The Ethiopian Sugar Industry Group and the Cuban Sugar Industry Group (Azcuba) signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in research and development, production, technical assistance, among others, it was announced today.

The general director of the Ethiopian Group, Wayo Roba, and his Cuban counterpart, Francisco René Martín, signed the agreement in a ceremony held the day before at the headquarters of the local company, according to the state-owned television station Fana Broadcasting Corporate.

The agreement will facilitate synergistic engagement between the two parties in the areas of capacity building, sugarcane variety development, biotechnology, technology transfer and trade within the sector, according to the press release.

Considering the activities to be carried out to improve the productivity of sugarcane crops in the African country, it also includes increasing the production capacities of sugar mills and improving competence in maintenance and operational management.

In his speech during the ceremony, Roba expressed his gratitude to Cuba for its willingness to impart its knowledge in the sector and collaborate with his delegation.

For his part, the Caribbean island’s ambassador in Addis Ababa, Jorge Lefebre, expressed the commitment to fulfill all the responsibilities foreseen, ensuring the rapid implementation of the additional technical aspects described in the agreement.

The previous discussions and the signing of the MoU follow the meeting between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa last November during which they explored strengthened cooperation in the medical sector, tourism services, education and sugar industries.