Ambassador of Cuba in Pakistan, Gustavo Machin Gomez has emphasised the need of frequent exchange of trade delegations to increase two-way trade between the two countries. Addressing members of Karachi Council on Foreign Relations, Economic Affairs and Law (KCFREAL), he said that Cuba offers great potential to increase two-way trade.
He said that at present trade between the two countries is almost negligible. Cuba can import textile, leather, rice, medicines, and etc from Pakistan. The ambassador said that Cuba is ready to discuss establishing units in joint ventures and work for benefit of both the countries. He invited Pakistani business community to participate in Cuba international exhibition to introduce Pakistani products.
He pointed out that during the earthquake disaster in Northern Areas, Cuba provided 2,500 doctors and other staff to assist Pakistan in rehabilitation work and provide medical cover to affected people. He said that Cuba established 33 field hospitals in the earthquake areas, which were later handed over to Pakistan.
He said Cuba has offered 1,000 scholarships to Pakistani medical students for free study in Cuba and 150 students have already been selected and rest will be selected soon.
Speaking on the occasion, chairman, KCFREAL, Chief Justice Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui (Retd) said that Cuba has made huge investment in human resource development. Education in Cuba is free and it is must for every child to attend school.
He said Pakistan could import nickel, sugar and other products from Cuba.
Welcoming the guests, CEO and secretary general of KCFREAL, Ahsan Mukhtar Zuberi said that economic and trade ties of the both the countries are improving. He appreciated Cuban offer of 1,000 scholarship for Pakistani students and added that Cuban degree is recognised in Pakistan.