Vietnam - the Rising Economic Force in Asia by Srimal Fernando

 

 http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za

Vietnam - the Rising Economic Force in Asia

     By  Srimal Fernando Asia Correspondent

Vietnam is one of the most fascinating countries in South East Asia. It is a country on the move with a rapid growth of 5 percent  (estimates 2012). The country has a population of 91.5 million (estimates 2011) with a wealth of dialects spoken in different regions. The people of the country have a well-deserved reputation for being hard workers. Today the largely agrarian society of the country is shifting towards a more multi-sector economy after a robust growth in the past 20 years. The country has made significant headway into the international market in recent years.

The agricultural sector continues to employ a significant proportion of the labor force and the balance is represented by the service and industry sector. Since the mid 90’s, export growth continues to be the driving force behind the robust economy of the country. In the first seven months of 2012 the turnover of the country’s exports were estimated at 62.9 billion dollars. The number of foreign companies investing in the country has been increasing steadily and has a unified exchange rate for foreign currencies, which floats in response to the basic exchange market development. At present one dollar can purchase  almost 20,000 Vietnamese don in local currency.

Figures from the Ministry of Planning and Investment show that donors had pledged a total assistance of 71.8 billion dollars from 1993 to 2011. Vietnam has a large agricultural sector and is a net exporter of farming products. It is the second largest rice and coffee producer in the world.  

The burgeoning high-end industries based at the Export Processing Zones in Hanoi, Hue Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duongand Dong Nai yield many opportunities for investors. Exports of garments and textiles are one of the main sources of foreign exchange income for Vietnam. In the first seven months of 2012 the value of apparel exports stood at 8.2 billion dollars.  Despite having many active players, the telephone parts manufacturing industry in Vietnam had an approximate market value of 6.2 billion dollars in the first half of the year. The other major industries in the country are crude oil, steel, seafoods, wood product, rubber, machinery, electronic equipment, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and mineral fuels. Vietnam has also positioned itself as a key destination for operation of multinational companies in a variety of industries. In the recent years, the country has successfully attracted many big names and reputed global companies such as Nippon, Hitachi, Isuzu, Samsung, KFC, Toshiba, Canon, Toyota, Honda, Petronas and Lotte Mart.

Moreover, the fast growing tourism sector is another major pillar in the overall economic field of the country. Vietnam is emerging as a strong tourist destination with number of visitors to the country climbing to 6.0 million in 2011. Traveling to the country can be done in different ways. However the experience that a visitor gains is unforgettable. The country is home to a wide range of domestic and international airports. Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, Danang and Tan Son Nhat Airport of Ho Chi Minh City are the major stopover points for many international airlines. These  aviation hubs serve as a base to Vietnam Airlines, the flag carrier of the country. Tourists visiting this beautiful country will find that things they can see and do are limitless.  Hanoi known as “city of lakes”  the capital  of the country is today one of the most charismatic and cosmopolitan cities in Vietnam. It is a thriving metropolis with cloud-tickling skyscrapers, numerous specialty shops, boutiques and colorful markets that unhesitatingly leap into the future .

The name of the iconic leader Ho Chi Minh comes to mind when we remember the recent history of the country. The Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is a marble edifice with his remains displayed inside the chamber. This mausoleum was built to show the deep gratitude by the countrymen to their leader. It is the most recognizable tourist spots in Hanoi that attracts thousands of visitors every day.  

Visitors are charmed by the city which gracefully combines eras and cultures . A visit to the country would remain incomplete if one doesn’t drive the 3½-hour journey on road from Hanoi to Halong Bay port. The UNESCO world Heritage site Halong (or "Descending Dragon) Bay is situated amidst a splendid panorama. The bay covers an area of 1500-square-kilometres dotted with a cluster of 1960 lime stone islands. A double deck wooden boat cruise in the bluish green waters can be an enjoyable journey. One can make a leap to the south most important city; the Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon situated 1760 kilometers south of Hanoi. It is a beautiful cosmopolitan town  with  paved walk paths, 19th century buildings besides sprawling complexes that show the development fever in the country. Among its highest-esteemed attractions are the Notre Dame Cathedral, Municipal Theater, the re-unification palace and the Vietnam War Memorial Museum. Every year millions of tourist visit the noteworthy towns of Hoi An, Dalath, Hue and Danang to marvel at its exquisite beauty. Shopping is undoubtedly an attraction in the country.  The choices and variety for items here is incalculable.

