Excerpt from the speech by Cuban Communist Party Politburo member and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz at the opening of the VI China International Import Expo, November 5 (translated from the Spanish):
China does not erect walls, nor does it impose political conditions; it does not meddle in the internal affairs of other countries, nor does it cut off global industrial and supply chains, on the contrary, it promotes aid funds and proposes, through President Xi Jinping's laudable global initiatives, to share in an inclusive manner the achievements of its development with the international community, and, in particular, with developing countries. They are proposals consistent with the need for a new just and equitable international order, and consistent with the aspirations of the global South.
We welcome China's efforts and unwavering willingness to open the doors of its great and irreplaceable market more and more, always in favour of promoting true multilateralism and economic globalization that benefits all.
The opportunities that arise from bringing together economic actors from more than 150 countries and representatives of the world's leading companies in this space constitute an attractive and necessary space to encourage increasingly creative and effective ways for global economic recovery and world trade.
Cuba, for its part, in its capacity as President pro tempore of the Group of 77 and China, has led a global call for an urgent reform of the international financial architecture, which will allow the nations of the South equitable access to the necessary finances and contribute to the development of a fairer international trading system that contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. We urgently call for the prompt elimination of unilateral and protectionist practices that are in direct contravention of World Trade Organization agreements.
For more than 60 years, Cuba has had to suffer sustained hostility and an economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the Government of the United States of America, intensified without precedent and in an opportunistic manner, even during the pandemic. This cruel and inhumane policy continues to be the main obstacle to the economic and social development of our country, it has a markedly extraterritorial character, it affects our trade relations with third countries, it hinders banking and financial operations and it tries to curb foreign investment.
Recently, the overwhelming majority of the international community reaffirmed at the United Nations that Cuba is not and will not be alone, with 187 countries voting in favor of ending that genocidal blockade....
The bilateral ties between Cuba and China are an example of solidarity and cooperation among socialist countries and sincere mutual support among developing countries.
Cuban Communist Party Politburo member and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz at the opening of the VI China International Import Expo, November 5