The current situation and prospects of the Cuban Iron and Steel Industry to replace imports focused for three days the International Convention "Metanica 2009."

According to organizers, the industry's possibilities to manufacture equipment and spare parts to reduce outlay of hard currency outside the country with practical solutions were also debated.

Among innovations was the design of a cutting machine for marabou, one of the parasite plants that affect the Cuban agriculture. The project is being carried out by experts from several groups of the island's eastern region.

The iron and steel industry is also participating in the national integration of new combine sugar cane harvesters, as well as agricultural implements demanded by the country's agricultural food programs.

Compared to iron and steel productions, Cuba has resisted the collapse of steel markets for the reduction of the production, faced with high prices of raw materials, and the contraction of metals' world demand.

Also affected by oil's ups and downs, the manufacture of steel and its Cuban by-products have not been exempted from fluctuations in international prices, obliging constantly to reduce costs and rational use of energy resources.

Despite that adverse panorama, Cuba has got positive results in 2008 in its two plants, surpassing 2007 exports, with an average increase of 30 percent of incomes in the Caribbean and Central America.

Source: Prensa Latina