Representatives from the Vietnamese government and the rice production company Agri VMA handed over the rice to Cuba on 13/2 at the headquarters of the agricultural company Citricos Caribe S.A in Havana.

This marks the first rice shipment from Vietnam to Cuba in 2026, delivered under an agreement between Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and Cuba's Ministry of Agriculture, according to the Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN). The rice is of the hybrid CT16 variety, yielding over 7 tons of fresh paddy per hectare. Agri VMA currently cultivates this variety across more than 1,000 ha in Los Palacios district, Pinar del Rio province.

Cuban Deputy Minister of Agriculture Telce Abdel Gonzalez affirmed that Cuba would provide all favorable conditions for Agri VMA's rice production project in Los Palacios. The goal is to replicate this production model in other Cuban localities.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long (right) symbolically presents 250 tons of rice to Cuban Deputy Minister of Agriculture Telce Abdel Gonzalez. *Photo: TTXVN*.

Deputy Minister Gonzalez commended Vietnamese businesses investing in Cuba's agricultural sector, noting their contribution to boosting agricultural production and ensuring food security for Cuba. He also expressed a desire for Vietnamese agricultural enterprises to continue expanding their investments in Cuba, not only in rice but also in the production of other agricultural products.

Mr. Gonzalez affirmed that agricultural cooperation helps elevate bilateral economic cooperation to the level of the excellent political relationship between the two nations.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long emphasized that the continued expansion of Vietnamese enterprises in Cuba demonstrates the special solidarity, friendship, and comprehensive bilateral cooperation. This also reflects the confidence of Vietnamese businesses investing in Cuba, despite the difficulties the country is currently facing.

Ambassador Le Quang Long affirmed that promoting agricultural cooperation and supporting Cuba in ensuring food security consistently receives high attention from Vietnamese leaders.

General Secretary To Lam met with the Special Envoy of the Communist Party of Cuba, the State of Cuba, and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla on 2/2. During the meeting, General Secretary To Lam affirmed Vietnam's commitment to sharing expertise and implementing rice cooperation projects, helping Cuba gradually achieve food self-sufficiency.

Emphasizing that the Vietnamese people will never forget the words of leader Fidel Castro, "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its own blood", the General Secretary affirmed Vietnam's commitment to supporting Cuba within its capacity to overcome difficulties and develop the nation.

Ngoc Anh