Vietnam and Cuba strengthen relations 

ARTEMISA.– Motivated by the excellent relations that characterize the history between Vietnam and Cuba, Le Hoasi Trung, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Asian nation and its Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) this Sunday.
At the Cuban company ViMariel S.A., which has been operating on the island since 2019 and has been entirely foreign-owned, he made his first stop with his delegation. There, Ana Teresa Igarza Martínez, General Director of this economic enclave, highlighted that Vietnam is the second country with the largest business presence in the Zone.
The official explained that "this visit is part of the agreements adopted in 2024 by the leaders of the Parties and leaders of the States of both countries.
"It allows us to assess the performance of Vietnamese businesses in our country, in sectors such as industry, agri-food, the production of disposable diapers and detergent, the development of renewable energy, as well as others like the trade, financial, and banking sectors," he added.
At the same time, he affirmed that the exchange is of great interest to the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM, in Spanish). The National Assembly recently approved a series of reforms to revitalize the economy and improve the conditions for these businesses already established nationally, as well as attract new ones. "We must continue working together," he affirmed.
Le Hoasi Trung affirmed that the Vietnamese people are driven by brotherhood, that they will never abandon Cuba despite the siege imposed by the United States government, and reiterated their commitment to investing wherever it is most needed, taking advantage of business opportunities for Vietnamese entrepreneurs, but with the aim of helping in this complex situation.
Meanwhile, in line with their plans to expand in this important enclave located in the province of Artemisa, it was confirmed that ViMariel S.A. is currently the sole concessionaire of the ZEDM. This concession allows them to plan, invest in, construct, manage, and operate the infrastructure and an industrial park on an area of ​​almost 300 hectares over a period of 50 years, explained Huona Nauyen, Head of Office and Business Manager of the Vietnamese company.
RICE PRODUCTION CONTINUES DESPITE THE CHALLENGES
The high-ranking Vietnamese official and his delegation also toured areas of Pinar del Río included in the joint Vietnam-Cuba rice production project.
There, he learned that more than 900 hectares have been planted so far in 2026, with very positive yields, and planting continues.
In this regard, Le Hoasi Trung praised the quality of the soils in Pinar del Río and said that Vietnamese farmers achieved high yields in 2025 on lands that are not as good.
Yamilé Ramos Cordero, First Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee in Pinar del Río, explained to the visitor that there are even better areas in the province that could be incorporated into the Vietnam-Cuba project.
"We are very interested in this experience," she stated.
In addition to touring fields at various stages of development, including some already being harvested, the Vietnamese Foreign Minister visited the industrial complex where the produce is processed.
There, he acknowledged the quality of the grain being produced, which is destined for domestic consumption.
Even though it has been severely impacted by the U.S. government's measures aimed at stifling the Cuban economy, the project has continued to move forward.
"We have found solutions to every difficulty that has arisen," stated Telce González Morera, Cuba's Deputy Minister of Agriculture.
In addition to the experience in Pinar del Río province, the official explained that a similar program, though covering a smaller area, exists in Granma province.
However, he noted that in the case of Pinar del Río, it is "a more established business because it has been running longer."
"They had a successful campaign last year, and the current one is progressing well, with planting and harvesting yields above the national average, becoming more efficient every day, and forging stronger relationships with producers."