A memorandum signed between the Agroforestry Business Group (GEAF) of Artemisa and the Vietnamese company Viet Royal promises to utilize idle lands in Alquízar, San Antonio de los Baños, and San Cristóbal to grow soybeans, green beans, peanuts, yam, potatoes, and cashews, a large portion of which will be aimed at the international market.
The project Cultivation of Industrial Plants for Consumption, Processing, and Export in the province of Artemisa includes several phases of development, among them the production of around 2,000 hectares of idle land in the three mentioned municipalities, reported the official newspaper El artemiseño.
The initiative foresees that soybeans and peanuts will be used in the production of oils and feed, while green beans and cashews will be directed towards export, raising questions about the concrete benefits that families in Artemisa, who are suffering from shortages of basic food items, will receive.
According to the agreement, Viet Royal will provide machinery, seeds, fertilizers, technicians, and working capital, as well as handle marketing; while GEAF will contribute land, factories, warehouses, fuel for operating machinery, and agricultural labor.
Local officials presented the agreement as a "demonstration of brotherhood" between the two countries, and added it to a list of 17 ongoing international cooperation projects and another 68 ready for investment, many of which also target the agricultural sector.
Among them, one is focused on the development of pork farming and another project with China involving rice cultivation; however, the impacts on the population's access to quality food, with variety and at affordable prices, have not yet been observed.
"Artemisa is seriously involved in foreign trade activities, foreign investment, and international cooperation, with a notable focus on agricultural development," the media outlet noted.
In its export balance, the western province boasts products such as tobacco, honey, avocado, mango, habanero chili, ginger, and turmeric, as well as new programs for the cultivation of hibiscus flower, the latter having an international market value of around $2,000 per ton, the source assured.
What goes unmentioned is that most of those products barely reach the average citizen's plate.
While agreements are being made and exports are being planned to capture foreign currency, Cuban consumers continue to face understocked markets, exorbitant prices, and an inadequate basic basket, highlighting that agricultural growth remains focused outward rather than addressing the urgent needs within the island.
Cuba is undergoing one of the worst food crises in decades, characterized by chronic shortages, the decline of national agricultural production, and an almost complete reliance on imports that the country can no longer afford.
In this context, a joint agricultural project between Cuba and Vietnam is progressing in the municipality of Los Palacios, in the province of Pinar del Río, with the goal of planting 1,000 hectares of rice.
According to the official newspaper Guerrillero, the initiative, led by the Vietnamese company Agri VMA, aims to transform the region into a high-tech rice cultivation area, marking yet another attempt by the regime to produce food.
Nevertheless, the Vietnamese company Agri VMA allegedly sent a letter in May to three Cuban ministers to "explain the urgent need to access its funds frozen in an account at the International Financial Bank."
According to the independent newspaper 14ymedio, which had access to the document, the Vietnamese company was attempting to transfer $300,000 to its parent company in Vietnam.
Similarly, the foreign minister of the Asian country, Bui Thanh Son “requested Cuba to continue coordinating efforts to eliminate difficulties and obstacles, creating favorable conditions for the investment and business of Vietnamese companies” on the island.
In May, the Cuban government announced the establishment of a new biopharmaceutical joint venture with Vietnam, between BCF S.A., part of the state group BioCubaFarma, and the Vietnamese company Genfarma Holdings.
“The alliance will allow for the export of products manufactured in our country, with the aim of generating revenue that will be used for the development and production of medications for the Cuban population,” stated at that time, Mayda Mauri Pérez, president of BioCubaFarma.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Agricultural Project between Cuba and Vietnam in Artemisa
What crops are planned to be developed in Artemisa for export?
The project in Artemisa includes the planting of soybeans, green beans, peanuts, taro, potatoes, and cashews. These crops are primarily intended for the international market, with the aim of generating income for the country. However, this has sparked criticism due to the lack of direct benefits for the local population, which is facing a significant shortage of basic food items.
How does this agricultural project affect food availability in Cuba?
Despite the efforts to increase agricultural exports, the Cuban population continues to face empty markets and prohibitive prices. Agricultural projects, such as the one in Artemisa, are focused on exportation rather than addressing the internal food crisis, leaving many Cubans without access to basic products.
What is Vietnam's role in the agricultural development of Artemisa?
Vietnam, through the company Viet Royal, provides machinery, seeds, fertilizers, technical support, and working capital for the agricultural project in Artemisa. This support is crucial for the execution of the plan, which aims to utilize idle lands for export crops, although criticisms remain regarding the lack of positive impact on food security for Cubans.
What challenges does the agricultural project between Cuba and Vietnam face?
The project faces significant challenges, such as a lack of supplies, fuel, and modern machinery. Additionally, the centralization and bureaucracy of the Cuban state system limit the ability to implement effective changes that benefit the population. Although there is an effort to improve agricultural production, short-term results have not alleviated the food crisis that severely affects Cubans.
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