SANTO DOMINGO. - A delegation from 30 Cuban companies in several sectors is in the country to bolster bonds in trade and cultural and scientific cooperation.

Cuba business leaders and an  official of the Ministry of Foreign Trade signed diverse agreements with Dominican authorities, aimed at increasing trade between both nations in an expedite manner.

Foreign Trade and Investment vice minister Aurelio Mollineda heads the delegation which includes Cuba Chamber of Commerce vice president Odalis Seijo, and which will be in the country until June 13.

The Cuban-Dominican business gatherings will held in the Dominican Republic Export and Investment Center (CEI-RD) headquarters, whose director Eddy Martinez affirmed that trade and scientific cooperation are fundamental to relations between both Caribbean nations.

He said current Dominicana-Cuba annual trade tops 50 million dollars, a figure which could rise given the need for both nations to exchange products and services. “I feel that our challenge is to get the Dominican Republic and Cuba to have trade which surpasses 700 million dollars."

In his welcoming speech the CEI-RD director called on both nations to take advantage of the increasing potential of Latin American countries, for which he says it’s essential to motor stronger ties in business and scientific cooperation.

Whereas Mollineda revealed that president Leonel Fernandez will make an official visit of Cuba, during which he plans to sign several agreements with Havana par Raul Castro.