The island’s government highlights that the recovery of the national electric system is still in its initial phases, but work is ongoing to achieve full restoration. Oct 18, 2024 Photo: Granma
The Venezuelan government also calls upon the international community, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, to mobilize in support of Cuba and to categorically condemn the blockade affecting it.
Oct 18 (teleSUR) The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has issued a statement expressing its “absolute solidarity and unconditional support” for its sister Republic of Cuba amidst the energy crisis facing the island. This support is framed within what Venezuela describes as a “cruel intensification of the economic war and financial persecution” by the United States, through the “illegal blockade” imposed on the Cuban people.
The statement acknowledges Venezuela’s recognition of the “heroic efforts made by the people of Cuba, as well as their president, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez,” to mitigate the effects of these “criminal unilateral coercive measures.” The Bolivarian government views these actions as a form of “collective punishment,” which it believes constitutes a “crime against humanity” directed at Cuba.
Furthermore, the text emphasizes that Cuba has the backing of the Bolivarian Revolution to confront this situation, reaffirming confidence that the Cuban nation will overcome its current challenges. In this regard, the Venezuelan government also calls upon the international community, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, to mobilize in support of Cuba and to categorically condemn the blockade affecting it.
Additionally, it requests the “immediate removal of the infamous unilateral list” that includes countries allegedly linked to terrorism, which it claims is “the main cause of the hardships currently endured.”
This pronouncement underscores the historical and supportive relationship between both nations.
Havana, Oct 17 (Prensa Latina) Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Thursday accused the United States government of favoring terrorist acts against his nation.
Terrorist acts against Cuba are organized, financed, and committed with impunity in US territory, Rodriguez wrote in a text posted on X.
“Consistent with its aggressive policy against our country, the US government tolerates terrorism and includes Cuba in an arbitrary and slanderous list,” he stressed.
The statement, marked with the hashtag #NoAlTerrorismo, is also published on the Cuban Foreign Ministry’s Cubaminrex website. iff/ro/raj
Ecuador-Cuba Business Forum seeks to expand relations
Havana, Oct 18 (RHC) Authorities and businessmen from Cuba and Ecuador today highlighted the results of the first Business Forum between the two nations, which took place from Wednesday to Friday in the Ecuadorian province of Guayas.
For Miguel Benítez, president of the Ecuador-Cuba Chamber of Commerce, the meeting is an unprecedented event which has placed both public and private companies in the same space, in pursuit of the development of projects and the search for joint business opportunities.
In an interview with the Cuban press, Benítez explained that the objective of the Forum is to give Ecuadorian businessmen a vision of the potential of commercial relations with the Caribbean island.
According to Benítez, the medium-term expectation is to significantly increase the trade balance, both in the marketing of goods and services.
Regarding the progress achieved in recent days, he mentioned the conversations in areas such as tourism and health combining the Cuban methodological experience with the customer service processes in Ecuador.
In his opinion, the main obstacle is the lack of awareness of the potential for exchange, and of existing information in Ecuador about the transformation processes of the Cuban economic model.
In that sense, the president of the Ecuador-Cuba Chamber of Commerce said that the Chamber is linked to the new forms of non-state management existing in the Caribbean nation to promote its rapprochement with Ecuadorian companies.
He further explained that the chamber is a representative of civil society, in accordance with its constitutionally granted right to form associations. However, it is still in the process of obtaining legal status for commercial purposes. This makes the chamber a valuable partner for Ecuadorian companies looking to expand into the Cuban market, as well as for Cuban companies seeking to establish business relationships with Ecuador.
In this regard, Benítez pointed out that the Chamber assists in legal security studies, recruitment, identification of opportunities, development of new business models, among other options. (Source: Prensa Latina)
Cuba and Nicaragua promote cooperation in the field of cinema
Havana, Oct 18 (RHC) Cuba and Nicaragua promote cooperation in the field of cinema with the development of several projects that seek to establish a systematic link.
The vice president of the Cuban Institute of Cinematic Art and Industry (ICAIC), Yanin Martínez, expressed satisfaction with the efforts of her institution and the Nicaraguan Cinematheque to make co-production in international relations reach not only cinema, but also all audio-visual arts.
Martínez mentioned the signing of an agreement between the ICAIC and the National Cinema House of Nicaragua last year, which served as a starting point to take the first steps towards establishing international relations between both countries in the field of art.
She also referred to the inauguration this week of the first exhibition of Cuban films in Nicaragua, which included the films Lucía (1968) by Humberto Solás, Meñique (2014) by Ernesto Padrón, El Benny (2006) and Buscando a Casal (2019) by Jorge Luis Sánchez.