On the development side, Vietnam’s transport system has already achieved measurable improvements. The country has launched several highway projects to bolster the 222,179 kilometers of road system. Out of this about 25 percent of highways are paved. Having doubled in length in recent years, multi-lane expressways now connects several major cities with more construction planned to upgrade the paved highways. To boost the state highway system the country plans to spend 14 billon dollars in the coming years.

As one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, Vietnam has prospects to position itself towards economic prosperity. Vietnam remains one of the most important trading partners in the globe. The county has opened up a host of opportunities for investors to tap the rapidly expanding local and regional markets.

  

( Source http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=435)

 

" Vietnam Tour " with Journalist Srimal Fernando

Palestine has strong historic relations with Sri Lanka , the Maldives and South Africa - Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Palestine has strong historic relations with Sri Lanka , the Maldives and South Africa  - Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Sri Lanka and the Maldives   

 

His Excellency Dr Anwar H. Al Agha, the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Sri Lanka and the Maldives 

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 Srimal Fernando– Asia Correspondent for Foreign Exchange – The Diplomatic Society engages His Excellency Dr Anwar H. Al Agha, the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Sri Lanka and the Maldives   

Srimal Fernando (SF): Please give a brief about your Professional background?

His Excellency (HE): I am from the city of Khan Yuonis in the Gaza Strip of Palestine. I am a Ph.D. Degree holder in Educational Management and a Master of Arts graduate in Education.  Prior to my Master’s degree I obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication. After completion of my Ph.D. in 1993, I worked on a fulltime basis as an Assistant Professor for several universities in Palestine.  In 1994 I was appointed as the Director Media and public relations in the Ministry of Housing in the Palestine National Authority. From the year 2000, I worked at Palestine State Television and Satellite channels as the Director General of International Relations and Development. At the same time I worked as a producer and a presenter of live political talk show, programmes. While I was working for the state television, I lectured at several universities till 2005.  In that year I joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was appointed as the Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives at the end October that same year to date.

SF: Palestine and Sri Lanka continues to enjoy friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations. What is the role played by the Palestine Embassy in Colombo to improve diplomatic relations further?

HE: We have strong historic relations with Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and have our representation office of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Sri Lanka since 1975. In 1988 when the Palestine National Council in exile declared, the State of Palestine in Algeria, the Republic of Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives were one of the first countries in the world to recognize the State of Palestine in exile. Then the name of the representation office of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Sri Lanka and the Maldives was later changed to Embassy of the State of Palestine in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. From the time of the establishment of diplomacy representation in Sri Lanka we were very keen to establish strong ties and enhance the historic relations with the two countries Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

We are very proud of the historic relations we have with the two countries Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The Palestinian people appreciate the special role played by His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa in supporting the cause of the Palestinian people. His Excellency Rajapaksa along with other dignitaries established the Sri Lanka Solidarity Committee with Palestine in 1975. The solidarity movement continues to grow throughout the years.

We have developed relations with different parties and people of Sri Lanka and the Maldives and with the Parliament and different organizations. We keep Sri Lankans and the Maldivians aware of the Palestine situation by updating the people and the officials by organizing seminars, orientations at Universities and by having numerous media and press conferences, photo exhibitions, films cultural shows and exhibitions. In the year 2007 the Sri Lankan Government decided to have a representation in Palestine to enhance the relations further. The Palestine leadership and the people very much appreciate the gesture of the Sri Lankan and Maldivian support for the Palestine cause and people.

To establish a good relationship, H.E. the late President Yasser Arafat has visited Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and H.E. President Mahmoud Abbas has visited Sri Lanka twice and also visited the Maldives. We have invited Palestinians from different organizations to Sri Lanka to discuss the means and ways of enhancing good relationship with people at different levels. At the same time a number of Sri Lankan people have been invited to Palestine to see the actual situation of the people and further enhance relations with different inhabitants in Palestine.  

SF:  What is the main problem faced by your country?

