmental li- opment of tourism, in that order. censes, recovery of water and contaminated land, - To conserve, maintain and recover the sandy management and use of land waters and protected beaches of the Cuban archipelago, prioritizing areas, etc. Its main clients in Cuba are Empresa de those urbanized for tourist use and reducing the Perforación y Extracción de Petróleo del Centro y la structural vulnerability of the built heritage. de Occidente, Cupet, Cubacafé and Empresa de Ser- vicios Necrológicos de La Habana. Its services have In addition, work is being done on the recovery been exported to El Salvador, Ecuador and the Do- of beaches in the region as a result of hurricanes minican Republic. and other disasters with the support and advice of multinationals as prestigious and experienced as the Dutch Van Oord. FOREIGN TRADE

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Risk Studies - To consolidate technical-commercial groups They include natural and technological risks, di- with a view to developing the main work lines saster reduction plans, safety reports, technical - To establish transparent and mutually advanta- support in the elaboration of the technological geous alliances with research centers, universities license, technical support through geographic in- and companies formation systems to support contingency plans - To strengthen the company’s infrastructure against spills, models of the drift of oil stains in the and logistics, allocating the main existing means ac- sea, inspection and quality control of mechanical as- cording to the main activity sembly and welding, among others. In Cuba, Cupet - To achieve accreditation in national and interna- and BioCubaFarma stand out as regular customers. tional regulatory organizations. Mexico, particularly its oil industry, is an important - To export only if professionalism and service foreign market. quality are guaranteed.

GAMMA as professional services exporter Strategic alliances have been established with Its strategy is based on the principle "the more companies of world reference, which has allowed national, the more international". All its exportable the company to enter markets of interest. services have been put into practice and validated For more than 20 years the company has worked in the national territory. together with research centers throughout the A first step was to develop a marketing strategy country to respond to the demand of the produc- until 2005 that took into account the most stable tive sector on environmental issues, with constant services, focused on the following objectives: feedback, always seeking the best solution to prob- lems that arise. - To carry out the export strategy with the defi- In 2018, the company executed more than 200 nition of target markets and concrete actions to- specialized work projects. Of these projects, 65 wards these objectives were executed in conjunction with other centers, - To generalize in Cuba the scientific results identi- with the participation of approximately 300 spe- fied in conjunction with research centers and uni- cialists. versities, and to respond to the demand in time and with the required quality MAIN SERVICE SUPPLIERS. RESEARCH CENTERS AND ENTERPRISES

INSMET INSTEC Institute of Meteorology Higher Institute of Technology and Applied Sciences

IGT Institute of Tropical Geography CICA Center for Environmental Ins- pection and Control CNAP National Center for Protected Areas FOREIGN TRADE

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ICIMAR CEADEN Institute of Marine Sciences Center for Technological Appli- cations and Nuclear Develop- ment

IGA Institute of Geophysics and As- CSAM tronomy Center for Environmental Servi- ces of Matanzas

IES Institute of Ecology and Systematics BIOECO Eastern Center for Ecosytems and Biodiversity CENAIS National Center for Seismologi- cal Research

CESAMVC Center for Environmental Stu- IDICT dies and Services of Villa Clara Institute of Scientific and Tech- nological Information

CPHR Center for Radiation Protection CISAT and Hygiene Center for Environmental and Technological Research and Services of Holguín

CIGET Cienfuegos FOREIGN TRADE

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ALLIANCES TO STRENGTHEN SERVICES IN CUBA AND ABROAD WITH NATIONAL ENTITIES

Cuban pilots (company that directs and performs the pilotage activity as a navigation assistance ser- GEOCUBA (Business Group for Environmental Servi- vice) for the training of pilots of the ports of El Sal- ces), to provide environmental services in Cuba and vador. abroad

EXTRANJERAS / FOREIGN

LABIOFAM, with projections for the implementation of the SGESTMAN and mounting of fermenters and quality control of materials. Van Oord, The Netherlands (company specialized in maritime works) in the process of approval as an International Economic Association

COPEXTEL for the installation design of solar panels

DELTARES, The Netherlands (Independent Institu- te for Applied Research in the Field of Water and Subsoil) GAMMA encourages systematic exchanges with universities as part of a university-productive sector chaining.

TECNOINSPEC S.A de C.V, Mexico (inspection and technical consulting enterprise)

Information Technology Enterprise (ETI) (develo- per of applications for process management; tech- Illumina Green Corporate, Mexico (leading enter- nical services and equipment repair to the entities prise in environmental chemistry) of the biopharmaceutical industry) for the implementation of SGESTMAN and its migration to the Web.

IMDEA Water Foundation, Spain (institutes to pro- FOREIGN TRADE mote excellent R+D+I activities)

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Contributions As a result of the joint work with research centers and universities, certain contributions have ECONOVO, Argentina (sustainable technology en- been made: terprise) To the Research Centres - R+D+i strategy adapted to the demands of society - Resources to be able to continue developing the scientific activity - Greater comprehensiveness in the training of CESI´NTERNATIONAL, Dominican Republic (enter- specialists prise for multiple business and personal services) To the Universities - Insertion of students in the execution of services linking theory with practice - Tutoring of thesis and undergraduate studies - Possibility of giving training courses to our specialists - Recruitment of teachers to provide joint ser- LATAM Sustainable, El Salvador (technology trans- vices fer center focused on renewable energies, energy - Support for the improvement of laboratories, management and water management) classrooms for training, etc.

