4:02:18 PM | 12/11/2008
Vietnam has become Cuba’s sixth biggest trade partner, said Cuban Trade Minister Raul de la Nuez at a forum on business opportunity with Cuba held November 8 on the sidelines of the 26th Havana trade fair (FIHAV 2008).
Currently, Cuba’s main trading partners are Venezuela, China, Canada, Spain, Brazil and Vietnam, he said, adding that Vietnam is Cuba’s main rice supplier with 400,000 tons a year.
Vietnamese businesses including the Vietnam Northern Food Corporation (Vinafood I), the Vietnam Superintendence and Inspection Joint Stock Company (Vinacontrol), the Minh Hoa Footwear Company, and the Tan-Viet Food Company, also showcased their staple products, including farm produce such as rice, tea, coffee, pepper, cashew nuts and footwear at the six-day fair opened November 3, the minister said.
Minister Nuez noted that Cuba had signed agreements worth US$300 million to buy food from Vietnam, China, Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina at the FIHAV 2008.
Cuba is estimated to spend US$2.5 billion importing food and foodstuff in 2008, up US$800 million against 2007. (VOV)
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