14ymedio, Havana, 27 March 2024 [Note delayed translation] — It is only 62,000 euros, but “the contribution constitutes a message of solidarity from the Japanese people,” said Tokyo’s ambassador to Cuba Hirata Kenji this Tuesday, during the signing of a document with which his country begins a new cooperation project, this time in Pinar del Río. The program is intended to support the production of processed foods in the provincial capital city.
“It is important for the largest of the Antilles to develop agriculture and be self-sufficient, which is why our Government, through cooperation programs, accompanies the policy of sovereignty and food security,” added Kenji.
The international NGO Humanity and Inclusion participates in the project, and its representative on the Island, Amélie Teisserenc, stated that it is planned to enhance the availability of fresh food, which includes the installation of equipment for processing and refrigeration of bottled foods and transport vehicles in the Engineering I and El Vial organoponic plants, both affected by Hurricane Ian, which devastated the area on September 27, 2022.
The availability of fresh food is expected to be increased, including the installation of equipment for processing and refrigeration of bottled food and transport vehicles.
At the event, there was time to remember the United States and Fidel Castro. The first was called out as to blame by the provincial governor, Eumelín González Sánchez, who said that agriculture “requires a great effort today to provide food for the locals, given the limitations imposed every day by the United States blockade against Cuba.”
“Cuba spends large sums of money each year on food and it is important to develop the agricultural sector for the benefit of its citizens,” Ambassador Kenji replied in a more restrained tone.
González Sá
