Cuban companies from the province of Cienfuegos showcased a selection of fresh agricultural products in Paris on Thursday, aiming to break into the French market. Among the exhibitors were Cítricos Arimao, Horquita, and Eladio Machín, who impressed French entrepreneurs and supporters of the Cuban regime with a tasting session that included mango, mamey, guava, and other exotic products, according to the state-run Prensa Latina news agency.
Liliana Mederos, Director of Science and Development at the Delegation of Agriculture in Cienfuegos, explained that they are seeking contacts and negotiations to expand access to this market. This proposal seems as ambitious as it is disconnected from the current Cuban reality, where producers complain about the difficulties of working and the loss of crops due to fuel shortages or poor state management. Yanet González, Director of Foreign Trade, highlighted that the agenda in France also seeks to coordinate new projects and financing aimed at improving the technological capabilities of Cuban producers.
At the Cuban embassy in Paris, there was a notable interest in products such as mango and mamey, which are exotic for the European market but essential and very expensive in Cuba. The Cuban regime partially justified this export strategy as a necessity to obtain foreign currency in a challenging economic context. This plan would undoubtedly benefit French consumers more than Cubans, who continue to struggle with a severe food crisis.
Increasing and diversifying exports may be a priority, but it is paradoxical when Cuban citizens do not have access to the same products that are sent abroad. This has been the case for years with the fishing industry, for example. Cuba exports almost all of its seafood production, especially shellfish, while on the island, the annual per capita fish consumption has dropped from 16 kg to about 3.8 kg, a figure far from the 12 kg per capita recommended by the World Health Organization.
Key Issues on Cuban Agricultural Exports to France
The following questions and answers delve into the key issues surrounding the efforts of Cuban companies to introduce their agricultural products to the French market.
What are the main goals of Cuban companies in the French market?
Cuban companies aim to establish contacts, negotiate market access, and coordinate new projects and financing to enhance their technological capabilities.
Why is there a paradox in Cuba's export strategy?
The paradox lies in the fact that while Cuba exports high-quality agricultural products, its own citizens struggle with food shortages and lack access to these same products.
How has fish consumption changed in Cuba over the years?
Fish consumption in Cuba has decreased significantly, from 16 kg per capita annually to about 3.8 kg, which is far below the World Health Organization's recommendation of 12 kg per capita.