Brazil and Cuba join forces in field of housing construction

The governments of Brazil and Cuba have signed a memorandum of understanding on the exchange of knowledge and technical assistance in the field of affordable housing and sustainable urban development initiatives. This is reported by the official website of the Brazilian Government.

Minister of Cities Jader Filho and President of the Cuban National Institute of Territorial Planning and Urban Development Raul Gregorich signed the memorandum during the Forum of Ministers and High-Level Authorities of Housing and Urban Development of Latin America and the Caribbean (MINURVI) meeting in Barbados. 

Under the agreement, the countries commit to cooperating in the areas of territorial and urban development, housing construction, adaptation to climate change, and issues related to unstable and informal settlements.

"The agreement allows both countries to assist each other in housing, transport accessibility, and, ultimately, the improvement of Brazilian and Cuban cities," said Minister Jader Filho.

Brazil and Cuba plan to hold technical exchanges, educational courses, national forums, and joint events, primarily in the areas of spatial planning, urban design, and cadastral work. The memorandum does not provide for the transfer of funds between the parties.

"We will be able to think together and cooperate for the development of Cuba and Brazil," said Raul Gregorich.

Earlier in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian and Cuban tourism ministers discussed measures to increase bilateral tourist flows, mainly the proposal to introduce a weekly direct flight between Sao Paulo and Havana.

Photo: Oleksii Liskonih/ iStock