HE: The main problem faced by Palestine is the Israeli occupation of Palestine since 1948. Palestine was prevented from having the Statehood to be recognized by the international community.  Basically the Palestine territories were seized and stolen by the Israeli’s with the help of some of the international powers. Since then Palestinians were denied their rights of freedom, stability and independence. They were facing bigger challenges though out the past 64 years having a very difficult life caused by the atrocities initiated by the Israeli occupying forces in the form of mass deportation of Palestinians from their homes and lands. Daily Palestinians are killed, thousands are detained and their lands confiscated. Further Israelis occupying forces are building illegal settlements in Palestinian lands in areas close to Palestinian homes. They also prevent Palestinians going to schools and Universities by establishing checkpoints and imposing a siege on Palestinian people, attacking holy places in Palestine and further Israel has built an apartheid wall on Palestinian lands that has divided areas, communities and homes and created a lot of suffering for the Palestinian people.

The international community should understand this situation of the Palestinians under the Israeli occupation and put an immediate end to the Israeli occupation and to establish the independent Palestinian state and make Jerusalem its capital.

Palestine leadership has agreed to negotiate and compromise with the Israel Government to establish a two state solution. The State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital and the State of Israel with West Jerusalem as its capital but unfortunately after twenty years of negotiations with the Israel government, nothing has been given by the Israeli government to Palestinians, despite the fact that many agreements have been signed by the two sides as a good gesture by the Palestinian leadership, to give a chance for peace.

SF:  What is the current economic outlook of Palestine?   

HE: Since the Palestine National Authority was established in 1993 by the Oslo accord, the Palestine leadership started establishing a strong economic base. This was done by establishing different economic organizations such as agriculture, handy crafts, tourism and industrial factories in accordance with Paris economic accord of the Oslo treaty. Unfortunately, a large number of Palestine factories and economic centers were bombarded and totally destroyed by the Israeli occupying forces.

To bring pressure on Palestine National Authority, its people and to the economy, purchase of goods from the Israeli markets were made compulsory.

Palestine National Authority has conducted number of Investment conferences in different cities of Palestine to invite and encourage investors from inside and outside Palestine. There are some good opportunities especially in the fields of Agriculture, tourism, marbles, stone, handy craft and in several other small industries.

SF:  How can friendly nations support in overcoming certain challenges faced by your country?

HE: Nations and their people can extend support to the People of Palestine either financially or morally, based on their understanding that the Palestinians were suffering for the past 64 years since 1948 due to the Israel occupation which prevented the establishment of the Palestinian Independent state.

There are different ways of supporting and defending the Palestinian rights in the international arena. It is through various organizations, different societies, print media, radio, television and Internet and also by having demonstrations in favor of Palestinian rights. The same support can also be given by having lectures and seminars at Universities and Schools.

SF:  The iconic leader Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) remained one of the most influential political leaders for several years around the world. Can you reflect on some of the most important achievements he gained for the people of Palestine during his leadership?

HE: The late leader and President of the State of Palestine had a special and vital role to play in the Palestine cause. Historically he established strong relations with leaders of the world whom he met frequently by raising the Palestine flag throughout the continents.

He was a strong leader, who convinced with his unique charisma and approached the sufferings of Palestinians in Israeli occupied areas. Leaders of the world believed his role in achieving the freedom for Palestine people. The late Palestine Leader President Yasser Arafat had gone to the United Nations to deliver his speech urging world leaders and communities to end Israeli occupation of Palestine and solve the Palestinian problem by supporting the establishment of the state of Palestine.  

Now we can say the current President of Palestine Mohamed Abbas too has maintained excellent relations with leaders of the world in accordance with what the late President Yasser Arafat had achieved.  We can see harmony of policies in both Presidents. The current President is concentrating and continuing the efforts in declaration of an independent state of Palestine and trying to find a just solution to the freedom of the Palestine people.

SF:  What are your thoughts about Former President Nelson Mandela and his role in  South Africa and Palestine  relations .

HE: We are very happy with the historic relations between South Africa and Palestine. The people of Palestine appreciate the continued support given to the Palestinian cause by South Africa.   We remember the support given to the Palestine cause by former President of South Africa H.E Nelson Mandela. There is still the hope of accomplishment of our goal of establishing the State of Palestine. At the same time we are hopeful that the apartheid world built by the Israeli forces in the Palestine territories will vanish like what had happened in the apartheid world of South Africa.  Peace will emerge and our people will have freedom and independence.

SF:  Is there anything else that you would like to include?

