GAF
Charcoal exports boost Cuba's economic development
Despite the pandemic situation and its effects on the world economy, the province of Camagüey had revenues the previous year of 7,250,690 dollars in charcoal exports.
According to information provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, the figures were below what was programmed (they could only export 61 percent of what was planned) due to the effects of Covid-19 and 22 thousand 288 tons were sold, of more than 37 thousand planned. In the largest province of Cuba, with more than 16 thousand square kilometers, scientific and collaborative projects are also promoted, such as that of the University of Camagüey (UC) and Ghent, of Belgium, for the management and exploitation of marabou, a plant for coal production. "A program like this also aims to contribute to the correct management of the invasive species that we use as animal feed due to its nutritional components, while improving the soil for crops, contributing to food security," Redimio Pedraza, professor of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the UC. The international market price of a ton of charcoal is around 300 to 400 dollars, therefore its commercialization generates an important source of foreign exchange for the Caribbean country. Data offered by the Ministry of Agriculture and its address in this region in the east of the country, ensure that a score of entities dedicated to the export of charcoal store more than 1,470 tons ready for shipment to buyers. Cuba has potentialities in markets such as China for the commercialization of coffee, honey and charcoal, after the signing of letters of intent on the subject in the last five years that promote national economic development.
