Hanoi welcomes Cuban biotech and pharma firms to set up offices in the  Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, recognizing their strong expertise in these fields.

Overview of the meeting. Photos: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

Executive  Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Van Phong shared this view during a farewell meeting on November 14 with the outgoing Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Hernandez Guillen whose mission in Vietnam has come to an end.

At the meeting, Phong congratulated the ambassador on his successful tenure, during which he made significant contributions to strengthening the longstanding cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Cuba.

Phong emphasized that in nearly 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960, the Vietnam-Cuba relations s have continuously strengthened and expanded across multiple fields, becoming a rare and  exemplary model of international solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.

He added that Vietnam deeply values the unwavering support and solidarity that the Party, State, and people of Cuba have extended to Vietnam, from the period of national reunification efforts to the present day’s economic reform and development.

Phong pointed out that in 1973, Cuba contributed five major projects worth some US$80 million to Vietnam's socio-economic development, three of which were in Hanoi. He reaffirmed that Vietnam continues to hold Cuba in high esteem and remains a strong supporter. Currently, Vietnam is Cuba’s second-largest trading partner and largest investor from the Asia-Pacific region. Both nations continue to implement the Vietnam-Cuba Trade Agreement, signed in 2018 and effective as of April 2020, which includes preferential commitments benefiting enterprises in both countries and facilitating bilateral trade. Phong also noted the frequent exchange of delegations between Hanoi and Cuba at multiple levels.

Delegates at the meeting.

To further strengthen cooperation between the capitals of Hanoi and Havana, the Hanoi Party Committee and the Havana Party Committee signed a Cooperation Agreement in June 2023 for the period 2023–2028. Most recently, in October 2024, a delegation from Hanoi, led by the Chairman of the Hanoi Fatherland Front Nguyen Lan Huong visited Havana to further deepen this relationship.

Phong underscored that the further development of   Vietnam-Cuba friendship and solidarity is both a priority and a responsibility for Hanoi, as the capital plays a leading role in diplomatic efforts with Havana. Recognizing Cuba's strengths in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, Phong expressed Hanoi’s desire to strengthen cooperation in these sectors, particularly by inviting Cuban biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to set up joint ventures and offices in the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park.

Hanoi also seeks collaboration in agriculture, rural development, healthcare—especially through training exchanges for Hanoi’s medical professionals—and urban planning, architecture, and tourism development, said Phong.

The municipal Deputy Party Chief expressed the hope that Ambassador Hernandez, after concluding his tenure, would consider Vietnam, and Hanoi in particular, a second home. He encouraged the ambassador to remain a bridge, fostering the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba and between Hanoi and Cuban localities.

Ambassador Hernandez  thanked   Hanoi  for its  warm welcome and friendship, and conveyed Cuba’s appreciation for the continued  support and solidarity of the Vietnamese people. He noted that the strategic cooperation between the two countries, especially in the scientific,   and trade, has been strengthened through high-level visits, such as the recent visit by General Secretary and President To Lam.

The ambassador also acknowledged Hanoi's important role in the partnership between the two countries and highlighted the many friends in Vietnam who have worked with Cuba over the years. Expressing his warmest regards to  Vietnam and Hanoi, Ambassador Hernandez pledged to continue fostering exchanges that strengthen the longstanding friendship and unity between Vietnam and Cuba, which was so  caringly nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and Fidel Castro Ruz.