HE:  As you know we have been always struggling to end the Israeli occupation and declare the State of Palestine. For that the Palestine leadership has gone to the United Nations and asked the Security Council to recognize the existence of Palestine statehood and declare the state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. But unfortunately the United Nations Security Council had failed to accomplish this. Therefore the Palestine leadership has continued its consultations with different parties in the world to find a way to declare the state of Palestine and perhaps it might be possible to be accomplished by going this year to the United Nations General Assembly to gain the rights of Palestinian people to declare the state of Palestine upon consultations with different bodies and leaders of the world

The Palestine leadership and the Palestine people will work hard peacefully, until the end of Israel occupation of the Palestine territories and establish the state of Palestine and have full freedom like all other nations in the world.

(Source :  http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=420:palestine-has-strong-historic-relations-with-sri-lanka-the-maldives-and-south-africa-ambassador-of-the-state-of-palestine-to-sri-lanka-and-the-maldives-&catid=16:home&Itemid=1)

 

Singapore - the economic powerhouse in East Asia by Srimal Fernando

Singapore - the economic powerhouse in East Asia

  By  Srimal Fernando Asia Correspondent  

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As one of the populous countries in Asia, Singapore boasts of a progressive and modern industrial economy. It has been the watershed in distribution of welfare and socio- economic development to the people of the country. Having moved ahead on the path of prosperity, the country has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world with a remarkable economic growth. 

The people in the country enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. Singapore is also one of wealthiest nations in Asia on its way to consolidate its position as an economic powerhouse.  Over the years, the past and present Governments of Singapore took an active role in guiding the nation's economic development and worked to integrate the country into the global economic marketplace.

The story of the country’s economic success began several decades ago, when the economy of the country grew to astounding double digit figures. The first stage of Singapore’s economic development extended from 1965 through 1975. During this period the country averaged an annual economic growth rate to an astounding figure of over 12 per cent of GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

During the boom years the country's economy has been growing steadily and transformed itself into an internationally competitive, advanced market economy. Since the sixties the Trade Development Board, The National Productivity Board (NPB), The Telecommunications Authority of Singapore, Jurong Town Corporation, the Small Enterprise Bureau and the Stock Exchange of Singapore contributed greatly to maintain its momentum on sustained rapid economic growth.

For decades Singapore’s booming economy responded to internal and external challenges with great creativity and initiatives. Due to its strategic location the country has been at the grand gateway to East Asia and to five of Asia's most prominent aviation hubs: Beijing, Tokyo, Soul, Sydney, Dubai and vice-versa.

The latest GDP figures show that the country’s economy grew better-than-expected with an average annual economic growth rate of 4.9 percent last year (Estimates 2011). Singapore’s economy is mainly driven by growing exports of machinery, electronic equipment, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and mineral fuels. These account for the bulk of Singapore’s exports. In 2010 the turnover of the country’s exports was estimated at USD 350 billion.

Singapore is emerging as a strong tourist destination with number of visitors to the country climbing to 11.6 million in 2010. The country’s efficient, fast and comfortable transport system has already achieved measurable improvements. The country has several paved highways to bolster the 3200 kilometers of state road system. Having doubled its length in recent years, a multi-lane railway system covers a total length of over 130 kilometers.  

According to the World Bank report of 2010, the country is ranked No 2 in logistics.

The four- terminal Changi Airport is one of the most important aviation hubs in the world and is a major aviation gateway to the Middle East and the Far East aviation lines. This Airport is a major stop over point for over 100 international airlines. The airport’s passenger traffic reached an historic 46.5 million passengers in 2011. The airport serves as a base to Singapore Airlines, the flag carrier of the country.

The strong economic development in Singapore has led to increasing cargo volumes, international trade and maritime connectivity with the rest of the world. This award winning port has transformed the country to an important trans-shipment point with shipping, logistic services; bunkering, dry docking for ship repairs, refueling and refining .

Demand for petroleum refining and oil storage in Singapore has seen a large year-to-year increase as the world's third largest oil-trading center. The Oil Refinery capacity of the country has the capacity to produce 1.3 million barrels per day.

The country's port is the world’s busiest port in terms of shipping tonnage. In 2011 the amount of cargo handled at the award winning PSA Singapore terminal rose to 29.37 millions TEUs. The well developed manufacturing sector is the cornerstone of economic development providing a platform for job creation and economic growth. The sector played a significant role in industrial base and volume of foreign trade in Singapore.  The manufacturing sector contributes approximately 28 percent to the country’s GDP and produces a diverse range of goods. The country has also positioned itself as a key destination for operation of multinational companies in a variety of industries. Today, the country has brought about revolutionary improvements into its economy through logistics and supply chain management, aerospace engineering, marine & offshore engineering, healthcare, medical technology, consumer business, education, media, entertainment and software development.

