Le Hoasi Trung, Vietnam's minister of foreign affairs, toured the Mariel Special Development Zone and rice production areas in Pinar del Río this Sunday.
The official, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, visited the company ViMariel S.A., which has operated since 2019 as the sole concessionaire of the zone for 50 years on nearly 300 hectares. Ana Teresa Igarza Martínez, general director, noted that Vietnam is the second country with the largest business presence in the enclave, in sectors such as industry, agri-food and renewable energy.
The visit forms part of 2024 agreements between the leaders of both countries. Le Hoasi Trung reiterated Vietnam's commitment to invest in Cuba despite the United States embargo and highlighted opportunities for Vietnamese entrepreneurs.
In Pinar del Río, the minister toured more than 900 hectares planted with rice in 2026 yielding positive results. Yamilé Ramos Cordero, first secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, mentioned additional areas for the joint project. Telce González Morera, Cuba's deputy minister of agriculture, said the program continues to advance despite difficulties.
