Cuba faces the challenge of ensuring a faster link between science and the production of goods and services, based on the development of innovative high-tech products and closing the research cycle with production and successful marketing.
This the view expressed by Cuban Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, Elba Rosa Pérez Montoya, during the opening session of the International Convention on Science, Technology and Innovation, taking place through Friday at Havana's Convention Center with the presence of delegates from 37 countries.
The Minister stressed that the country has identified science and innovation as central factors in its development process and social justice objectives. Today, she added, domestic industry efforts are concentrated in several areas, with special emphasis on biotechnology, the digitalization and automation of society, producing food for human and animal use, renewable energy sources, social research and mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
During her speech, Pérez Montoya noted that the event would encourage broader exchange on ways to use science and technology to benefit the welfare and prosperity of our peoples, particularly those who are most vulnerable or at risk.
Let us join efforts for full human development and ensure this knowledge is the basis for global social progress and contributes to eradicating hunger on the planet and saving the lives of 17,000 children who die every day from curable diseases, she stressed.
The opening day of the Convention also saw the inauguration of the fair Expociencia 2016, and two lectures by Sc.D. Agustín Lage Dávila, director of the Center of Molecular Immunology, and Professor Anil Gupta, executive vice chair of the National Innovation Foundation of India.
The opening session was attended by Commander of the Revolution Guillermo García Frías; Ulises Rosales del Toro, a vice president of the Council of Ministers; Minister of Higher Education, José Saborido; and Rebel Army Commander Julio Camacho Aguilera, along with deputy ministers, representatives of international organizations and other guests.
