Over 100 representatives of China and Cuba have gathered at a top Havana hotel on Monday to commence the 8^th assembly of the Cuba-China Biotechnology Working Group.

The two-day meeting will provide an opportunity for joint public-private companies to take account of the progress made so far as a result of the cooperation between both sides and set new targets for the future, ACN reported.

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China's delegation is being led by Lin Nainxiu, China's National Development and Reform Commission deputy director. The talks are expected to focus on some key areas, including health, science, agriculture and industry.

The bilateral relationship between Cuba and China has grown rapidly over the past few years. Last year, the volume of trade between both countries was worth up to $1.3 billion. When Vice Premier Wang Yang visited the Caribbean island last week, he highlighted biotechnology as one of the areas where both nations should strengthen their cooperation.  

Biotechnology is one of the top earners for the Cuban economy - the county is one of the main exporters of medicine in the South American region. Experts say the cooperation with China has further boosted Cuba's biotech industry by allowing the flow of technical know-how and cutting edge technology between both nations.

Since the visit from General Fan Changlong and a group of top Chinese military officials in the beginning of the month, Cuban and Chinese officials have been involved in a series of meetings aimed at building their diplomatic and military ties.

Cuban News Agency reported on Thursday that China and Cuba have signed an economic and technical agreement that will see the Asian economic superpower donate towards the development of the island nation. Cuba's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ileana Nunez noted that the money will be used to support joint projects between both nations. 

TagsCuba-China, 8th Cuba-China Biotechnology Working Group, Cuba