Cuba looks to expand economic ties with India across biotech, renewables and tourism, envoy says

Cuba is keen to deepen its economic engagement with India across sectors such as agro-industry, biotechnology, healthcare, information technology, renewable energy, sports and tourism, Cuban Ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera said on Saturday, reported PTI. Addressing a special session on India–Cuba bilateral trade and economic cooperation organised by the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) in Kolkata, Aguilera said Cuba is a pioneer in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, with biopharma products exported to 45 countries. He also said the country is transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, opening avenues for cooperation in clean energy solutions. The envoy said Cuba allows companies the use of land for business purposes and offers an electronic visa facility to ease travel and investment. Highlighting tourism potential, he said Cuba has 10 international airports, three cruise terminals and 10 international marinas, presenting opportunities for collaboration in tourism and allied infrastructure. Aguilera also hailed the International Kolkata Book Fair and said Cuba is interested in participating in the event next year, underlining the role of cultural exchanges alongside economic ties. Speaking at the session, Prof Maiky Diaz Perez, First Secretary at the Embassy of Cuba in India, said enhanced collaboration could strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries, while stressing the need to identify specific areas of cooperation to deliver tangible outcomes.