Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food and educational services. What is the Vitebsk region ready to offer Cuba?
The possibilities for cooperation between the Vitebsk region and Cuba in the field of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology were the topic of discussion at a meeting between the chairman of the regional executive committee, Alexander Subbotin, and the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Cuba, Santiago Pérez Benítez. Representatives of pharmaceutical enterprises in the region, VSMU, and VSMAVM also participated in the event.
Alexander Subbotin noted that the visit comes ahead of an important trip by the President of Cuba to Belarus, which adds extra significance to the meeting.
– Our region has unique opportunities for the development of a bio-pharmaceutical cluster, – emphasized Alexander Subbotin.
He noted the presence of several pharmaceutical enterprises and two universities that train specialists for this industry: VSMU and VSMAVM. The Veterinary Academy is an educational institution with a pharmaceutical faculty, while the medical university holds leading positions not only in Belarus but also in the post-Soviet space. The head of the region added that graduates of these educational institutions are capable of implementing any projects in the field of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The presence of qualified specialists and scientific schools contributes to the development of drugs for humans and animals, as well as the introduction of new technologies into practice.
The deputy chairman of the regional executive committee, Anzhelika Nikitina, noted that entering the markets of African and Latin American countries opens new horizons for Belarusian producers. This expansion of trade relations is important, especially considering the existing difficulties in trading with remote regions, where the payment and prepayment systems remain not fully understood.
Cuba, according to her, can become a key partner in promoting Belarusian products in these markets. An important aspect is the demand for domestic products, especially in the food sector. Cuba has purchased dry milk and whey from Belarus, and this year shipments have already begun at acceptable prices for Belarusian enterprises.
Anzhelika Nikitina also emphasized interest in supplying baby food to Cuba, including plant-based and dairy mixtures from the company "Belfood Production," as well as meat products from the Orsha meat processing plant. Considering the active construction in Cuba, Belarusian producers are also exploring the possibility of supplying fiberglass and petrochemical products.
Belarus is also interested in importing medical and veterinary drugs, creating joint productions, developing the tourism business, and exchanging personnel. Agreements on cooperation have already been concluded between the medical university, Polotsk State University named after Euphrosyne of Polotsk, and a number of Cuban educational institutions.
Cuba is a promising market for promoting the Belarusian brand, including confectionery products and other food items that are in high demand.
In December of last year, representatives of VSU named after P. Masherov held negotiations with a delegation from the University of Cienfuegos, during which the prospects for cooperation in the fields of education, science, and culture were discussed. The main focus was on strengthening Belarusian-Cuban ties in the educational sphere.
As a result of the meetings, agreements were reached on signing a memorandum of understanding, and key areas of cooperation were identified that will be included in the roadmap for joint actions.
The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Cuba, Santiago Pérez Benítez, noted that Belarus has significant potential in the field of biotechnology and veterinary medicine, which opens up wide opportunities for cooperation. He emphasized that VSMAVM occupies an important place in this context.
According to the ambassador, both Belarus and Cuba have achievements in these fields, and joint efforts can contribute to Belarusian exports, as well as the promotion of joint Cuban-Belarusian goods in the markets of Latin America and the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union.
He expressed confidence in the real potential for interaction, especially in the area of food security in Cuba.
The ambassador added that he is aware of Belarusian dairy plants that are certified in his country and expressed readiness for cooperation both in obtaining raw materials and in implementing joint projects for the production of dairy products for Cuba. This includes both consumption in the tourism sector and export to Caribbean countries and other regions.
The rector of VSMAVM, Olga Gorlova, reported that the university is ready to offer master's programs in English and provide the necessary support in this direction.
The ambassador noted that Belarusian specialists are popular in Africa, especially in the fight against tropical animal diseases, and emphasized that work is being done with a focus on practical training, and individual training plans can be developed for both students and specialists who already have experience in joint vaccination efforts.