China helps Cuba to boost transport

Dongxing is now looking to the future and hopes to expand its production facilities on the island.

"Our next step is to continue satisfying the Cuban market and also generate more foreign currency for Cuba, since we are going to establish a joint venture at the end of this year to start producing new models at low prices and with high quality," said Wei Yunpu, chairman of the Chinese firm.

Yzquierdo also thanked Yutong for their contribution to Cuba's transport. At present, there are more than 8,600 Yutong buses on the streets of Cuba.

"We are doing well with Yutong buses and we are betting in the future with Yutong," Yzquierdo said.

Yutong now hopes that its electric and hybrid buses can help Cuba save 40 percent more fuel in the future.

Wang Tong, a Yutong representative, said that the firm is considering setting up a new plant in the Mariel Special Economic Development Zone, Cuba's flagship economic and foreign investment project.

Meanwhile, Wang Leibin, business manager of YTO International, said that his company has been cooperating with Cuba for three years, initially exporting tractors and construction machinery.

The cooperation's success has enabled expansion and the company now intends to grow its production.

"The goal is to remodel what exists today in that factory and establish an assembly line for its future operation so the country has its own tractor plant and sustainability," said Wang.

For Cuba, the participation of Chinese and other foreign firms in CubaIndustria 2018 offers investment possibilities necessary for the island's development and for the sustainability of its public transport.

Xinhua