Japan confirms interest in strengthening economic bonds with Cuba

Amidst the celebrations for the National Day of Japan, Hiroyuki Ishige, chairman of the Japanese External Trade Organization (JETRO), highlighted Japan’s purpose to speed up and deepen the bilateral bonds with Cuba in the presence of Ricardo Cabrisas, Vice president of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Planning and Economy.

Ishige noted that “in times where Cuba reaches a new stage of development, we hope Japan can play an essential role by strengthening economic relations and investments”.

He recalled that Japan PM Shinzo Abe visited the island last September.

In such context, both sides signed the agreement that standardized Cuban debt long and medium term. Short-term debts were also renegotiated.

As a sign of motivation due to these new trade opportunities opened in Cuba, Ishige highlighted that JETRO undertook last June its first commercial mission in Cuba. 50 representatives of Japanese’s companies visited the island. Besides, he is open to repeat such experience next March.

Iliana Nunez, deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, highlighted the possibility of Japan playing a significant role in Cuba’s development, based on fruitful relations for both sides. She also mentioned the fields of construction, tourism, infrastructure, industry, which can be used to foster the links.

Japan ambassador in Cuba, Masaru Watanabe, also attended the ceremony. Mr. Watanabe, along with Orlando Hernandez, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of Cuba, and JETRO representative, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen the exchange among both institutions.

Japan is participating for the first time ever in FIHAV with an exclusive exhibition hall where the Asian country exhibits its goods and services thanks to 14 companies such as Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Panasonic, and Sumitomo.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Diaz / Cubasi Translation Staff