Argentina is set to ship 10,000 tons of black beans to Cuba as part of the commercial agreements established since 2020 between Havana and Buenos Aires. The shipment follows an official visit by Cuban officials and private entrepreneurs to Argentina.
According to the weekly publication La Opinión, the agreements were made between the company Multimodal Port, located in San Pedro, and the Cuban government. For the past four years, these agreements have facilitated bilateral trade.
The report highlights that the beans arrived in San Pedro by rail, where they were unloaded by local personnel and transferred to trucks. They were then stored until the arrival of the Panamanian-flagged vessel, Grajales, which is now docked at the port terminal to begin loading operations.
Javier Mosqueda, a representative of Multimodal Port, stated that the company has built a strong relationship with Cuba, which has made the San Pedro port the preferred choice for such operations whenever black beans are purchased from Argentina. "This generates a lot of work for local companies," he noted.
Historic Visit by Cuban Delegation
Last week, Multimodal Port welcomed a delegation of Cuban officials and private entrepreneurs. This marks the first time a group of Cuban businesspeople has conducted an official mission in collaboration with the Cuban government, according to the publication.
The "Misión Ciego de Ávila," organized in conjunction with the Argentine SME Chamber, allowed Cuban representatives to explore new opportunities for commercial collaboration, investments, and strategic partnerships. During their visit, which included meetings with Argentine companies, proposals for the fruit sector were discussed, and tours of various local businesses were conducted.
This visit takes place against the backdrop of severe food shortages in Cuba and amidst a government crackdown on private entrepreneurs, whom it has accused of fueling inflation. Currently, a pound of black beans can cost up to 450 Cuban pesos, in a country where the minimum wage is less than 3,000 pesos.
The agreements signed between Havana and Buenos Aires in 2020 came months after Cristina Fernández de Kirchner assumed the vice presidency of Argentina alongside President Alberto Fernández. It remains unknown how much the Cuban regime pays for each shipment of black beans from Argentina.
Key Details About Argentina-Cuba Black Bean Trade
Here are some frequently asked questions about the recent black bean trade between Argentina and Cuba, addressing key aspects and providing further insights.
Why is Argentina sending black beans to Cuba?
Argentina is sending black beans to Cuba as part of commercial agreements established since 2020 between Havana and Buenos Aires. This trade aims to support Cuba amidst severe food shortages.
Who is facilitating the trade between Argentina and Cuba?
The trade is facilitated by Multimodal Port, a company located in San Pedro, Argentina, in collaboration with the Cuban government.
What impact does the trade have on local companies in Argentina?
The trade generates significant employment opportunities for local companies in Argentina, particularly those involved in the logistics and transportation sectors.