One of the many challenges which contemporary Europe has to face is to establish and deepen economic relations with countries in other parts of the world amidst fierce competition from the USA, China, and Russia. A neglected area that simultaneously offers an enormous amount of opportunities is Latin America.
This region is also targeted by the EU’s program called Global Gateway, aimed at fostering sustainable and trustworthy connections between Europe and regions worldwide. The program focuses on investments in high-quality infrastructure in areas such as digital technology, energy, transportation, healthcare, education, and research. An important component of the program is also the promotion of freedom and democracy.
The strengthening of cooperation (not only) in the field of healthcare appears very promising for Europe in Latin America and the Caribbean. Currently, the emphasis is mainly on supporting investments in local production of vaccines and pharmaceutical products.
Great opportunity
One of the lands of opportunity to focus on is Cuba, whose economy is beginning to open more to the world. This development is creating opportunities for further collaboration. The opportunity must be seized now, particularly as the Czech Republic, for example, is very successful in normalizing relations with Cuba.
Evidence of this includes the fact that since 2016, the Czech Republic has had its ambassador in Cuba. Recently, a new ambassador, Zdeněk Kubánek, was appointed in this country. The Czech Republic is now successfully developing economic cooperation with this Caribbean country, and Czech companies are investing significant amounts of money, for instance, into the reconstruction of a children’s hospital in Guantánamo.
There are indeed many opportunities. The greatest added value can be seen in the areas of healthcare, medicine production, and even the establishment of a reliable electricity grid.
Of course, certain issues regarding Cuba remain points of contention. For both the Czech Republic and Europe as a whole, it is important to continue dialogue on human rights. At the same time, we aim to maintain excellent trade relations with Cuba.
Further possibilities for investments and collaboration must be sought. If we miss the existing opportunities, there is a risk that other significant global players will take advantage of them. I believe that Europe can succeed in this competition. The Czech Republic, and Europe as a whole, have much to offer to Cuba. There is no doubt that all parties involved will benefit from this collaboration.
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