Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko welcomed the participants of the Russia–Cuba Business Dialogue
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko welcomed the participants of the Russia–Cuba Business Dialogue, held as part of SPIEF 2026.
He noted that 2026 marks a special date – the 100th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Castro, the leader of the Cuban Revolution. Both Russia and Cuba will hold events to commemorate this outstanding statesman and political figure.
“Today, during a period of profound transformation in the global economy, Russian‑Cuban cooperation is more important than ever. Our shared goal is to protect our interests and build an independent model of development. The intergovernmental commission is focusing on expanding project‑based activities in line with our 2030 plan. It is essential to create practical cooperation mechanisms – settlements in national currencies, and direct region-level and industry‑level partnerships,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised.
He added that, despite external pressure, Russian companies continue to expand their presence in Cuba and are ready to invest in long‑term projects, with business now becoming a key tool for economic stability.
“Following the agreements reached by our presidents, Vladimir Putin and Miguel Díaz‑Canel, we continue to develop cooperation across a range of areas. Last year, Russia increased its imports from Cuba by 20 percent. Deliveries of Russian vehicles to Cuba – including GAZ, UAZ, KAMAZ and Lada – are expanding. Russia will donate 50 Moskvich vehicles to a taxi company in Havana. Last year, Russia supplied Cuba with six tonnes of substances for pharmaceutical production, and today we will sign a memorandum on the joint development of cancer vaccines,” Dmitry Chernyshenko announced.
Turning to the agricultural sector, he noted that around 90 Russian companies are interested in supplying meat, dairy and fish products to Cuba. In the IT sector, Russia can offer solutions in digital services, cybersecurity, telemedicine and business automation.
Russia and Cuba are also closely cooperating in the humanitarian sphere. For example, a branch of the Southern Federal University opened in Havana last year.
“There are eight Russian language centres in Cuba. Russia and Cuba will continue to strengthen bilateral ties. Our partnership is destined to serve as a model for a new architecture of international economic cooperation in a multipolar world,” Dmitry Chernyshenko concluded.
