In his speech at the opening of the 6th China International Import Exhibition (CIIE), being held here from November 5 to 10, the Cuban prime minister emphasized the importance of events like these to create new business forms among all economic stockholders globally.

“Cuba, as pro tempore president of the Group of 77 and China, has led the global call for a necessary reform of the international financial structure to allow southern nations to access necessary financing alternatives and contribute to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals,” he assured.

Marrero stressed that for more than 60 years, Cuba has been subjected to an unprecedented commercial, economic and financial blockade by the United States and opportunistically intensified even during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Marrero, this measure, with a marked extraterritorial nature that hinders normal relations with other nations and obstructs international financial transactions, continues to be the main obstacle to Cuba’s economic development.

“Recently, the United Nations General Assembly ratified that Cuba is not and will not be alone,” said Marrero, in reference to the 187 votes from the world community in favor of the immediate elimination of Washington’s blockade.

Marrero stressed that Cuba will continue to promote its own path to economic development and highlighted the important consensus reached by the two countries’ top leaders in this regard.

Cuba and China “are good friends, companions and brothers,” he stated, and recalled that Beijing has established itself as Havana’s second global trading partner.

The prime minister said that Cuba is establishing itself as a stable supplier and reliable partner for China in sectors such as biotechnology, and noted that bilateral ties are an example of links between socialist nations.

“This exhibition will mark a before and after in relations between our countries and will allow us to reach a new stage of economic-commercial exchange at the same level as our political exchanges,” Marrero underlined.

The 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened here on Sunday with the presence of more than 3,400 exhibitors and 394,000 professional visitors.

Scheduled until November 10, representatives from 154 countries, regions and international organizations are participating in the event.

At the inauguration, Prime Minister Li Qiang emphasized that China will continue on its path to reform and opening to create opportunities for beneficial cooperation for all.

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