India wants stronger economic links with Cuba

"There is goodwill, friendly relation between our countries, and during this visit we will explore what we can do together," Indian Ambassador to Havana Chinthapally Rajasekhar said, referring to Scindia's visit.

Rajasekhar underlined the possibility of doing business in the fields of energy, tourism, infrastructure, biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry.

"It will be a stay to which we give great importance," Rajasekhar was quoted as saying by the Cuba's state news agency Prensa Latina.

Scindia is leading a delegation of nearly twenty businessmen on a visit to Cuba from July 10-13.

"We are looking for win-win links," the envoy said as he also referred to the fields of services, computer sciences and in general wherever there is some interest.

"Our trade exchange is only of 40 million USD a year," he said while extolling the links existing between Havana and New Delhi.

He noted that India exports medicine, light industry and plastic items, and imports some medicine and services from Cuba. "But that trade can grow."

Scindia's agenda in Cuba includes meetings with officials from the ministries of Foreign Trade and Investment, Foreign Affairs and Basic Industry.

On July 12, he is scheduled to hold a business round with the Chamber of Commerce of Cuba.

"We want to promote cooperation between both chambers and encourage business between India and Cuba," Rajasekhar added.