HAVANA, Cuba.- Cuba and the Republic of Indonesia set out to expand and diversify their commercial relations, taking as a starting point the identification of new business opportunities in areas like biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry.

During the forum held on Monday, organized by the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, the two parties expressed their interest in strengthening bilateral bonds, currently well below the potential of each territory, pointed out Teiseran Cornelis, Indonesia’s ambassador to Havana.

Celia Labora, the Chamber’s director for International Relations, pointed out that in order to change that situation it is necessary to promote rapprochement between Havana and Jakarta, and encourage the presence of business communities in each country.

During the meeting, held at the capital’s Hotel Nacional, Cuban representatives identified the export of health services and of biotechnological products to control pests and diseases among the sectors of higher mutual benefit.

The two nations maintain diplomatic relations since 1960, and since then they have signed cooperation agreements in the spheres on culture and sports, and in the field of reciprocal protection of investments.