China Supports Cuba in Customs Technology

China Supports Cuba in Customs TechnologyBeijing, Sep 10. -Cuba and China signed an agreement for the modernization of Cuba's customs technology, to improve services and strengthen the struggle against terrorism and drug trafficking.

The project, valued at $1.48 million, implements a donation granted during the 20th session of the intergovernmental commission in December 2007.

This latest step in bilateral collaboration includes the delivery of X-ray inspection equipment, explosives and drug detectors, and closed-circuit television components.

William Perez Gonzalez, vice chief of the General Customs of the Republic of Cuba, told Prensa Latina that the accord will achieve a balance between facilitation and control amid growing activity through the country's borders.

The supplies will also foster customs computer networks and automated equipment for security.

The agreement was signed by the commercial manager of the Cuban company EMIAT, Odette Saez Sitchao, and Ma Jiang, vice president of the company executing the project, China Light Industrial Corporation for Foreign Economic and Technical Cooperation, in a ceremony also attended by the Cuban ambassador, Carlos Miguel Pereira.

Other executives from the Chinese group and from NUCTECH, a company that makes equipment associated with the agreement, also attended.

The agreement is part of a program that included talks between the Cuban customs deputy director and the deputy minister of Chinese customs, Sun Yibiao, described as very fruitful.

The Cuban delegation also toured production centers where the customs equipment is made. (Prensa Latina)