A Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Cuba and the Ministry of Blue and Green Economy, Agriculture and National Food Security of the Commonwealth of Dominica was signed on August 5, 2022, by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Ulises I. Arranz Fernández and the Minister of Blue and Green Economy, Agriculture and National Food Security of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Fidel Grant.
The document was signed at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Diaspora Relations of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
The Director of Agriculture, referring to Cuba, said that, like an older brother, Cuba has supported Dominica in all spheres of life, particularly in health, education, and agriculture. He said that agricultural activity is currently crucial and that it is expected that by 2030, it will increase its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product to 700 million dollars; and the collaboration of Cuba would contribute to that purpose.
The Cuban Ambassador highlighted that the Memorandum being signed is the result of the official visit made to Cuba by the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, last April; fulfilling an invitation made by President Miguel Díaz Canel Bermúdez.
In addition, he made a brief account of the Cuban collaboration in agricultural, forestry and fishing matters, which began in 2006 and was present in the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and in 2017 participating in the recovery actions after the passage of Hurricane Maria. He concluded saying that Cuba continues with the cruel and inhuman economic, financial, and commercial blockade imposed by the US government, but that what they will never be able to block is the will of the Cuban government and people to continue advancing on the path of Cooperation and friendship with the government and people of Dominica.
Agriculture Minister Grant referred to the Prime Minister’s official visit to Cuba, of whose delegation the Minister was a member, as well as the good results of the meeting held with the Minister of Agriculture of Cuba, Ydael Pérez Brito, and several officials from that Ministry, which made it possible to identify new spheres of cooperation that appear in the Memorandum signed. He also asked that he convey to the Cuban Minister of Agriculture the thanks for the quick response to the request of the government of Dominica.
The signed Memorandum of Understanding establishes cooperation in the areas of agriculture and products of plant origin, in livestock and products of animal origin, in forestry and in other areas of interest.