The country's economy remains strong as a result of public- private partnership that plays a significant role in economic stability of the country. Recent years also witnessed an increasing trend in Singaporeans investing globally.

Singapore continues to remain one of the most important trading partners in the world that offers an exciting platform and a business window for launching new investments aimed at both the local and regional markets.

Source :  http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=422:singapore-the-economic-powerhouse-in-east-asia&catid=16:home&Itemid=1

 

Cuba and Sri Lanka continue to enjoy more than 50 years of relations - Ambassador of Cuba to Sri Lanka

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Cuba and Sri Lanka continue to enjoy more than 50 years of relations -

Ambassador of Cuba to Sri Lanka

 

 

Srimal Fernando– Asia Correspondent for Foreign Exchange – The Diplomatic Society engages Her Excellency Ms. Nirsia Castro Guevara, Ambassador, Cuban Embassy in Sri Lanka.

A brief background/Bio data of Ambassador Ms. Castro Guevara.

Ambassador Nirsia Castro Guevara is graduated from the Cuban diplomatic school and has been working in the Asian Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba for 30 years.  Before coming to Sri Lanka  in 2008,  she served in Cambodia as Ambassador.  She was promoted to the position of Ambassador in 2002 and before that she had occupied different positions  as official  at the embassies of Cuba in Japan, Philippines and the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea.

Dr Srimal Fernando (SF): Cuba and Sri Lanka continue to enjoy friendly relations since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1959.  What is your objective for enhancing these relations during your posting? How do you feel working in Sri Lanka?

Ambassador Nirsia Castro Guevara (Amb): As you mentioned, since 1959 Cuba and Sri Lanka  have enjoyed a friendly relationship that has been enriched with the exchanges and mutual support as part of their membership in the Non Alignment Movement and the celebration of the Summits in both capitals- Sri Lanka  1976 and Havana 1979 and 2006. Both have played an active role in the NAM, as well as in others international organizations. Besides that, we have developed several projects of cooperation at different times during more than 50 years of relations, but the  links have not reached in the economic sector to the level they could have had. We are aware that there is potential to develop the relation in several fields, so enhancing the contact and expanding the links to other sectors is and will be always an objective for our work here. I feel happy to be here and to work for these goals. It has been a great pleasure for me to represent my country here.

SF: How can Sri Lankan establish relations with Cubans at people to people level? What are the main factors that will contribute to enhance their relations?

Amb: Here there is a strong feeling of friendship and admiration for Cuba and its people that seems to be nourished by the fact that both countries are islands.  In many occasions Cuban experts have come to Sri Lanka to work and more than one hundred young people from Sri Lanka have travelled to Cuba to study at our universities. It is a way to establish relations at people level.  Of course more could be done.  The cultural exchanges are a good way to achieve this. We have a program of Cultural Cooperation but the actions taken have been limited. We need to increase them.


SF: Are you aware of any political, social and cultural or other upcoming interaction between the two countries?

Amb: Well, last June we received a delegation from Sri Lanka headed by  H. E President Mahinda Rajapaksa which included the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Prof. G. L. Peiris;  the Minister of Construction, Engineering and Amenities, Honorable Wimal Weerawansa; the Minister of Environment,  Hon. Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and the Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Disaster Management, as well as other high level officials. It was a good opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Next  October  Sri Lanka is going to host the VI Asia Pacific Regional Conference of Solidarity with Cuba which is a remarkable expression of the feeling of friendship and solidarity toward my country from Asian nations and particularly from Sri Lanka.  We expect the participation of a delegation from Cuba to this conference.

SF: While the Cuban reform plan built up hopes of an opening to overseas investment, what specific sectors offer the greatest opportunities for investors?

Amb: It needs to be pointed out that the transformation process that is experiencing our economic and social model is not aimed to open the country to overseas investment because actually the national legislation to channel foreign investment to our country was  approved  and  put in force since the eighties of last century.  The legislation gave the opportunity to many companies to invest in different sectors, for example in mining and tourism. We already have foreign investments and if we don’t have more it is because as part of the implementation of the US policy of economic, commercial and financial blockade to my country many  potential investors are  prevented to invest under the threat of be subjected to economic sanctions by US, both the person and the company he represents. In many cases  they are discouraged from investing because they cannot export their  potential production to  U.S. market, again, as a result of the implementation of the US sanctions to Cuba.