According to Martínez, the union of the two countries through cinema is a driving force for solidarity to be part of art.
Furthermore, she alluded to training as another area of work used in the context of international relations with Nicaragua. In this regard, she mentioned the development of a first animation workshop on the production of scripts and short films in the world of animation. (Source: Prensa Latina)
Havana, October 17 (RHC) — Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez has advocated for a new international order that is fair and democratic, which guarantees the balance of the world and the exercise of the right to development.
On the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the foreign minister stressed on the social network X the need for a new order that provides the common good and prosperity of all peoples.
Bruno Rodriguez reported through the social network that 8.4% of the world’s population, some 670 million people, live in extreme poverty.
The commemoration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty dates back to October 17, 1987.
On that day, more than 100,000 people gathered at the Trocadero square in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights had been signed in 1948, to pay tribute to the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger. (Source:Prensa Latina)
Havana, October 16 (RHC)– President Miguel Díaz-Canel reiterated today through his account on X, Cuba’s commitment to food sovereignty, and thanked the support of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
On the social network X, the president highlighted the celebration this Wednesday of World Food Day, and praised his nation’s efforts in that field, in the midst of the cruelest blockade of the United States, supported by science and innovation and with the contribution of all economic actors.
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez denounced today on X that Washington’s blockade causes serious damage to the food of the Cuban population, in its persistent interest in depriving the people of that right. He further commented that such a policy applied continuously for more than six decades — only between the years 2023 and 2024 — caused damages of more than 441 million dollars to the Cuban agri-food sector.
Every October 16, the founding of the FAO is remembered, in 1945, when representatives of 42 countries met in Quebec, Canada, with the aim of freeing humanity from malnutrition and hunger.
Currently, nearly 733 million citizens do not even have access to basic foods. (Source: Prensa Latina)
Havana, Oct 17 (RHC) The Venezuela-Cuba Business Opportunities Forum takes place today in Caracas, with the aim of promoting the presence of Venezuelan products and services at the upcoming Havana International Fair (FIHAV).
The meeting is attended by representatives from the Venezuelan government, including the Bank for Foreign Trade, Business, and Export Promotion. Diplomats from both countries will also be present.
The forum is part of a series of events organized by the diplomatic mission to celebrate the 40th anniversary of FIHAV.
Rubén Ramos, head of the Commercial Economic Office of the Embassy in Havana, noted that FIHAV will be held from November 4 to 9. He also mentioned the development of business forums with representatives from several Venezuelan states, including Anzoátegui, Carabobo, Aragua, and Portuguesa.
Ramos emphasized that Venezuela’s participation at the fair is very important, since the South American country is one of Cuba’s main economic partners.
The Venezuela-Cuba Business Opportunities Forum includes a presentation on trade opportunities and general information about the program for the Havana Fair.
Some activities organized between the Venezuelan delegation and their Cuban counterparts include an investment forum on November 5-6, the celebration of Venezuela’s National Day, and a business forum with face-to-face meetings. (Source: Prensa Latina)
Havana, October 16 (RHC)– Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said today that the U.S. blockade of Cuba causes serious damage to the food supply of the population of the Caribbean island.
“The U.S. government insists on depriving the people of their right to food,” wrote the foreign minister on the social network X on Wednesday, precisely when World Food Day is celebrated.
“Four months of blockade are equivalent to financing to guarantee the standard family basket for one year,” added Rodríguez.
According to Cuba’s top diplomat, this policy applied continuously by U.S. administration for more than six decades — only between the years 2023 and 2024 — “caused damages of more than 441 million dollars to the Cuban agri-food sector.”
Every October 16th, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is commemorate. The FAO was formed in on this date in 1945, when representatives from 42 countries met in Quebec, Canada, with the goal of freeing humanity from hunger.
The date urges developed countries in particular to work to eradicate malnutrition and hunger, although according to UN reports, currently nearly 733 million citizens do not even have access to basic foodstuffs.
Chilean solidarity movement demands the end of US blockade against Cuba
Havana, Oct 14 (RHC) The Solidarity Movement for Cuba in Chile has published a statement demanding that the United States immediately lift the economic, commercial, and financial blockade and other measures against the Caribbean nation.
The group, with representation in all regions of South America, has assured that these policies imposed by Washington over the past six decades have had a negative impact on the population and economy of the largest island in the Antilles.
