Miory Regional Executive Committee
The prospects for cooperation between the Vitebsk Region and Cuba in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors were discussed during a meeting between the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, and the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Cuba, Santiago Perez Benitez. Representatives of regional pharmaceutical enterprises, Vitebsk State Medical University, and Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine also participated in the event.
Alexander Subbotin noted that the visit takes place on the eve of an important trip by the President of Cuba to Belarus, which adds further significance to the meeting.
“Our region possesses unique opportunities for the development of a bio-pharmaceutical cluster,” Alexander Subbotin emphasized.
He pointed out the presence of several pharmaceutical enterprises and two universities training specialists for this industry: Vitebsk State Medical University and Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine. The veterinary academy is an educational institution with a faculty of pharmacy, while the medical university holds leading positions not only in Belarus but throughout the post-Soviet space. The head of the region added that graduates of these institutions are capable of implementing any projects in the field of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The availability of qualified specialists and scientific schools facilitates the development of drugs for humans and animals, as well as the integration of new technologies into practice.
Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Angelika Nikitina noted that entering the markets of African and Latin American countries opens up new horizons for Belarusian manufacturers. This expansion of trade ties is particularly important given existing challenges in trading with distant regions, where payment procedures and advance payments remain not entirely clear at present.
According to her, Cuba could become a key partner in promoting Belarusian products in these markets. An important aspect is the demand for domestically produced goods, particularly in the food sector. Cuba has previously purchased dry milk and whey from Belarus, and shipments have already begun this year at prices acceptable to Belarusian enterprises.
Angelika Nikitina also highlighted interest in supplying infant formula to Cuba, including plant-based and milk formulas from Belfood Production, as well as meat products from the Orsha Meat Processing Plant. Given the active construction in Cuba, Belarusian manufacturers are also considering the possibility of supplying fiberglass fabrics and petrochemical products.
Belarus is also interested in importing medical and veterinary drugs, establishing joint ventures, developing the tourism business, and exchanging personnel. Agreements on cooperation have already been concluded between the Medical University, Polotsk State University named after Euphrosyne of Polotsk, and a number of Cuban educational institutions.
Cuba is a promising market for promoting the Belarusian brand, including confectionery products and other food items that enjoy high demand.
In December last year, representatives of P. Masherov State University held negotiations with a delegation from the University of Cienfuegos, during which prospects for cooperation in the fields of education, science, and culture were discussed. Primary attention was focused on strengthening Belarusian-Cuban ties in the educational sector.
As a result of the meetings, agreements were reached on signing a memorandum of understanding, and key areas of cooperation were identified, which will be included in a roadmap for joint actions.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Cuba Santiago Perez Benitez noted that Belarus possesses significant potential in the field of biotechnology and veterinary medicine, which opens up broad opportunities for cooperation. He emphasized that the Belarusian State Academy of Veterinary Medicine holds an important place in this context.
According to the ambassador, both Belarus and Cuba have achievements in these fields, and joint efforts can contribute to Belarusian exports, as well as the promotion of joint Cuban-Belarusian goods in the markets of Latin America and the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union.
He expressed confidence in the real potential for interaction, particularly in the sphere of Cuba's food security.
The Ambassador added that he is familiar with Belarusian dairy enterprises certified in his country, and expressed readiness to cooperate both in sourcing raw materials and in implementing joint projects for the production of dairy products for Cuba. This encompasses consumption within the tourism sector as well as exports to Caribbean nations and other regions.
Rector of VSAVM Olga Gorlova stated that the university is prepared to offer master’s degree programs in English and provide the necessary support in this area.
The Ambassador noted that Belarusian specialists are in demand in Africa, particularly in combating tropical animal diseases, and emphasized that work is conducted with a focus on practical training, and individualized study plans can be developed for both students and professionals who already have experience in joint vaccination activities.