No blockade or pressure will deter Cubans
President reviews progress being made in energy and transportation sectors, as well as investment projects in industry and commerce
Author: Granma | internet@granma.cu
january 15, 2020 10:01:57
Photo: Estudio Revolución
At a time when imperialism is attempting by all means to prevent the arrival of fuel and other oil derivatives to Cuba, including liquefied gas, the President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, on Monday reviewed the Energy Program, particularly oil development and prospects for the year.
He emphasized the importance of renewable energy resources, especially photovoltaic, noting that the installation of panels on suitable roofs should be a first step, according to the Presidency’s website.
Diaz-Canel also participated in a review of the Railroad Recovery and Development Program, at the Palace of the Revolution, led by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz. Reports indicated that 2019 plans for freight transportation plans were 91% completed, with 852 million tons more than in 2018 transported.
According to the director of Cuba’s railway enterprise, Eduardo Hernández Becerra, shortcomings were seen in the transportation of sugar cane derivatives, fuel, imported food and wheat flour; while, in the second half of the year, some previously trucked cargo was transported by rail, contributing to fuel savings.
The President insisted that there can be no return to previous practices, that savings measures in this important sector had a significant impact in 2019.
“The transportation of cargo by rail is a priority this year. In port-internal market transport operations, the first thing to prioritize is that everything that can go by rail must be moved that way. This country is made for railroads, we must get the weight off our roads,” adding that this is the most efficient means of transportation for the Cuban economy, the President said, according to Cuban television.
As for passenger transportation, national trains surpassed projections by 30%, reported Hernández, transporting more than 717,000 passengers, a 62% increase, made possible by the arrival of new Chinese railcars in July, which also contributed to improved quality of service.
Other issues addressed were foreign investment, exports and the use of credits by enterprises affiliated with the ministries of Domestic Commerce and Industry. Noted specifically was the inclusion, in the country’s portfolio of foreign investment opportunities, of 38 projects involving retreading of tires; the manufacture of sanitary pads, bags and flexible packaging; as well as the repair of lifting equipment, trailers and semi-trailers.
Foreign investment in the industrial sector can contribute a great deal to the country’s development and, at the same time, many alternatives can be found to promote exports to revitalize industry and yield dividends, said Diaz-Canel, according to the Presidential website.
Projects underway at Antillana Steelworks, in the printing industry and the new Haier refrigerator production line to be installed in Villa Clara were also reviewed at the meeting. Regarding the latter, José Gaspar Álvarez Sandoval, Deputy Minister of Industries, reported that the equipment should arrive from China shortly and make possible the fabrication of refrigerators with higher quality.