Guatemala City, June 4 (RHC) -- Cuban and Guatemalan authorities met on possibilities to increase bilateral trade, which at present has been calculated at 22 million dollars annually, according to official statistics.

Cuban imports are larger than its exports and we want to increase our sales, said Jose Chaple, deputy director of Commercial Policy for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Cuban Foreign Trade and Investment Ministry.

In statements to Prensa Latina news agency, Chaple said that they are encouraging Cuban entrepreneurs to look closely at Guatemala for their exports and that Guatemala should also increase its interest in Cuban exports of products and services.

Entrepreneurs from the two countries must learn more the business opportunities both countries are offering, he noted.

During a meeting with Cuban ambassador, the director of Economic Policy at Guatemala’s Foreign Affairs, Ileana Polanco said that the Special Development Zone at Mariel Harbor is of great interest for them, because it brings benefits to her country’s foreign trade. The official described Cuba as an important market.