TO GAMMA CON ORGANIZACIONES - Staff and expertise that add value to business INTERNACIONALES management WITH INTERNATIONAL - Resources that guarantee the company’s sus- ORGANIZATIONS tainability - Social recognition for the contributions and impacts of technological solutions provided to society. - Recovery in the short and medium terms of the investment in professionals and research centers - Application of the best scientific results in the UNDP United Nations Development Program (con- country’s main productive sectors tributes to sustainable human development in its - Contribution to the conservation of the envi- economic, social and environmental dimensions) ronment to register GAMMA as supplier of environmental - Export revenues services. - Ensuring sustainable development

To Society KEY SERVICES - Recovery in the short and medium terms of - Recovery of beaches and coastal areas the investment made in professionals and research - Implementation of the Maintenance centers Management System - Application of the best scientific results in the - Environmental studies main productive sectors of the country - Risk studies - Contribution to the conservation of the environment

FOREIGN TRADE - Export revenues - Ensuring sustainable development

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Market Segments - Rehabilitation of the dune strips of the beach- The main services and technologies offered by es east of Havana, by means of joint actions of the company focuses on market segments where a GAMMA, the Institute of Marine Sciences, the In- demand already exists such as: stitute of Ecology and Systematics and the Citma Territorial Delegation of the capital. - Tourism - Implementation of the Maintenance Manage- - Industries such as nickel, petroleum, food, Iron ment System in 24 BioCubaFarma companies, the and steel industry and chemistry, among others. Cupet Union, the Electric Union, and hotels such as - Public services such as electricity generation Iberostar Parque Central, NH Capri, Victoria, etc. - Hospitals - Quality and supervision of investments in the - Execution of investments capital repair to Plant 1 of Ñico López refinery, and - The pharmaceutical and biotechnological sector to the Quality Systems of Tabacuba and Ediciones Caribe. Export destinations - Assembly and welding, including in reverse GAMMA has an export strategy for the period osmosis plants in BioCubaFarma: hemoderiva- 2019-2023, where it establishes target markets. The tives plant, Aica, Citox, MedSol, CIGB, Julio Trigo, most probable potential market is Latin America Novatec, CIM, Centro de Histoterapia Placentaria, and the Caribbean, and our actions are directed to Center for Placenta Histotherapy, Roberto Escu- the oil and mining industries, as well as to the tour- dero and Aerofarma. ism and health sectors, among others. - Assembly of the fermentation system in La- Work has been going on in countries such as El biofam. Salvador, Dominican Republic, Panama, Bolivia, Ja- - Environmental diagnosis of Cubacafé, specifi- maica, Mexico, Curacao and Colombia. cally to the Selecto and Regil Coffee roasting en- In 2018 GAMMA signed 17 contracts with for- terprises, 8 Vías, and the Base de Aseguramiento eign companies and organizations operating in Habana. the country. The main counterparts were: Sherritt - Air quality sampling to Empresa de Servicios International, OXFAM, Lloyd's Register and Zafiro Necrológicos Habana in the incinerators of Guana- Technologies Spain S.L. Also with the Mariel Special bacoa, Santiago de las Vegas and Colón cemeteries. Development Zone. Lastly, the training process, vital for any or- GAMMA’s contributions to the capital’s envi- ganization, has had an important support in the ronmental sustainability Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba be- At a time when Havana is celebrating its 500th cause through its often personalized workshops it anniversary, GAMMA has developed several works has been possible to update on topics with an ap- that favor a healthy environment in accordance proach that takes into account the international with current environmental regulations. Among environment. its main actions are the following:

- Natural and technological risk studies in seven investments for the reconstruction of buildings under the care of the Historian´s office, BioCuba- Farma, MedSol, the Center of Placental Histother- apy, Novatec, Aica, CIGB, the Ñico López refinery, the fuel trading and manufactured gas companies, and the Regil Coffee Roasting enterprise, among others. FOREIGN TRADE

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CECMED STRATEGIC CENTER FOR THE NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

s its name indicates, the Center for State Con- actions, industry development, and the National Atrol of Medicines, Equipment and Medical De- Program of Medicines. vices (Cecmed) is in charge of regulating, control- Cecmed has ensured capacities in response to the ling and overseeing the quality and effectiveness rapid growth of the national biopharmaceutical in- of clinical trials, diagnoses, drugs, equipment, and dustry, dedicated to the development of complex other means and procedures, in support of Cuban and innovative products for the health system. health. Minister Portal pointed out that Cecmed was the Last April Cecmed celebrated its 30th anniversa- first authority in Latin America to receive the evalu- ry, and on that occasion its outstanding trajectory ation and certification of the vaccine regulation was recognized at a meeting held in Havana’s Con- system from the World Health Organization (WHO). vention Center. This was essential for the prequalification of the Cu- The Minister of Public Health, Dr. José Ángel Por- ban recombinant vaccine against hepatitis B, allow- tal, stressed that since its founding this institution ing its acquisition and use by United Nations agen- has achieved a strategic union among regulatory cies in vaccination campaigns in other countries. FOREIGN TRADE

CENTRO PARA EL CONTROL ESTATAL DE MEDICAMENTOS, EQUIPOS Y DISPOSITIVOS MÉDICOS Ministerio de Salud Pública de Cuba

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In 2010, Cecmed was evaluated and certified as The President Visits Cecmed the National Regulatory Authority of reference for The then President of the Councils of State and the Americas. Ministers, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, visited Ce- Dr. Rafael Pérez Cristiá, director of Cecmed, re- cmed on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its ferred to the creation of the Latin American Asso- foundation by Commander Fidel Castro. ciation of Professionals of Regulatory Matters, Aló Díaz-Canel toured the Center, signed the visitors’ ProCiencias. book, and briefly addressed the workers, acknowl- Within the framework of the First International edging their work, dedication and professionalism, Meeting for the Regulation of Medicines and Medical and the national and international prestige they Devices, held in Havana on the occasion of Cecmed’s have achieved. 30th anniversary, important events took place such as the first Cuba-Russia Meeting of Russian agencies and companies for pharmaceuticals and devices, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Cecmed and the Federal State Institute of Medicines and Good Practices of Russia. FOREIGN TRADE

