by Yosley Carrero

The fourth China International Import Expo (CIIE) will contribute to the recovery of the Cuban economy from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a senior Cuban government official has said.

"It will provide Cuba with the possibility to showcase its products as well as to plan new agreements between participating countries," Antonio Carricarte, president of Cuba's Chamber of Commerce, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"The CIIE, along with China's Belt and Road Initiative, is in line with the leading role China is playing against unilateralism and protectionism," he said, adding that "the expo will continue to strengthen relations between Chinese business people and their Cuban counterparts."

Highlighting the importance of this year's CIIE for exhibitors and companies from different countries, Carricarte said "it will contribute to identifying export and investment opportunities in Cuba."

Cuba will display various products and services from such fields as biotechnology, agriculture, tourism, medical care and culture at the ongoing expo, the official said, adding that Cuban participants will highlight the promotion of "its biopharmaceutical industry and health system with highly skilled human resources" that have contributed to the country's effective response to COVID-19.

"The production of vaccines in Cuba, including those meant to combat COVID-19, is a direct consequence of the development of our human capital, science and productive capacities. And this Cuban achievement will be seen at the expo," he said.

As one of Cuba's main commercial partners and fundamental export markets, China has provided the island country with diverse opportunities and initiatives, which reinforced bilateral economic relations, he said.

"Cuba's attendance at the CIIE in the past years has led to increased exports of rum, honey and sea products to the Chinese market," Carricarte said, adding that "the same is expected for Cuban premium cigars."

"We will step up our participation in the fairs and exhibitions in China as well as in China's Belt and Road Initiative, concentrating our efforts on undertaking projects through foreign investment, which are expected to boost the growth and diversification of Cuban exports of goods and services," he said.