Havana, July 22 (RHC) –- Cuba and China signed several bilateral collaboration accords Monday in Havana to further boost joint development and ratified that China is Cuba’s second major commercial partner.

During a business forum at Havana’s Hotel Nacional, representatives of China’s Development and Trade Bureau and of Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce penned an accord to boost entrepreneurial exchange.

Other documents signed during the forum aimed at increasing business and investment opportunities in the sectors of renewable energy and food production.

Cuban Chamber of Commerce President Orlando Hernandez said that negotiations took place at a crucial moment for Cuba's economy, particularly when local companies gain more autonomy and are requested to carry out a more effective management.

Bilateral commerce between Cuba and China surpassed 1.4 billion dollars in 2013 and with the signing of new accords this year, such exchange could increase more than 25 percent.

The Chinese entrepreneurs expressed interest in the opportunities offered by the new Cuban Investment Law and the Special Development Zone at the Mariel Harbor, west of Havana. They also considered several joint projects with their Cuban counterparts.