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HIGHLY QUALIFIED MEDICAL SERVICES he Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery functional neurosurgery and stereotaxia, epilepsy T(INN) is the founding center and rector of neu- surgery, neuro-oncology and neurosurgical pain rosciences in Cuba. It is the headquarters of the management. More than 50% of elective major national groups of Neurology and Neurosurgery. surgery performed in the institution is carried out More than five decades of experience guarantee through minimal access. the professionalism and scientific results. Perspectives Its mission is to promote and develop scientific To continue expanding endoscopic endonasal research and technological innovation in both spe- skull base surgery, one of the most difficult per- cialties. formed within the cranial cavity, and to continue It trains science professionals and the necessary developing epilepsy surgery. personnel to provide qualified medical service by highly professional and experienced professors Educational Programs and specialists, among them numerous PhDs. The Center offers short courses, trainings and specialized guided visits related to all the special- International Medical Assistance Room ties that complement Neurology and Neurosurgery INN has an international medical attention room diagnoses. specialized in the field of neurology and neurosurgery for foreign and Cuban patients living abroad. Main Services It offers excellent service with comfortable private Neurology: rooms, air-conditioned, bathroom with hot and - Epilepsy protocol and sleep disorders. cold water, cable television, communication with - Brain-vascular disease protocol. the nursing room, telephony and bed for compan- - Movement disorders protocol. ion. Gastronomic service is also offered à la carte, - Neuromuscular diseases group. except when a medical diet is recommended. - Pediatric neurology protocol. - Endovascular therapy. Technologies Available at the Institute The Center has state-of-the-art operating the- Neurosurgery: aters, with highly sophisticated microsurgery - Central nervous system tumors protocol. equipment, stereotactic guidance, image integra- - Cerebrovascular surgical pathologies pro-

FOREIGN TRADE tion system and 3D neuronavigation, as well as tocol. equipment for intraoperative neurophysiological - Spinal surgery protocol. control in tumor and rachimedullary resections. - Epilepsy surgery group. The Institute’s Leading Services - Hydrocephalus protocol. Specialization lines such as: complex tumor sur- - Protocol for microsurgical approach in disc gery, endoscopic and skull base neurosurgery, min- pathologies (herniated discs). imally invasive and reconstructive spinal surgery, - Pain surgery protocol. 28 SCIENCE

Physical medicine and personalized neurologi- - Natural and traditional medicine: ozone therapy. cal rehabilitation: - Speech, language and voice therapy. - Protocol of attention in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Other specialties: - Protocol of attention in Ischemic or Hemor- - Neurocognition. rhagic Ictus in acute, subacute and chronic - Neuroepidemiology. stages, and in other static encephalic diseases - Neuropharmacology. in adults. - Neurophysiology. - Protocol of attention in neuromuscular dis- - Neurogenetics. eases (myelopathies, radiculopathies, plexop- - Neuroimaging. athies, neuropathies and myopathies). - Neuroimmunology. - Protocol of attention in neurosurgical affec- - Neuropathology. tions (disc hernia, spontaneous myelopathy, - Neuropsychology. rachimedular and cranioencephalic trauma - Neuropsychiatry. in subacute and chronic stages and operated brain tumors).

Through: - Functional physical evaluation. - Kinesiotherapy. Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery - Occupational therapy. Calle 29 esquina a D, El Vedado, Havana, Cuba - Physical agents: electrotherapy, magneto- Web: www.smcsalud.cu therapy, laser therapy, thermotherapy, thera- International Medical Assistance Room peutic ultrasound and therapy with deep os- Tel: (53) 7833-0163 cillations, among others. E-mail: [email protected] INTERNATIONALS

Cuba-European Union Joint Council BILATERAL LINKS ARE MOVING FORWARD

he Second Joint Council between Cuba and the TEuropean Union (EU) took place in Havana on September 9th chaired by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for For- eign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the European Commission. The meeting takes place in the context of the consolidation of the Agreement of Political Dia- logue and Cooperation (APDC), signed in 2016 between Cuba and the EU and its member states as a regulatory framework for bilateral relations and In Old Havana the strengthening of a transparent and respectful As part of her agenda in the Cuban capital, Mrs. exchange. Mogherini and the delegation that accompanied This Second Joint Council was considered suc- her visited the former Santa Clara Convent, in the cessful and mutually beneficial by both parties. process of restoration and destined to become a Previously, Rodríguez Parrilla had received Mrs. center for academic training in arts and crafts for Mogherini at the headquarters of the Cuban Minis- the restoration and conservation of the heritage try of Foreign Affairs on September 8 in a meeting of Cuba, the Caribbean and the Antilles, under in which the good state of relations between Cuba the name of Colegio de Santa Clara. The tour was and the EU was highlighted. guided by the Historian of the City of Havana, Dr. Eusebio Leal Spengler. The Convent of Santa Clara is the third social In a moment of his statement to the press, the work developed jointly in Old Havana by the City Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked the Historian’s Office (OHCH) and the EU, after the traditional position of the EU in rejection of the Center for the Interpretation of Cultural Relations

FOREIGN TRADE policy of blockade of the United States, as well Cuba-Europe, in the former Palacio del Segundo as more recently to the application of Title III Cabo, and the Center for Adolescents. of the Helms Burton Act. “The ruinous convent of Santa Clara, a National Monument, will become the headquarters of the Santa Clara School, which will be a large workshop, supported by EU funding,” explained Leal.

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Key Areas of Cooperation - The APDC has effectively contributed to the Both sides agreed to continue to develop and development of political dialogue and coopera- progressively expand cooperation in key sectors. tion with the EU on the basis of mutual respect, Cooperation with the EU includes areas of spe- reciprocity and equality, observing the rules of in- cial relevance to Cuba such as: ternational law and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. - renewable energies - During the first year of implementation of the - agriculture ADPC, as provided for in the Agreement, the first - tackling climate change Joint Council and the first Sub-Committee on Coop- - culture eration were held with positive results. In addition, - exchange of experts for the modernization of the five planned political dialogues were success- the economy fully held.

