Vietnam and Cuba promote cooperation in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
The working session between the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) and the Cuban pharmaceutical company BioCubaFarma, held on April 23, 2026, focused on discussing cooperation directions in research, technology transfer, human resource development, and promoting the commercialization of biotechnology and pharmaceutical products.
During the meeting, representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology highly appreciated Cuba's strengths in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, and affirmed that Vietnam always values the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Cuba.
The Ministry of Science and Technology is ready to act as a focal point to connect and support cooperation between agencies, businesses, and research organizations of Vietnam and Cuba. In addition, the Ministry of Science and Technology proposes that both sides study the development of a joint funding mechanism between Vietnamese funds such as NAFOSTED and NATIF and Cuban partners; promote the formation of joint Vietnam-Cuba research groups; and support businesses from both countries in expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology transfer, and ultimately commercializing and producing Cuban biotechnology products in Vietnam.
Representing the Ministry of Science and Technology, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department Tran Thanh Ha emphasized that there is still much room for development in science and technology cooperation between the two countries, especially in basic research fields associated with technology transfer, vaccine development, diagnostic biological products, gene technology, and medicinal plants.
On the Cuban side, Mr. Santiago Dueñas Carrera, Vice President of the Cuban national pharmaceutical corporation BioCubaFarma, proposed promoting collaborative research and development, production, and distribution projects in Vietnam for biopharmaceutical products using Cuban technology.
The Cuban side also expressed its desire for both sides to strengthen cooperation in joint research in the fields of biomedical science and pharmaceuticals, promote the exchange of experts, train human resources, and jointly organize international scientific conferences in Vietnam and Cuba.
Center for Science and Technology Communication