CUBANEWS FROM RADIO HAVANA CUBA
                            November 27, 1997

                        E-mail: rhc@radiohc.org
                        http://www.radiohc.org


Cuban Economic Briefs for Thursday, November 27, 1997

TRADE BETWEEN CUBA AND GERMANY TO INCREASE

German and Cuban entrepreneurs consolidate relations. In
his third trip to Cuba, German Minister of State in charge
of Foreign Relations, Helmut Schaffer, explored the
possibility of more effective business cooperation between
Bonn and Havana, in line with the growing interest that
Cuba is generating among German companies.

Trade between Germany and Cuba surpassed 150 million
dollars last year, especially in the areas of railway
technology and biotechnology. Germans consider Cuba an
important and safe market which they can supply with a
variety of industrial products. Germany officials say
there are many sectors of the Cuban economy that are
interesting to German businesses.

The Federal Republic of Germany is one of Cuba's chief
sources of tourism. Every year, some 100 thousand German
tourists visit the Island.

WTO DEPUTY GENERAL DIRECTOR WINDS UP VISIT TO  CUBA

What is going on in Cuba from the point of view of the
economy is sensational, said World Trade Organization
deputy director general Jesus Seade. In Cuba to take part
in activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Havana
Charter, the WTO official urged Cuban entrepreneurs to
think global and assist the government in finding markets
and economic spaces abroad. But, he cautioned, Cuban
companies need to look at themselves first and identify
the causes that limit their efficiency and
competitiveness.

WTO deputy director general Jesus Seade spoke positively
about his visit to Cuba, describing the Island's economic
reform process as a sensational happening. We are happy to
be here for this celebration, said Seade, who termed the
Havana Charter a landmark in trade-motivated economic
growth and prosperity for nations. The 1947 Havana
Charter, whose 50th anniversary has just been marked in
Cuba, was the precursor of the General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade, which in 1994 became the World Trade
Organization.

CUBAN PHARMACEUTICAL LABS WORK NON-STOP TO GET AN ANTI-
AIDS VACCINE

An international congress on medical applications of
biotechnology is scheduled for Cuba next month. The event
is sponsored by the Cuban Center for Genetic Engineering
and Biotechnology. Cuba ranks among the first six
countries in the world to extensively and effectively
apply biotechnology to human health.

Doctor Manuel Limonta, director of Cuban Center for
Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, said the facility
is working on a vaccine against AIDS that's currently in
an advanced phase of research. He explained that the
center spends between 20 and 25 million dollars a year in
research and development, and that its products are sold
in 38 countries via the Heber SA company.

A commercial fair that will run parallel to the upcoming
international biotechnology congress in Havana will
feature the latest products manufactured by the Cuban
Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.

CUBAN RADIO AND TELEVISION INSTITUTE LOOKS FOR BUSINESS
ASSOCIATION

Organizations belonging to the Cuban Radio and Television
Institute are looking for business association with
foreign partners. In Central Villa Clara province, a TV
production center plans to upgrade its equipment and build
a 1 thousand square meter out-door studio for TV
production. The center boasts a highly qualified staff.
Business opportunities are also offered in the field of
joint TV and video productions for the international
market. The Cuban Radio and Television Institute offers
both the technical and artistic personnel needed for the
project.

The Institute is also looking for partnerships in the area
of equipment for digital TV studios and the necessary
associated technology. The purpose is to produce materials
for the local and the international markets.

And finally, the Cuban Radio and Television Institute
plans to set up a large center for the production of TV
series, soap operas, and other programs. Available for
this project is a 128 hectare area.

[c] 1997. Radio Habana Cuba
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