Vietnam, Cuba deepen construction cooperation ahead of 42nd Intergovernmental Committee

Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Xuan Sang met with Cuba’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Gerardo Penalver Portal to promote bilateral cooperation in construction, transportation, and related fields. The meeting underscored the close, long-standing friendship between the two countries, established and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and Leader Fidel Castro.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Xuan Sang meets Cuba’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Gerardo Penalver Portal to discuss bilateral cooperation in construction and trade.

Deputy Minister Penalver Portal expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s continued support and affirmed that Vietnam remains Cuba’s largest Asian investor. He emphasized the desire to expand cooperation across areas such as trade, agriculture, building materials, and infrastructure. Recognizing Cuba’s ongoing economic challenges, he welcomed Vietnam’s partnership and called for joint efforts to overcome difficulties and promote mutual development.

To support this, the Cuban side proposed that the Vietnamese Ministry of Construction, in its capacity as Chair of the Vietnamese Subcommittee of the Intergovernmental Committee, encourage ministries and enterprises to participate in the Havana International Fair (FIHAV 2025)—the largest trade event in Central America and the Caribbean.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Xuan Sang reaffirmed Vietnam’s deep respect for the solidarity and support shown by the Cuban government and people throughout history. He welcomed Cuba’s proposal to hold the 42nd session of the Vietnam–Cuba Intergovernmental Committee online in late August 2025, and confirmed Vietnam’s readiness to sign the session’s official minutes during the visit of Cuba’s First Secretary and President to Vietnam.

As Chair of the Vietnamese Subcommittee, the Ministry of Construction will continue to guide relevant agencies in implementing the outcomes of the Intergovernmental Committee. The Ministry also pledged to inform and mobilize enterprises to take part in FIHAV 2025. In the construction and transportation sectors, it will coordinate with key Vietnamese entities—including the Vietnam Maritime Corporation, the Vietnam Maritime Administration, and the Inland Waterways Administration—to explore joint investment in seaports, maritime transport, and infrastructure projects in Cuba.

Both sides concluded the meeting by agreeing to enhance information exchange and establish a regular coordination mechanism to promote effective and practical cooperation in construction, trade, investment, and food security.

Hải Ninh