A donation from China consisting of 66 containers with over 1,580 tons of rice arrived this Tuesday at the port of Mariel in the province of Artemisa. This shipment is the first of seven deliveries that will total 20,000 tons of the crucial cereal between June and August.
It is planned that four of these shipments will be received at the port of Mariel, while the remaining three will arrive at the port of Santiago de Cuba.
Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, the new Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment of Cuba (MINCEX), expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and people for the “noble gesture” during what he described as “complex economic times” for the island.
“We are certain that this donation will benefit a significant portion of the population in the western and eastern regions, thereby helping to meet the nutritional needs of our country,” stated the MINCEX chief in the presence of the Chinese ambassador to Cuba, Ma Hui.
Pérez-Oliva reminded that this shipment is part of an overall aid package from the Chinese government to Cuba, which includes a total of 20,408 tons of rice, of which 408 tons were already delivered through six charter flights in April.
He added that the comprehensive aid package from the Asian nation to Cuba also includes initiatives aimed at the energy and food sectors, among others, seeking to develop sustainable cooperation for the benefit of the Cuban people.
Meanwhile, Ma Hui, the Chinese ambassador in Cuba, emphasized that the donation is a testament to the friendship and mutual assistance between China and Cuba.
“Food security and sovereignty are fundamental interests of all countries and a shared responsibility of the international community,” the diplomat stated.
Ma noted that, besides addressing the “urgent needs of sister Cuba,” China is also collaborating with the Cuban side to study and explore medium and long-term solutions to ensure sustainable agricultural development on the island.
“China is willing to share its experience and advanced technology with the world, with the Cuban side, to strengthen technical and personnel exchanges in the agricultural field, help improve food production capacity, and defend food sovereignty and security,” Ma specified.
Key Questions About China's Rice Donation to Cuba
The recent rice donation from China to Cuba has sparked significant interest. Here are some key questions and answers to help you understand the importance and implications of this aid.
What is the total amount of rice donated by China to Cuba?
China has committed to donating a total of 20,408 tons of rice to Cuba.
How will the rice donations be distributed across Cuba?
The rice shipments will be received at the ports of Mariel and Santiago de Cuba, benefiting both the western and eastern regions of the country.
What other types of aid are included in China's package to Cuba?
In addition to rice, China's comprehensive aid package to Cuba includes initiatives aimed at the energy and food sectors to foster sustainable cooperation.