Among other things, they affect access to food, medicine, and basic services for families, which worsens people’s living conditions.
According to a report by Cuba on Resolution 78/7 of the UN General Assembly, it is estimated that if the blockade were lifted, the gross domestic product at current prices would grow by about 8% in 2023.
In addition, the blockade has led to a significant decrease in food production due to restrictions on access to foreign exchange, raw materials, fertilizer, and other inputs.
Furthermore, the inclusion of the island on the list of countries allegedly sponsoring terrorism has caused the cancellation of trade operations and investment projects.
The declaration against the blockade by the Solidarity Movement calls on the international community to join in opposition and support the Cuban people’s right to develop their economic and social system. (Source: Prensa Latina)
Cuba was the largest commercial market for U.S. long grain rice exports prior to the Cuban revolution and the U.S. Trade Embargo that followed, according to USDA Economic Research Service analysts. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Increased trade only strengthens economic ties between the U.S. and Cuba but also plays a crucial role in addressing food security challenges on the island, according to USA Rice.
U.S. merchants shipped 1,125 metric tons of rice to Cuba in 2023. Considering that Cuba imports around 600,000 to 700,000 metric tons of rice per year, that may not seem like much of an accomplishment.
But it’s a 500% increase from the total of U.S. rice shipped to Cuba in 2022, and, considering the hoops Cuba’s grain buyers must jump through to buy the U.S. product, it’s a small miracle. It hasn’t always been like that.
“Cuba was the largest commercial market for U.S. long grain rice exports prior to the Revolution (and the U.S. Trade Embargo that followed),” according to USDA Economic Research Service analysts. “It often took more than half of U.S. long grain sales and almost one-third of total U.S. rice exports.”
Trying to build on that 2023 total – and the 861 metric tons of rice the U.S. shipped to Cuba from January to July of this year – was among the topics in a recent virtual briefing held by the Alliance for Cuban Engagement and Respect (ACERE), entitled “U.S.-Cuba Cooperation on Food and Climate Security: Opportunities for Growth.”
Cuba shipments
One of the five panelists for the briefing was Asiha Grigsby, USA Rice senior director for international promotion for the Western Hemisphere, who provided insights into the U.S. rice industry perspectives on trade and collaboration with Cuba.
In the early 2000s, the U.S. rice industry experienced a brief resurgence in rice shipments to Cuba. The Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 allowed the sale of food and medicine to Cuba despite the trade embargo. The U.S. shipped 160,000 tons of rice to Cuba in 2004, the largest amount in decades.
But the sales dropped almost to zero in 2008 when the U.S. government began requiring Cuba to pay for the shipments before the ships left port rather than using conventional letters of credit. Grigsby emphasized the challenges U.S. rice exporters face due to such trade restrictions.
“U.S. rice industry members remain committed to exploring opportunities for growth, even in the face of a challenging political environment,” she said. “Increased trade, particularly in essential commodities like rice, not only strengthens economic ties between the U.S. and Cuba but also plays a crucial role in addressing food security challenges on the island.”
The Cuban economy has suffered from hurricane damages and a significant decline in U.S. tourism due to travel restrictions. Speakers at the ACERE event said bilateral cooperation could improve climate resilience and food security on the island.
Calls to action
The webinar concluded with several key calls to action for those seeking to advance U.S.-Cuba cooperation on food and climate security. Participants were urged to contact the White House and State Department to advocate for Cuba’s removal from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, push for expanded operations at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, and encourage Senate support for the bipartisan Freedom to Export to Cuba Act (S. 653), which aims to lift the U.S. trade embargo and foster stronger bilateral ties.
The event was in sharp contrast to another attended by representatives of both the USA Rice Federation and the U.S. Rice Producers Association along with U.S. rice exporting companies – the first-ever International Rice Expo-Convention in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
The two-day meeting was hosted by the Central American Rice Federation or FECARROZ. It included educational sessions covering a variety of critical topics such as the effects of climate change on rice production and a reflection on the 20-year anniversary of the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement.
USA Rice facilitated a session on rice quality in Central America by University of Arkansas agricultural economist Alvaro Durand-Morat who also provided a brief overview of the 2024 U.S. rice crop.
U.S. Rice Producers Association board member Dennis Delaughter discussed the outlook for the U.S. and world rice markets. U.S. chefs sponsored by both organizations gave cooking demonstrations featuring U.S. rice.
Forrest Laws spent 10 years with The Memphis Press-Scimitar before joining Delta Farm Press in 1980. He has written extensively on farm production practices, crop marketing,
