Cuba's Minister of Economy and Planning, Jose Luis Rodriguez Garcia, acknowledged on Monday the productive potential in the exporting sector of the eastern province of Las Tunas.

That statement was made during a meeting held in that territory, which was also attended by the minister of Auditing and Control, Gladys Bejerano Portela.

The minister's argument was based on the facts that Las Tunas is the largest sugar producer of the country, and the amounts of stainless steel made there, which are exported.

He also praised the competitive quality of the furniture made by the LUDEMA company, the charcoal made from sickle bush, whose sales could increase in the second half of the year.

Bee honey and shrimp are among 25 exportable good being currently produced in Las Tunas.

The minister explained that the present results respond to the will of the local government and the Party to continue searching for alternatives to increase exports.

"Such a policy has a tremendous importance," said Rodriguez, "especially now that the prices of food have risen."

For instance, Cuba has to pay high amounts for grains such as peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas, however the State sell them for very low price in the domestic market, through a rationing system.

The meeting was presided over by Jorge Cuevas Ramos, first secretary of the Party in Las Tunas, and Victor Rodriguez Carballosa, president of the local government

Source: Radio Habana Cuba