The senior European official underlined the willingness “to exploit even more the potential of the Diaz-Canel received Federica Mogherini European bloc in areas such as trade and invest- After the second Joint Council, President Miguel ment.” Díaz-Canel received the High Representative of the The head of Cuban diplomacy assured that the European Union. island and the bloc have proposed to develop tri- In a cordial atmosphere, they discussed the angular cooperation projects with third countries implementation of the APDC, the good state of biof the South. lateral relations and the intensification of the US Some Aspects and Results of the Cooperation: blockade against Cuba and its extraterritorial effects. They also addressed other issues on the inter- - Cuba has full diplomatic relations with the 28 national agenda. member states of the European Union and celebrated last year the 30th anniversary of the estab- Sources: ACN, Cubadebate lishment of relations with the European Commu- nity. - The regulatory framework for Cuba’s relations Mogherini made it clear that the decision of the with the EU is the APDC, which establishes the con- European business community to continue in- ditions for the development of stable, mutually vesting and trading with the island is strong. beneficial and long-term ties. FOREIGN TRADE

31 INTERNATIONALS DEVELOPMENTS IN CUBA-RUSSIA ECONOMIC RELATIONS elevant events have taken place in recent times intervened and the message of the Government of Rthat have boosted economic relations between Russia was heard in the words of Marina A. Boro- Cuba and Russia. vskaya, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Ed- ucation of the Russian Federation. Present at the First National Exhibition of Cuba in Russia opening ceremony were Gerardo Peñalver, Cuba’s ambassador to Russia; Sergei Bednov, Expocen- tre’s general director, and numerous directors of Cuban and Russian entities and businessmen. During the tour of the Exposition, Vice President Cabrisas exchanged with representatives of Cuban exporting companies about the importance of the Russian market for the products and services of the Island. He also attended the signing of the protocol of the meeting of the health and technology group of the Intergovernmental Commission Cuba-Russia by the Vice-Ministers of Health of Cuba and Rus- sia, Marcia Coba and Sergey Kraevoy, respectively. He also witnessed the signing by the Agricultural Business Group of the contract for the export of 11 Cuban agricultural products to the Russian market. The First National Exhibition of the Republic of The Cuban Exposition was a propitious context Cuba in the Russian Federation was held from Sep- for the celebration of important events such as the tember 18 to 20, 2019 at the Expocentre Exhibition 10th Session of the Cuba-Russia Business Commit- Centre in the city of Moscow, as part of the activi- tee; the presentation of traditional Cuban prod- ties for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations ucts such as those of culture; beverages, coffee and between Cuba and Russia that will be commemo- seafood; and the presentation of the Cuban science rated on May 8, 2020. sector through medical services, the pharmaceuti- The exhibition was organized by the Chamber of cal and biotechnological industry and the centers Commerce of the Republic of Cuba and sponsored of nuclear energy and advanced technologies. by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Invest- The President of the Cuban Chamber of Com- ment (MINCEX), the Chamber of Commerce and In- merce held important meetings with his counter- dustry of the Russian Federation, the National Com- parts from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry mittee for Economic Cooperation with Latin Ameri- of the Russian Federation, Expocentre and the Eur- ca, the Expocentre Exhibition Center and the Cuban asian Economic Commission. Embassy in Russia. The First National Exhibition of Cuba in Russia The Cuban pavilion covered an area of 600 m2, allowed Cuban businessmen to present their prod- where fifty Cuban institutions and companies from ucts and services in the Russian market, to have practically all economic sectors exhibited. The busi- meetings with possible interested parties and to ness delegation was presided over by the President advance in the ongoing negotiations. In the same of the Chamber of Commerce, Orlando Hernández way, documents were subscribed for the continu- Guillén. ity of the exchanges between the companies of Vice President of the Council of Minis- both countries. ters Ricardo Cabrisas delivered the main address at the inauguration. The president Source: Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of the Chamber of Commerce of Cuba also of Cuba FOREIGN TRADE

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Cuban-Russian Intergovernmental Commission the sustained increase in bilateral economic-com- The 17th Session of the Cuban-Russian Intergov- mercial exchange between the two nations in re- ernmental Commission for Economic-Commercial cent years, affirming that they aspire to a greater and Scientific-Technical Collaboration was held presence of the export of Cuban goods and ser- in Moscow, headed by the Vice-Presidents of the vices in the Russian market. Borisov expressed Governments of Cuba, Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, and Russia’s willingness to support Cuba in the midst of Russia, Yuri I. Borisov. of the difficulties caused by the illegitimate sanc- The meeting began with a reduced-format meet- tions against the Island, a policy that Russia, also ing between the two co-chairs, where the state of subjected to unjust sanctions by the West, rejects. execution of the main economic projects currently At the end of the meeting, the minutes of the being developed between the two countries was re- Commission’s session were signed by both Vice- viewed, especially in the areas of energy, transport, Chairmen. For their part, the Vice-ministers of steelmaking, the medical-pharmaceutical industry Energy and Mines of Cuba, Yuri Viamontes, and of and the scientific-technical sphere, among others. Energy of Russia, Pavel Sorokin, signed two docu- This was followed by the plenary session of the ments that support Russia’s participation in Cuba’s Commission, in which officials and businessmen energy development program. Finally, a contract representing the most relevant areas of bilateral was signed between the Cuban company BK Im- collaboration participated. Several deputy minis- port and the Russian company VeyaInvest for the ters from both countries presented the results of modernization of the Cuban textile industry. the work of the respective working groups that had met in Havana and Moscow, as part of the Source: Digital Granma preparation of the Commission’s work. Cabrisas highlighted Russia’s effective participation in Cuba’s main economic and social devel- The President of the Russian Government Visits Cuba opment programs, and confirmed the will of the The President of the Government of Russia, Dim- Government of the Island to continue expanding itri Medvedev, was received by the First Secretary and strengthening these ties. He recognized the of the Communist Party of Cuba Raúl Castro, and by firm position of the Russian Federation against the the President of the Republic, Miguel Diaz-Canel economic-commercial and financial blockade main- during his official visit to Havana in early October. tained today by the United States government Among other activities of the intense agenda he against the largest of the Antilles, and highlighted displayed, the distinguished visitor witnessed with the recent statements of representatives of the the Cuban president a ceremony of signature of bi- FOREIGN TRADE Russian government denouncing the tightening of lateral agreements on scientific-technical coopera- the siege of Washington against the Island, through tion and on customs activity. the adoption of new and more severe sanctions. For his part, Vice President Borisov highlighted Source: Granma Newspaper, Friday, October 4

