VietNamNet Bridge – For the first time since assuming the presidency in 2008, Cuban President Raul Castro Ruz will pay a four-day visit to Vietnam, starting from July 7, at the invitation of Vietnamese leaders.

He will be accompanied on his tour by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and Ricardo Cabrisas, vice chairman of Cuba’s council of ministers.

Vietnam is an important economic partner of Cuba. It is a main rice and computer provider for Cuba. Vietnamese and Cuban governments are continuing plans for projects 'Household-scaled rice production development', 'Assisting Cuba to develop corn and soybean' and 'Vietnamese-Cuban cooperation for rice development in Cuba in 2010-2015,” with Vietnam's financial assistance for these programs amounting to more than US$43 million.

Two-way trade value reached more than US$250 million in 2010 and US$274 million in 2011. Many Vietnamese agricultural, oil and gas, telecommunications infrastructure, tourism and education and training projects are operating effectively in Cuba. Vietnam exported rice, coal, electronic equipment and electric home appliances to Cuba and imported pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical materials from this market.

Cuba has a high demand for machinery, equipment, production materials and consumer goods that suit Vietnamese businesses' investment demands.

PV