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Vietnam will donate 23.3 million dollars to the Cuban regime following the conclusion of the fundraising campaign organized by the Vietnamese Communist Party in mid-August.
The official Vietnamese press reported that after the launch of the program, in just over three weeks, more than 15.1 million dollars were raised and then reached 23.3 million dollars by October 16, which is 9.5 times the initial goal.
The donation was presented during the closing ceremony of the "65 Years of Vietnam - Cuba Solidarity" program, which took place this Saturday in Hanoi, along with the award ceremony for the contest "Vietnam - Cuba: A Song of Friendship that Resonates Forever."
The ceremony was attended by Do Van Chien, the president of the Central Committee of the Fatherland Front of Vietnam, and Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, the former political commissioner and now ambassador to Vietnam.
Polanco used all the melodrama of the regime's propaganda to express gratitude for the donation.
The diplomat said that Cuba is remembered by the Vietnamese people as a loyal friend and expressed his emotions as he mentioned that “some of the most moving gestures came from Vietnamese children, who donated their small savings and sent letters and drawings to their friends in Cuba, which has deeply touched the Cubans.”
In September, during his tour of Asia, the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel had already received a symbolic donation of 15 million dollars as part of that campaign.
Although the campaign is presented as a "historic act of solidarity", it is striking that a country facing its own development challenges channels millions to an island governed by an elite that has not demonstrated a genuine willingness to reform a failed economic model.
Moreover, the public distribution of funds during an official visit, with Díaz-Canel smiling for the cameras, raises questions about the use and transparency of those resources.
Meanwhile, in Cuba, it has not been specified how the 15 million will be used, nor what mechanisms will ensure that this money directly benefits the population and does not end up in the inefficient gears of the state apparatus. The lack of independent institutions and public audits leaves a wide margin for opacity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vietnam's Donation to Cuba
How much money has Vietnam donated to the Cuban regime?
Vietnam has donated a total of 23.3 million dollars to the Cuban regime. This donation was made as part of a fundraising campaign organized by the Vietnamese Communist Party, which exceeded its initial target by a wide margin. However, concerns have been raised regarding the transparency in the use of these funds by the Cuban government.
How will the funds donated by Vietnam to Cuba be used?
Until now, it has not been detailed how the 23.3 million dollars donated by Vietnam to Cuba will be used. The lack of transparency and the absence of independent audits have created a significant opportunity for opacity, raising concerns about whether these funds will truly benefit the Cuban population.
Why is Vietnam donating money to Cuba in the midst of its own crisis?
Vietnam has decided to donate money to Cuba as an act of "historical solidarity" between both countries. The fundraising campaign is part of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba. However, this action has been criticized due to the development challenges that Vietnam faces and the lack of economic reforms in Cuba.
What role does the military conglomerate GAESA play in the Cuban economy?
GAESA, the Cuban military conglomerate, controls more than 18 billion dollars in assets. This entity operates like a state within a state and manages resources that are not allocated for the welfare of the population. The accumulation of these assets, combined with a lack of transparency, has sparked criticism regarding the economic management of the Cuban regime.
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