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INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMISSION IN HANOI NEW AGREEMENTS WITH VIETNAM

he 37th Session of the Vietnam-Cuba Intergov- related to the field of health services and pharma- Ternmental Commission took place in Hanoi last ceutical and biotechnological products. September. Ministers Malmierca and Pham Hong Ha signed Cuba's Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign In- the protocol of the XXXVII Session. Both officials vestment, Rodrigo Malmierca, and Vietnam's Min- agreed that bilateral economic, commercial and ister of Construction, Pham Hong Ha, presided over cooperation ties are going through an excellent the talks. period, as well as the need to strengthen them in The delegations worked in three commissions: order to bring them up to the level of political iden- tity between the two nations, at a time when they - industry, commerce, construction, banking, are preparing to celebrate the 60th anniversary finance, investment, transport, communication, of their diplomatic relations on December 2, next education, culture, sport, and tourism; year. - agriculture and fisheries; During his stay in Vietnam, Malmierca was re- - science, technology, biotechnology, and health. ceived by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, who expressed his willingness to continue stimulating Both parties agreed to follow up on the imple- trade and investment on the island, and to support mentation of the trade agreement signed in 2018 cooperation in programs such as rice production. and to update the bilateral economic agenda for He also held meetings with other senior govern- the 2020-2025 period. They also agreed to speed up ment and business officials. the construction of Vietnamese-funded projects Malmierca visited Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam's that are currently underway. most populous city), where he chaired a business The Cuban side explained its goal of promoting seminar. exports of goods and services, particularly those FOREIGN TRADE

34 INTERNATIONALS

Agreements Signed It was agreed to renew the bilateral economic Six memorandums of understanding: agenda for 2020-2025. It was also agreed that the Trade Agreement - between the drug regulatory authorities of will enter into force once the ratification process both countries, by both parties has been completed, which is ex- - between the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba pected to happen in 2019. and the People's Committees of the provinces The guidelines for economic partnership, invest- of Quang Tri and Quang Binh, and the provincial ment and trade for 2019-2020 were agreed. mother-child hospitals of Quang Ngai and Tra Vinh, - between the Medical University of Hanoi and the University of Medical Sciences of Havana.

The Scientific-Technical Collaboration Plan was approved for 2019-2020 with diverse interests in science and technology, as well as in the health sector. The progress of collaborative projects in the ag- rifood sector was reviewed: in coffee, which has Sources: Asia and Oceania Commercial Policy Division, been running since 2016, and the fifth stage of the Juventud Rebelde newspaper, Prensa Latina news rice project, running since May 2019. agency. FOREIGN TRADE

35 CUBAN COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE ARBITRATION MEDIATORS WERE RATIFIED

PhD. Armando Castanedo Abay, vice-president of the Cuban Court of International Trade Arbitration (CCACI)

or some time now, the mediation services offered by the Cuban Court of International Trade Arbitration Fhave demonstrated the effectiveness of the win-win formula applied to differences. The parties, together with their mediators, have evidenced the feasibility of reaching agreements that strengthen their mercantile bond and transcend the relationships that support them. We refer to the practical experience gained by CCACI in the mediation process with companies interested in resolving their differences quickly and effectively in a neutral and confidential environment. The principles of international trade mediation, its procedures and updated techniques in the hands of competent professionals who protect the interests and needs of the mediated companies, achieve an effective merger for a nuanced commercial management of high security and full confidence. Practical experience shows, once again, that the creativity inherent in business links can use the differences as an opportunity for relational growth. The process of international trade mediation, through successive approximations, penetrates deep into the satisfactory exchange of opportunities between businessmen, investors and other trade operators, and leads them along the most productive paths in the midst of enriched trade relations of mutual benefit. The CCACI mediators who will be in charge of the processes to facilitate the understanding between companies operating in international trade were ratified in September 2019. FOREIGN TRADE FOREIGN TRADE

