Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food, and educational services. What can the Vitebsk region offer Cuba?
Cooperation opportunities between the Vitebsk region and Cuba in the field of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology were discussed at a meeting between the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Cuba, Santiago Perez Benitez. Representatives of the region's pharmaceutical enterprises, VSMU, and VSAUVM also participated in the event.
Alexander Subbotin noted that the visit takes place on the eve 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 biopharmaceutical cluster," emphasized Alexander Subbotin.
He noted the presence of several pharmaceutical enterprises and two universities that train specialists for this industry: VSMU and VSAUVM. The Veterinary Academy is an educational institution with a pharmaceutical faculty, and 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 availability of qualified specialists and scientific schools contributes to the development of drugs for humans and animals, as well as the implementation of new technologies in practice.
The Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Anzhelika Nikitina, noted that entering the markets of Africa and Latin America opens new horizons for Belarusian manufacturers. This expansion of trade ties is important, especially considering the existing difficulties in trade with remote regions, where the system of settlements and prepayments remains not fully clear.
According to her, Cuba 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 purchased skimmed milk and whey from Belarus, and shipments at acceptable prices for Belarusian enterprises have already begun this year.
Anzhelika Nikitina also emphasized interest in supplying baby food to Cuba, including plant-based and dairy formulas from "Belfood Production" company, as well as meat products from Orsha Meat Processing Plant. Considering the active construction in Cuba, Belarusian manufacturers are also exploring the possibility of supplying fiberglass and petrochemical products.
Belarus is also interested in importing medical and veterinary drugs, establishing joint ventures, developing tourism, and exchanging personnel. Cooperation agreements 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 and other food products that are in high demand.
In December last year, representatives of Vitebsk State University named after P. Masherov held negotiations with a delegation from the University of Cienfuegos, during which prospects for cooperation in 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, which will be included in a roadmap for joint actions.
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 broad opportunities for cooperation. He emphasized that the Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine holds an important place in this context.
According to the ambassador, both Belarus and Cuba have achievements in these areas, 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 Eurasian Economic Union countries.
He expressed confidence in the real potential for interaction, especially in the area of Cuba's food security.
The Ambassador added that he is aware of Belarusian dairy plants 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 consumption in the tourism sector, as well as export to Caribbean countries and other regions.
The Rector of the Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine, Olga Gorlova, announced that the university is ready to offer master's programs in English and provide the necessary support in this area.
The Ambassador noted that Belarusian specialists are in demand in Africa, especially in combating tropical animal diseases, and emphasized that the work is focused on practical training, and individual study plans can be developed for both students and specialists who already have experience in joint vaccination.