We could never ignore the incidences of the criminal economic, commercial, and financial blockade of the US authorities against our country, which directly affects this sector that is essential for the population, Lopez said.

It causes problems in obtaining credits, agreeing and carrying out financial operations, and having access to closer markets, the minister said by speaking on the second day of the 3rd Ordinary Session of the 10th Legislature of the National People’s Power Assembly (Parliament).

It also has a strong effect to achieve the current hiring of ships to bring food to our territory, he added.

“All this has a repercussion on acquiring raw materials for production and complying with the commitments and deliveries to the people of the products foreseen in the Standard Family Basket (CFN), social consumption, and other commitments,” the official said.

These factors, he explained, cause CFN products, such as powdered milk for children and pregnant women, to arrive late or are missing.

To mention a few examples, he added that in the last 18 months, many shipments were repeatedly affected, including soy yogurt, chicken, coffee, canned meat, and flour for standard bread.

Lopez stressed that although there are still shortcomings in the sector’s organization, structures, and management, the US blockade is becoming an increasing obstacle.

ef/iff/ro/raj