3836 Cuba Foreign Trade’s 55th Anniversary HISTORY AND MEANING OF THIS MAGAZINE Carlos Manuel Menéndez Lara

n May-June 1964 Cuba Foreign Trade (CFT) num- in Geneva, a text of historical significance, to a Iber 1 of year 1 was published as the official organ of work by the prominent intellectual PhD Juan Pérez the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba, de la Riva on demography in Cuba. The rest are which means that it is now celebrating 55 years. promotional materials on export offers, exporting companies and trade with specific countries. Review of issue 1 It is worthwhile to remember what that new The Four Seasons of CFT publication looked like. First of all, it must be said The magazine continued to be published with that from the beginning it was a bilingual publica- more or less similar characteristics, as can be as- tion: Spanish and English. However, two magazines certained from revising the original copies. After- were printed, one in each language. wards, the magazine recessed sometime in the The first issue, made by designer Daniel García, 1970s. had a sober, elegant presentation, in duotone, with But that had been only a “first season”: three some photos and varied illustrations, with 34 pag- other “seasons” were to follow. es, so that the total number of pages did not differ At the end of the 1980s Julio García Oliveras, as too much from the current one. On the back cover president of the Chamber of Commerce, promoted there was nothing less than a beautiful drawing by a restart of the publication, now in four-color for- the great Cuban artist René Portocarrero. mat, with larger format and only in English lan- As for its content, it was headed by a message guage. from the founding president of the Chamber, and By the mid-1990s, CFT was bilingual again, for the therefore of the magazine, Amadeo Blanco, in first time both in a single magazine and in the cur- which he briefly explained the raison d’être of the rent format. However, after Oliveras ceased as pres- new magazine. ident and the editorial staff changed, CFT became A list of 17 foreign irregular and its profile trade companies was pre- began to lose definition. sented, all subordinated In addition, the Cham- to Mincex and probably ber published in parallel the first associated to the another magazine called Chamber of Commerce. Contactos, with similar Some of them published objectives and content. advertisements in the At the end of 1997 Mir- magazine. iam Martínez assumed In the legal page you the direction of the mag- can see that the first di- azine in her capacity as rector of CFT was the Director of Information notable Cuban historian and Publications, under Manuel Moreno Fraginals. the presidency of Carlos It is good to remember M. Salsamendi. Contac- that Moreno is the author tos extinguished and of a work, “El Ingenio”, CFT, after a brief period, which has become what went from six to four an- Che Guevara predicted nual issues. would be “a Cuban clas- From then on, and sic”. for 15 years, a period of FOREIGN TRADE The variety of con- complete stability was tents ranges from the achieved, with more full text of Commander than 60 issues appear- Ernesto Che Guevara’s ing uninterruptedly and 1964 UNCTAD Conference on scheduled dates until

37 2011. The profile was better defined and strength- - Information on the situation and perspectives ened on the basis of the national interests of for- of the national economy, its foreign trade and foreign trade and foreign investment, as well as asso- eign investment, to support the work of entrepre- ciated entrepreneurs. In addition, it recovered the neurs, and dissemination with a view to interested thematic variety and the cultural breath it had had foreign organizations and entrepreneurs. in its foundation. - The above includes officially authorized statis- During these years there was strong support for tics, basically from the National Office for Statistics the magazine from Chamber presidents Antonio and Information (ONEI). Carricarte, Raúl Becerra, and Berta Delgado. - Record of the institutional life of the Chamber A new period of irregularity and weakening of and its members. the content followed for some time until the pres- - Promotion of the objectives of trade and other ent, when efforts are being made to consolidate economic links of Cuba abroad, including: a publication that guarantees its raison d’être. Currently, a digital version is also being published, export products and services which can be consulted at www.camara.cu import substitution foreign investment Why CFT? international tourism CFT magazine has a unique profile within the uni- verse of Cuban publications. The essence of CFT’s - Promotion of the work of the associated com- editorial profile is to be an action of information panies, including presentation of the same or wider and promotion in favor of four subjects: dossiers. - Promotion of links with countries of interest, - Cuba’s economic policy, their markets, fairs, etc. - companies associated to the Chamber, mainly - Recording of historical information of Cuban those linked to the external sector, foreign trade as a strengthening of the sense of be- - products intended for export or for foreign ex- longing and of the historical memory of the sector. change earnings, and - Publication of the main legal dispositions relat- - foreign investment in Cuba. ed to our topics and of expert works on them. - Information on the international economy of No other Cuban publication has a similar profile. interest for the work, particularly of associates and officials linked to international economic relations. - The magazine’s main destination is the business - Dissemination of topics of practical interest for world: companies, entrepreneurs, business organi- companies, such as: certificates of origin, payment zations. CFT is, and must be more and more, a suit- conditions and documents, the Incoterms, exchange able instrument to get the message across to those rates, marketing techniques, and others. recipients. - These recipients should be, among others, chambers of commerce, business associations of industry, commerce and navigation, trade and investment promotion agencies, trade points, international institutions linked to the economy and business, selected foreign companies, banks and others. - CT’s reach is strengthened by the fact that it is a bilingual publication (English-Spanish).

Editorial Profile Based on the Chamber’s objectives, that is, “to promote Cuba’s international economic relations and support the work of member companies for

FOREIGN TRADE FOREIGN TRADE the benefit of the national economy,” the CFT pro- The Cuban Book Institute granted CFT a diploma on the 40th file should include: anniversary of its first issue.

4038

Espace Québec at FIHAV 2018

INFORMATION OF THE QUEBEC OFFICE IN HAVANA QUEBEC: AN ACTIVE PRESENCE IN CUBA uebec is the largest of the 10 Canadian prov- The Quebec delegation will be composed of the Qinces. It benefits from major advantages in its following 6 companies: quest to succeed in the global marketplace. Que- - Canadian Food Wholesaler is an international bec’s economy is relatively diversified, boasting nu- wholesaler of Canadian food products that repre- merous sectors of excellence that are supported by sents Québec producers. a wide array of players dedicated to research and - Cargomax International provides international innovation. It possesses a highly skilled labor force freight transport and logistics services. and abundant natural resources. In particular, its - Diesel Expert Québec provides, overhauls, and exceptional hydroelectric capacity means that 99% reconditions spare parts for large diesel engines of the energy it produces is clean, renewable, and (HFO) installed in power generating plants. competitively priced. - Jaly International specializes in the manufac- Quebec is a world-class exporter in a number of ture and sale of products tailored to the oil in- major industrial sectors, including aerospace, en- dustry. tertainment, and ICT, and its biggest city – Montreal - Roy+LeClair Emballage manufactures plastic – has established itself as the world’s second largest containers for the pharmaceutical and industrial global hub for artificial intelligence. sectors. - Société Laurentide develops and manufactures Quebec at FIHAV 2019 environmentally friendly paint. This year marks Quebec’s 12th participation in the Havana International Fair. Centrally located in Over the past twenty years, nearly one hundred the Canada Pavilion, Espace Québec (stands 24-25) Quebec companies have participated in trade mis-

FOREIGN TRADE will host several Quebec businesses active in the sions to Cuba with the support of the Government agri-food, construction, health, energy, and trans- of Quebec. portation sectors that are looking to expand their business ties with Cuban companies.

