Cuba receives equipment to move forward with its socioeconomic agenda

The 2nd Cuba-EU Expert Exchange programme, which is funded by the European Union, has worked together with Cuban institutions to promote digitalisation and energy efficiency policies that incorporate measures to reduce the impact of the pandemic. 

Faced with COVID-19, and given the difficulties regarding access to both digital platforms and technological resources, IT equipment has been supplied (including laptops, routers, servers, projectors, screens and speakers, videoconferencing systems, and interactive whiteboards) to facilitate the connectivity of the Cuban administration and upgrade its videoconferencing equipment. 

The programme has also provided the institutions with furniture for training classrooms and meeting rooms. This drive towards digitalisation has allowed activities to be planned virtually. Online seminars and meetings have been held, some of which were initially planned to be in-person but this was not possible given current conditions.  

In the field of foreign trade, the implementation of the Foreign Investment One-Stop Shop (VUINEX) has been accompanied and supported by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (MINCEX). The new equipment has allowed this department to stay open to the public and has helped it create its own software to manage all the services that VUINEX offers to investors and potential investors.  

Due to the current context regarding the pandemic, and in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the country, work has also been carried out to reinforce the necessary protection and hygiene measures, including providing certified reusable masks. 

With a view to supporting the country’s energy efficiency and environmental policies, an electric vehicle has been provided for the mobility of officials and technical personnel from Cuba’s institutions, which helps reduce fuel consumption and air pollution.  

The partner institutions have recognised the great importance of receiving these supplies and equipment, which strengthen the support and commitment that the programme is carrying out to accompany Cuba in implementing its socioeconomic policy guidelines.