High-level Cuban delegation visits UNIDO to strengthen cooperation in the framework of the Country Programme (CP) Cuba 2021-2025
20 May 2022
VIENNA, 20 May 2022 – A high-level delegation from the Cuban Ministry of Commerce and Foreign Investment (MINCEX) and BioCubaFarma - the Cuban organization of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries – visited the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Headquarters in Vienna from 16 to 19 May 2022.
The delegation, headed by Carlos Fidel Martín Rodríguez, Director of the Directorate of International Economic Organizations of Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment, emphasized Cuba´s interest in strengthening cooperation in, among others, the pharmaceutical, sustainable energy and agricultural sectors in Cuba as means to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meetings with UNIDO’s technical departments and potential donors were held to identify opportunities for cooperation and set a way forward in the framework of UNIDO’s Country Programme (CP) Cuba 2021-2025.
The Country Programme is built around four components, namely:
1. innovation and availability of information;
2. productive transformation;
3. investment and technology transfer; and
4. sustainable management of natural resources and improvement of environmental quality.
Diego Masera, Deputy Director of the Department of Regional and Field Cooperation and Chief of the Regional Coordination Division for Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighted UNIDO’s role through the Country Programme in enhancing strategic partnerships focusing on South-South and triangular cooperation; increasing investment opportunities; supporting Cuba on energy matters and technical capacities; and facilitating knowledge exchange and technology transfer to support Cuba’s integration in international value chains and markets to attract investment.
The Cuban Delegation held technical meetings with experts from UNIDO’s Directorate of Digitalization, Technology and Agri-business, Department of Policy Research and Statistics and Directorate of Environment and Energy.
Notably, Carlos Fidel Martín Rodríguez highlighted that “energy efficiency is at the center of Cuba’s priorities, with expectations to reduce energy waste by 24% by 2030 in line with the SDGs.” Solar power was mentioned as an important alternative resource. In this regard, Marco Matteini, Industrial Development Officer, highlighted that startups and SMEs can play an important role in fighting climate change in Cuba.
Digitalization and 4RI and food security were identified as further priority areas for Cuba where UNIDO is ready to stand by. The promotion of local industries – particularly SMEs – and the need to support technological advances in the pharma industry were highlighted for its potential role in Cuba’s economic development. Additionally, women empowerment in the industry was mentioned.
Ambassador Soraya Álvarez Nuñez, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Cuba in Austria, underlined the country’s commitment to achieve SDG 9 with UNIDO’s support, and the necessity to strengthen partnerships.
For more information, please contact:
Barbara Boreta
Programme Officer, UNIDO Regional Coordination Division for Latin America and the Caribbean