40 Since its inauguration in September 2017, the Quebec Government Office in Havana (BQLH)has provided support to many Quebec companies interested in the Cuban market with a view to di- versifying their exports. Its mandate is to identify, inform, and coach Cuban partners in order to facilitate the efforts of Quebec companies. It benefits from the support of the Embassy of Canada to Cuba and works closely with major economic partners, including the Canada-Cuba Chamber of Com- Johanne Desnoyers, Director, Que- merce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce bec Government Office in Havana of the Republic of Cuba. Quebec has developed close relations with Cu- ban government authorities and institutions. In 2016, the Premier of Quebec headed the first major Le Québec possède une économie novatrice et mission to Cuba accompanied by some forty rep- ouverte sur le monde. Cette année, le Québec en resentatives of Quebec companies, and met with sera à sa 12e participation à la Foire internatio- President Raúl Castro. The Minister of International nale de La Havane. Bien localisé au sein du pavil- Relations and La Francophonie travelled to Cuba on lon du Canada, l’Espace Québec (kiosques 24-25) several occasions between 2015 and 2017. She was accueillera plusieurs entreprises québécoises present at the 2017 edition of FIHAV, where she met des secteurs de l’agroalimentaire, la construc- the Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Invest- tion, la santé, l’énergie, et le transport, souhai- ment, Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz. It was during this tant développer leurs liens d’affaires avec des visit that she inaugurated BQLH. entreprises cubaines. A Quebec-Cuba working group sets out bilateral Depuis sa création en septembre 2017, le Bureau cooperation guidelines and action priorities in the du Québec à La Havane a appuyé plusieurs entre- economic, culture, energy, agri-food, and health prises québécoises intéressées par le marché cu- sectors. The tourism sector is also a key sector for bain dans une perspective de diversification de collaboration given the large number of Quebec leurs exportations. Son mandat est d’informer, tourists who visit Cuba each year. A call for projects accompagner et identifier des partenaires cu- is launched each year to support the development bains afin de faciliter les démarches des entre- of partnerships between Quebec and Cuban orga- prises québécoises. nizations.

Drop by Espace Québec and meet the representatives of the participating Québec companies. FOREIGN TRADE

41 INFORMATION OF THE ITALIAN AGENCY FOR FOREIGN TRADE, ICE OFFICE HAVANA THREE YEARS PROMOTING "MADE IN ITALY" IN CUBA fter a long and fruitful relationship with the Along with the City Historian’s Office, the Center ACuban Chamber of Commerce of the Republic for Restoration and Design (ReDi) was selected as of Cuba, Mincex, Procuba, the Cuban Embassy in one of the works to celebrate Havana's 500th An- Rome and the Cuban business system, the Italian niversary. Agency for Foreign Trade (ICE) decided to open its Unique was the support to the National Design Office in Havana on June 1, 2016, endorsed by the Office (ONDi), in conjunction with the Italian Em- Italian Embassy, with the objective of continuing to bassy, at the Havana Design Biennial, where the Ita- support, now in situ, the insertion of Italian com- lian Design Day was celebrated with the presence panies in the Cuban market. of Francesco Meda, a prestigious and award-win- Italy has maintained its position as Cuba's seven- ning Italian designer. th largest trading partner and improved its partici- Trade missions organized for Cuban business- pation as a supplier in 2018, despite the complex men at fairs in Italy have increased. In 2018, they financing conditions Cuba is facing at the moment. participated in Expocomfort, Vinitaly, Cibus, Mar- In recent years, the Cuban government has moMacc, and Maker Faire. This year again at Vini- approved several Italian investments, such as: taly, Macfrut, in support of the Cuban export potential in the fruit and vegetable sector, and at the - an international economic partnership be- Salon of Restoring in Ferrara. tween the Toma Group and the Cuban Dinvai for The 37th edition of Fihav will confirm the choice the construction of two hotels in the patrimonial and pertinent presence of Italian entrepreneurs in zone of Trinidad for the Spanish Meliá and Iberos- the Cuban market. As in all events held during 2019, tar hotel chains. ICE will be inspired by the 500th anniversary of the - In the ZED Mariel, the first two Italian-Cuban death of Leonardo Da Vinci and the foundation of joint ventures were created: Arthis, for the produc- Havana. In addition, in November there will also be tion of disposable diapers, and Vidrios Mariel S.A., an opportunity to organize and share the excellen- for the production of glass containers. ce of culture through the celebration, for the first - in the municipality of Habana del Este, the Co- time in Cuba, of the 4th Week of Italian Cuisine in mital company for the production of filled pasta. the World. This is testimony to the functioning of the coun- The results of the promotional action of ICE try system, supporting Italian companies that al- have been evidenced in the 12th Construction Fair, ready have relations with Cuba and those approa- Fecons, and 36th Havana Fair, Fihav, in April and No- ching this reality for the first time. In that sense, the vember 2018, respectively. The collective participa- young ICE Havana Office confirms itself as a valid tion, as well as the products and services exhibited bridge between both countries, both for the pro- were awarded, making Italy the most recognized motion of "Made in Italy" and for a more structured foreign country. In 2019, ICE has been present in and efficient approach to the Cuban market.

FOREIGN TRADE all the specialized fairs celebrated in Cuba, such as Cubagua, Pacgraf, and HostelCuba. In the last one, for the first time several Italian entities exhibited together.

