Cuban Embassy in the Dominican Republic Brings Consular Services to Punta Cana

The Embassy of Cuba in the Dominican Republic held a mobile consulate today in La Altagracia province, aiming to bring its services closer to the communities where Cuban citizens reside.

This initiative, which the Consulate regularly carries out in different locations across the country in support of its nationals, took place at the Bávaro Innovation School, a bilingual primary education center located in Bávaro, Punta Cana, in the easternmost part of the territory.

The event was led by the Cuban Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Ángel Arzuaga, who emphasized the importance of maintaining a close connection with the Cuban community living in the country.

Business Forum Highlights Investment and Cooperation

As part of the visit to La Altagracia, the Punta Cana-Bávaro Business Forum was also held. This space for dialogue brought together members of the Cuban business sector residing in the Dominican Republic and representatives from the Dominican Export and Investment Center (Prodominicana).

On this occasion, the ambassador spoke about investment opportunities on the Caribbean island and cited the effects of the United States' economic, commercial, and financial blockade. He specified that losses are estimated at 7.556 billion dollars for the period from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, the timeframe covered by the most recent report on the damages of the blockade to all sectors and the Cuban family.

The forum addressed opportunities for investment, business, and trade in goods and services between the two countries. It featured the virtual participation of Jorge Valdés, First Deputy Director of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), an institution considered a pillar of Cuban biotechnology nationally and internationally.

During his speech, Valdés provided an overview of the CIGB's commercial system, which integrates national and international sales divisions, as well as a Business Development division dedicated to projects in development. Among the center's most prominent products, he mentioned HeberProt-P, for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers; the Abdala vaccine, the first anti-COVID-19 vaccine created in Latin America; as well as vaccines against hepatitis, interferons, and immunological products.

In the agricultural sector, he emphasized that the portfolio includes innovative veterinary vaccines for controlling cattle ticks and eradicating swine fever, both with proven results, among others. Valdés noted that drugs like HeberProt-P could be highly useful in the Dominican Republic, where the main causes of mortality share similarities with those in Cuba, opening possibilities for cooperation.

Marta Castillo, Director of Latin America and the Caribbean at Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Trade, also intervened via video conference and provided details about the International Havana Fair (Fihav), which will be held from November 24 to 29 at the Expocuba fairgrounds. Castillo highlighted that Fihav is the main space for commercial exchange between Cuba and the world, bringing together companies, investors, and government representatives from various countries each year.

Furthermore, she announced that during the event, the Investment Forum will take place, presenting an update of the Caribbean nation's portfolio of business opportunities, aiming to strengthen economic cooperation and attract new foreign investment projects.

For her part, Milagros Montalvo, a business specialist, presented the portfolio of products and services from Tecnomática, a Cuban company recognized for its work in developing information technology, industrial automation, and communications solutions.

Celebrating Cuban Culture

To conclude the day, an artistic gala was held in commemoration of Cuban Culture Day, celebrated on October 20.

Cuban journalist, writer, and teacher Mercedes Alonso presented her book "Máximo Gómez. El viejo mambí", a work that rescues the trajectory and thinking of the distinguished Dominican-Cuban patriot, highlighting his legacy of bravery and unity between the two peoples.

During the evening, the Carola Olé art company from Punta Cana, alongside Cuban body expression professor Sonia Díaz, offered a vibrant dance performance, while the audience also enjoyed circus art numbers.

As a grand finale, the day concluded in an atmosphere of joy and fraternity with performances by singer Yosley. Attendees celebrated the creativity, talent, and Cuban identity that continues to flourish beyond its borders.

Also present in Saturday's agenda were Consul Damila Hechavarria and Dimas Lima, Chargé d'Affaires of the embassy, among other members of the State Mission.