Panama City, August 20 (RHC)-- Cuba is a key strategic trade partner in the Caribbean region, Panamanian Minister of Trade and Industry, Meliton Arrocha, said Wednesday before a commission of that country’s parliament.

The commission had just approved a Partial Scope Agreement between the two nations, aimed at generating opportunities for cooperation in the commercial and production sectors.

The document, which will go to other agencies for review and final approval by the plenary session of Panama's National Assembly, according to the Minister, will help expand and diversify trade between Panama and Cuba, through the improvement of the environment and the legal security for businesses.

The potential treaty also outlines preferential tariffs for 73 products, including watermelons, cotton shirts and synthetic fiber; toilet paper and metal packaging.