Cuban PM in China on tourism mission to help ease post-pandemic slump at home

Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz is in China seeking help for his country’s struggling economy – particularly its tourism industry, with direct flights between the two countries high on the agenda.

Speaking to Chinese tourism representatives in Beijing on Tuesday, Marrero said the American embargo on Cuba had dampened an already dire post-pandemic economy.

While he said Cuba was “determined” in continuous development, Marrero asked for help, saying: “Every additional Chinese tourist to Cuba is an additional support to Cuba’s economic prosperity and improvement of livelihood.”

01:56

Bali issues tourism dos and don’ts list in wake of scandals involving unruly visitors

The tourism forum was held a day after he met Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which Marrero raised one of his government’s priorities – to resume flights between Havana and Chinese cities.

Marrero, a long-time tourism minister before he became prime minister, said he could not provide a concrete timeline but was optimistic about the result.

“I firmly believe that we could possibly resume flights between China and Cuba next year as the frequent economic and trade exchanges, as well as the huge business potential from both sides, have raised the demand,” he said.

China sends senior Communist Party envoy on G77 mission to Cuba

Marrero began his week-long trip to China on Tuesday, with an aim to boost exports and investment, as Cuba suffered an economic crisis with rising inflation and plunging primary production in sectors such as agriculture and mining.

The country has faced a comprehensive economic embargo from the United States since the 1960s, after Fidel Castro’s coup and the instalment of an authoritarian regime.

During the meeting with Marrero on Monday, Xi welcomed the use of Chinese platforms, such as the China International Import Expo held this week, to bring Cuban products into the Chinese market.

The Chinese leader also emphasised the “unique friendship” between the two governing parties and the two states and pledged to “deepen political trust and strategic cooperation”, according to China’s foreign ministry.

“China will continue standing with Cubans firmly to oppose external interference and embargoes, and to safeguard national sovereignty and dignity,” Xi was quoted as saying.

02:45

Influx of Chinese migrants on hazardous Central American route to reach US

Marrero also met his Chinese counterpart, Li Qiang, in Shanghai on Saturday, where they signed multiple bilateral agreements for cooperation, according to state news agency Xinhua.

Li agreed the two “socialist countries led by communist parties” should deepen strategic coordination. He signalled bilateral trade in areas including new energy, biopharmaceuticals, agriculture, tourism and the digital economy.

Their discussion also included the topic of direct flights and China’s latest development of cruise terminals, according to Marrero.

South Korea’s K-pop finally reaches Cuba with dawn of island’s mobile internet

“We hope that we could build a connecting terminal in Cuba in the future to host tourists [from China],” he said on Tuesday.

During his speech, Marrero highlighted the importance of bilateral joint ventures in hotel projects in Shanghai and the introduction of Chinese vehicles to the Cuban market.

South China Morning Post