The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Cuba held a joint presentation on the Country Programme Framework (CPF) 2016-2020 at the 34th International Fair of Havana (FIHAV), consolidating their cooperation towards inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Cuba.
The CPF, signed by UNIDO and the Cuban government in December 2015, is a key tool for building the foundations for ISID in Cuba, and includes a total of 19 projects, with three of them currently being implemented. These three projects cover activities including capacity building for the design of an industrialization strategy for Cuba, increasing competitiveness and industrial upgrading in the sector of agro-fertilizers and agricultural machinery, and strengthening competitiveness, organizational performance and export capacity of the music industry. The CPF aims to mobilize a total of USD 50 million in order to implement these activities.
The joint presentation was opened by Hilda Morales, Director of the Industrial and Technological Policy Division at the Ministry of Industry of Cuba, during which she highlighted industrial development as a key strategic component of the country´s economic and social agenda for 2030, as well as the need “to develop the industry”, promote “progress in modernization" and "technological development".
William Diaz, Director of the International Economic Organizations Division of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment, noted that although projects are on track, it is necessary to continue working efficiently and effectively to ensure the successful implementation of the CPF and ultimately achieve the expected outcomes of the projects.
FIHAV, the biggest commercial fair in Cuba, aims at improving the country’s institutional and business environment, increasing industrial competitiveness and promoting investment. The Fair brought together various stakeholders, including government officials, foreign and national companies, commercial missions from various countries, members of the donor community and the local population.
(Embacuba Austria)