I have to say that the updating of our economic and social model is focused in changing the way we have been managing our economy and in general many sectors of social life with the objective to ensure sustainability for the socialist system. We need to increase economic efficiency and the capacity to produce food and material goods to give better life to people and meet the dissatisfactions that have accumulated over years of facing economic constraints.  We need  better economic  performance to be able to improve the conditions  of our free  health and education systems to give better services to our people.  At the  same time,  we seek to  promote  more dynamic participation of people  in the creation of the material wealth of the country.

The upgrade of our economic development model is intended to improve it, preserving the basic principles of socialism and making better use of material and human resources according to national needs. It means maintaining all social justice conquered and achieve higher levels in the satisfaction of people aspirations. 
It is a process in which we change the way of conducting economic management but not the principles for protecting the people.

SF: Tourism is one of the most important foreign income earning sectors of Cuba, it exceed 2.5 million tourist arrivals per year. What are your thoughts of selling Cuba to the South Asian tourist market?

Amb: Last year  Cuba received 2.7 million tourists and the  target this year is to receive 2.9. During the first six months we have received 1.8 million.  The biggest numbers of visitors to our country come from Canada and some other European and Latin American countries. South Asian countries can find valuable things to  know  in Cuba, so your assertion makes sense. There exists an increasing interest in Sri Lanka to visit Cuba. A travel company has started to promote tourist packages. In Cuba visitors can find not only our cultural traditions: dance, parties, meals but also the character of our people and of course, the work of the revolution that has to be seen there.

SF: What is the role of the Cuban Embassy in Colombo?

Amb: Our role is identifying opportunities in both ways, for the Cuban product here and for the Sri Lankan there. Of course, in the conditions of the small countries some requirements are necessary to be able to develop trade. It’s not enough to have the will. It’s necessary to find credit facilities. 

SF: Former Cuban President Fidel Castro retired from public life few years ago. The iconic leader   remained one of the most influential political leaders for so many years around the world. Can you reflect on some of the most important achievements he gained for Cuba during his Presidency?

Amb: Fidel took the revolutionary tradition of our patriots who fought for an independent and sovereign Cuba. They were aware of the dangers facing our independence and sovereignty and, Fidel with its boldness and wisdom managed to develop the armed struggle to achieve victory and lead the people of Cuba in a process of revolutionary transformations that mark a milestone in the development of humanity. He has shown what a small country can do using revolutionary formulas, despite being subjected to the largest and longest blockade policy that history has ever known. He has forged a new man who is characterized by its humanism, humility, selflessness and spirit of internationalism. We have to say that Fidel is a universal class leader. He always thought of solutions to the problems of Cuba, but also of humanity.

SF: What are the challenges faced by your country at the moment?

Amb: Well, the main challenge is to make sustainable our Socialism.  We need to preserve all social justice conquered with the revolution and  keep our goals of achieving higher levels in our economic and social development.  This has to be achieved with the implementation of the necessary changes in  the way we  handle  the economic mechanism  but it is  important  to  mention  that it  has to  be obtained in a scenery characterized by the  strengthening  of the  US  policy of blockade, particularly in the  banking and financial sector and the  attempts to subvert the internal situation in the country with the actions aimed to create an opposition financed from abroad.

SF: How can friendly nations support in overcoming certain challenges faced by your country?

Amb: It is important that our friends be well informed about what is the real situation in Cuba, what the real aims of the changes implemented in the country are, and  about actions instrumented by the enemies of Cuba.  Unfortunately an important proportion of information on Cuba that is circulated in the world is manipulated and is addressed to  present a negative image of the country.


SF: Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Amb: I want to send my greetings to the readers of this publication and in general the people of Sri Lanka. I wish to thank the friends and admirers of Cuba for  their  friendship and solidarity towards our country and all the support they have given us in denouncing the policy of blockade against our country and in the campaign to publicize the innocence of our five brothers unjustly imprisoned U.S.

 Source : http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=430:cuba-and-sri-lanka-continue-to-enjoy-more-than-50-years-of-relations&catid=16&Itemid=1