Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism signs two partnership agreements in Havana

This trip follows on from a visit by the minister in July, during which he had the chance to see the opportunities for the two countries to exchange experiences and work together. As a result of that trip and a visit to Spain a few days later by the Cuban Trade and Investment Minister, Rodrigo Malmierca, the two countries began to work on drafting the MoU.

Within the framework of the MoU on industry (signed with the Industry Minister, Salvador Pardo), José Manuel Soria stressed that the two countries agree on the importance of the sector as a driving force for economic development. In this regard, a working group has been set up to undertake joint projects aimed at laying the foundations for cooperation. Seeking channels for the development of SMEs and promoting the spread of best practices on policies to support entrepreneurs and companies are some of the topics covered by the agreement.

In terms of energy, the memorandum signed with the Energy and Mining Minister, Alfredo López Valdés, includes such issues as the increase in energy security for guaranteeing energy supply under the best possible conditions, improved energy efficiency and fostering renewable energies.

Visit to the Havana International Fair

The minister attended the official opening of the Havana International Fair, alongside the Minister for Economic Affairs and Competitiveness, Luis de Guindos, at which, for the fifth consecutive year, ICEX is organising an official pavilion for 80 Spanish companies from a wide range of economic sectors: industry and capital goods, construction materials, the food industry and services related to logistics, consultancy and tourism.

José Manuel Soria and Luis de Guindos also attended a breakfast with Spanish companies and investors based in Cuba to be told first-hand about their interests and projects, as well as to convey the Government of Spain's support. The minister told them about the process of reforms undertaken in Spain with regard to industry, energy, tourism and telecommunications, allowing the Spanish economy to gain competitiveness, overcome the recession, become the fastest-growing economy in the Eurozone this year and create jobs.