Cargando...“We feel great admiration for the Cuban people, especially those of Matanzas,” expressed Hu Ke, Vice President of the Provincial Trade Union Federation of Zhejiang, during her visit to this western Cuban province. Zhejiang has maintained cooperative relations with the Cuban Workers’ Central Union (CTC) in Matanzas for 25 years.
The Chinese leader conveyed her country’s affection for Cuba, a nation she described as victorious despite the difficult conditions imposed by the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade, affirming that “we will always offer our solidarity.”
During the official exchange, Osmar Ramírez Ramírez, general secretary of the CTC in Matanzas, expressed gratitude on behalf of the local labor movement and workers for a quarter-century of proven loyalty and enduring friendship.
Both parties expressed their intent to deepen collaboration in various areas, particularly in occupational safety and health. The Chinese unionists also extended an invitation for their Matanzas counterparts to visit China.
Hu Ke led a six-member delegation that, on October 24 before departing for Havana, observed part of the productive and service potential of Matanzas—a key territory in Cuba’s economic structure.
At the Fuel Commercialization Company, the delegation was briefed on the progress in replacing four tanks destroyed in the August 2022 fire at the Supertanker Base, which resulted in the loss of 200,000 cubic meters of crude oil storage capacity.
Three of the new tanks are being built by the Chinese company HFLE, which is using advanced technology to ensure rapid construction. Tanks 49-1 and 86 are over 40% complete, while tank 87 is at 37%.
In a conversation with Yanlys Yanet Durán, general secretary of the Provincial Union of Energy and Mining Workers, Hu Ke inquired about the wages and working conditions of those involved in the project, including personnel from the Petroleum Maintenance Company (EMPET), responsible for building tank 88—the first to begin construction.
While touring the historic center of Matanzas, founded on October 12, 1693, the delegation visited the Pharmaceutical Museum, formerly the French Pharmacy of Dr. E. Triolet, a National Monument that opened on January 1, 1882, and remains a symbol of enduring service.
They also explored the Craft Fair on 15th Street, where many vendors are union members, and attended a meeting at the Blau Varadero Hotel. There, union secretary Mayra Alarcón thanked the Chinese leaders for their visit, which coincided with the hotel’s 20th anniversary, celebrated on October 23.
After arriving in Matanzas on the night of October 23, the six-member delegation returned to Havana the following evening to continue their official program.
