China and Cuba Agree Economic Agenda for 2012-2016

Beijing, Dec 27. -China and Cuba agreed on Tuesday to work on the development of a bilateral economic agenda in the medium term, a decision that highlights the strategic nature of their relationship, confirmed here with the work of the 24th session of the intergovernmental Commission.

This agenda promotes the development of the ties between both countries for the period 2012-2016 based on complementarity, said here the vice president of the Council of Ministers, Ricardo Cabrisas, who co-chaired the meeting with the Commerce Minister Chen Deming.

Cabrisas added that they also support the common goal to strengthen, deepen and expand trade and joint investments in sectors prioritized by the respective five-year plans.

Cabrisas stressed the importance of this step in bilateral relations at a time when the international economic situation is difficult and complex, in which "we have witnessed how the so-called cultured and civilized countries repress their indignant citizens in order to save bankers".

In that regard, he opined that a new division of the world is being implemented, while natural resources are plundered and war becomes a business.

The Cuban Vice President also warned that the recession will be prolonged; protectionism increases and restricts the transfer of high technology, while the issue of agriculture and food security is one of the most worrying problems for humanity. (Prensa Latina)