42 MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS AT THE SERVICE OF ENTREPRENEURS he Center for the Promotion of Foreign Trade As an entity dedicated to promotion, it releases Tand Investment (ProCuba), belonging to the commercial and advertising publications aimed at Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment of making visible not only export products, but also Cuba (Mincex) has more than twenty years of work the institutions that create and market them. Such at the service of Cuban businessmen and current or is the case of the Commercial Directory of the Re- potential foreign partners. public of Cuba and the Cuban Exportable Supply of Its mission is oriented to the development and Goods and Services. On the other hand, Mercado promotion of foreign trade and foreign invest- is a magazine intended for specialists, leaders and ment, the management of commercial information technicians of the Cuban business system and na- and the market research to be implemented by the tional organizations linked to foreign trade. It con- companies in accordance with the objectives and tains economic, financial and commercial topics priorities of the country. related to international trade and its incidence in It provides specialized services to companies that Cuba, as well as country profiles and business op- import and export goods and services, to produc- portunities. It opens the possibility of placing ads ers of exportable funds and to potential foreign of entities producing and marketing goods and ser- partners for the promotion and commercialization vices, free of charge. of their products as well as for the identification of business opportunities with foreign investment. Commercial Directory of the Republic of Cuba Among its main services are the dissemination The Commercial Directory is a biennial promo- of information on trade and investment, econom- tional publication. It contains basic information on ic news and exchange rates of currencies, as well Cuban companies that export, import and produce as guidance and advice on how to negotiate with for export. Each new edition is launched in the con- Cuba. ProCuba is also in charge of organizing agen- text of the Havana International Fair. das for delegations visiting the country. In addition to the contact details of the compa- On the other hand, information on international nies and the presentation of the products they ex- suppliers and clients is a highly demanded service port or import, the Directory contains other docu- by the Cuban business sector, since the analysis of ments and audiovisuals of interest. suppliers is a very useful tool in the face of strong Its edition has been presented in various formats competition. To request this type of service, com- with the aim of seeking optimization in terms of de- panies only need to contact them at procubainfo@ sign and content of interest to the user and easy to mincex.cu. interact. The representation of Cuban companies in in- The most recent edition includes more than 300 ternational fairs and events is an opportunity that companies, and ProCuba has chosen to create a many businessmen exploit. The center offers this web application, anchored to the institutional site, service to entities lacking the means to promote from where all the data offered by this Directory their products abroad. can be viewed. The organization of specialized workshops and It is very useful to have a comprehensive and seminars is a priority objective and one of the main truthful document with information on the entities functions of ProCuba. To this end, it maintains co- of the Cuban foreign trade sector, since it can be- operative relations with various study centers, con- come a safe way of contact with business interests sulting firms and academic institutions. from abroad. Likewise, it carries out trend studies, market studies of commercial nature related to sectors, products, countries or regions strategic for Cuba, and provides advice and guidance to companies in FOREIGN TRADE the accomplishment of their market research.

43 The Chamber Today VISIT TO THE EURASIAN ECONOMIC COMMISSION n September 22nd, the President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba, Orlando Hernández OGuillén, visited the Eurasian Economic Commission (CEE) where he held a meeting with the minister for Fis- cal and Economic Policy of this organization, Mr. Timur Zhaxylykov. The president of the Chamber expressed Cuba's willingness to strengthen ties with the EEC in order to re- enter the markets of its member countries with traditional export items such as tobacco and rum, and intro- duce new ones such as biotechnological and pharmaceutical products. Mrs. Zhaxylykov expressed the intention to increase cooperation with the island and invited his Cuban coun- terpart to participate in the Commission's main exchange event, the Businessmen's Forum, to be held in Be- larus next year. Saadat Assanseitova, Deputy Director of the Commission's Development and Integration Department, and the Deputy Director of its International Cooperation Department, Mr. Antón Azarov, were present at the meeting. On the Cuban side, Hernández Guillén was accompanied by the Director of Fairs and Exhibitions of the Chamber of Commerce, Miriam Martínez, and the Third Secretary of the Cuban Embassy in Russia, Víctor Rodríguez.

Source: ACN FOREIGN TRADE

44 The Chamber Today CUBA-UKRAINE BUSINESS FORUM

he Cuba-Ukraine Business Forum was held on September 23 and 24 in Kiev, the Ukrainian capital, organized Tby the Chamber of Commerce of Cuba in coordination with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine and the League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Ukraine, with the support of the Cuban Em- bassy in that country. The President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Gennady Chizhikov, and the President of the Ukrai- nian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, Mr. Anatoli Kinaj, took part in the inauguration of the Forum. On the Cuban side, Miriam Martínez, director of Fairs and Exhibitions of the Chamber of Commerce and head of the Cuban business delegation and Natacha Díaz Aguilera, Chargé d'Affaires of the Cuban Embassy in Ukraine took the floor. The Business Forum included several sector panels, with presentations and bilateral meetings of the Cuban companies dealing with products and services of the agro-food, cultural, construction, health, nuclear energy and advanced technologies, computer science, telecommunications and mining branches. During the stay in Kiev, the Cuban delegation developed an intense schedule of visits to companies and economic objectives, organized by the Ukrainian counterparts. In turn, the representatives of the Cuban Chamber held meetings with their counterparts of the Cham- ber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine, the president of the League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Ukraine, and the president of the Council of Entrepreneurs of Ukraine-Cuba, Caribbean Area Countries and Latin America. An outstanding meeting was held with the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture, Mr. Olexi Perevezentsev, who announced the participation of Ukrainian businessmen in the 37th edition of the International Fair of Havana. FOREIGN TRADE

45 The Chamber Today COMMERCIAL MISSION TO FRANCE

Cuban delegation organized and led by the Chamber of Commerce visited France from September 10 Athrough 14 to attend as guest of honor the 35th edition of the L´Espace Collectivités. Every year, this show brings together important French companies and institutions from almost all sectors, as well as leading economic players from France. Among the main events in which the delegation participated were:

- Business forum at MEDEF International. - Opening of the Cuban stand in the L´Espace Collectivités with the presence of the Secretary of State for For- eign Trade and Tourism of France, Mr. Jean Baptiste Lemoyne and Mr. Jean Charles Negre. The first Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Marcelino Medina attended, among others. - Colloquium “Cuba: Economic Attractions and Potentialities.”

Source: International Relations Division of the Chamber of Commerce FOREIGN TRADE