HAVANA — Việt Nam’s Hoang Gia Viet Food JSC has signed a cooperation contract with Alquízar, an agricultural company under Cuba’s Artemisa Agroforestry Business Group, to cultivate cashew and short-cycle crops on 2,000ha in Artemisa Province, marking a new step in bilateral agricultural ties.

Under the agreement, the Vietnamese firm will grow cashew alongside short-cycle crops including peanut, black bean, mung bean and soybean. It will supply materials, agricultural machinery, technical expertise and technology, while Cuba will provide land, labour and the necessary conditions for implementation.

Nguyễn Khắc Hoàng, director of Hoàng Gia Việt, said Cuba’s soil, which is similar to that of Việt Nam, is favourable for many crops, particularly industrial varieties. He said the company had selected cashew as its main crop and expressed confidence in investing in Cuba, a nation that shares long-standing and close relations with Việt Nam as well as political and social similarities.

Abdel González stressed the significance of the project, noting that it will help increase food production for the Cuban people. He said it also represents progress in raising Cuba–Việt Nam agricultural cooperation to match the strong political relationship between the two countries.

Ambassador Long said agricultural collaboration between Việt Nam and Cuba has made positive strides in recent years. He expressed hope that more Vietnamese businesses would explore opportunities in Cuba, creating mutual benefits and new prospects for both sides.

Việt Nam is currently the largest Asian investor in Cuba, with at least seven active projects and committed capital exceeding US$160 million. Vietnamese companies, including Thái Bình, Viglacera and Agri VMA, have invested in construction materials, fertilisers, pharmaceuticals and solar energy.

Vietnamese-backed agricultural initiatives supporting Cuba’s rice, corn and soybean production, as well as aquaculture, have also delivered encouraging results. — VNA/VNS