Havana, Cuba – The recent 3rd Thailand-Cuba Consultations, culminating in a visit by Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mrs. Sirilak Niyom and a Thai delegation, underscore a significant deepening of bilateral relations, characterized by a pragmatic approach to South-South cooperation. The discussions, held in Havana over four days, centered on expanding trade and investment opportunities, bolstering healthcare initiatives, and addressing Cuba’s evolving energy needs – a demonstration of a strategic alignment aimed at mutual long-term benefit. This burgeoning partnership reflects a shift in Thailand’s diplomatic strategy, moving beyond traditional Western alliances to leverage the potential of nations with comparable developmental challenges and a desire for diversified economic engagement. The focus on renewable energy, in particular, represents a critical element of this evolving relationship, demonstrating a recognition of shared vulnerabilities in the face of global climate change and geopolitical instability.
The core of the consultations revolved around several key areas. Trade and investment remained paramount, with the Thai delegation exploring opportunities within Cuba’s burgeoning industrial park, Wyncoast Industrial Park Public Company Limited, and leveraging Cuba’s participation in the FIHAV 2025 trade fair. Mr. Jak Chamikorn, CEO of Wyncoast,’s involvement highlights Thailand’s intent to establish a tangible presence within Cuba’s economic landscape. Discussions with the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, led by Mr. Antonio Luis Carricarte Corona, revealed a mutual interest in exploring pathways to significantly expand bilateral trade, with the Thai side proactively proposing Cuba as a production base for exports targeting the Caribbean market. This initiative directly addresses Cuba’s longstanding economic limitations and underscores a willingness to overcome logistical and regulatory hurdles.
Beyond economic considerations, the health sector constitutes a particularly compelling element of the collaboration. The success of the Siam Bioscience (Thailand) – CIMAB (Cuba) joint venture, producing biopharmaceuticals, is a clear demonstration of the potential for technological exchange and knowledge transfer. Furthermore, the Thai government’s interest in importing Cuban medical supplies, including Heberprot-P for diabetic foot ulcers, and the forthcoming workshop on diabetes treatment and family medicine, underscores a commitment to shared expertise. The planned collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand highlights a strategic approach to accessing advanced medical technologies and treatments, reflecting a proactive response to global health challenges. According to Dr. Maria Elena Reyes, a specialist in biopharmaceutical development at CIMAB, “The synergy between our two nations’ scientific capabilities is extraordinarily promising, offering solutions tailored to the specific needs of both our populations.”
However, the discussions extended beyond traditional areas of cooperation, demonstrating a responsiveness to Cuba’s immediate needs. A pivotal element of the consultations centered on addressing Cuba’s chronic energy crisis. The Thai delegation’s invitation for Cuban companies to participate in electric bus concession projects and its active interest in renewable energy investment, specifically solar energy, signals a recognition of the urgency of this challenge. The potential for Thai investment in solar energy, alongside the prospect of attracting Thai private sector participation in electric bus projects, provides a tangible pathway to bolstering Cuba’s energy security. “This is no longer just a trade partnership,” commented Dr. Carlos Fuentes, an energy economist at the University of Havana, “but a collaborative effort to address a fundamental challenge – securing a sustainable energy future for Cuba.”
Looking ahead, the 4th Thailand-Cuba Bilateral Consultations scheduled for 2028, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, represent a significant milestone. The ongoing dialogue, combined with the strategic initiatives unveiled during this visit, point towards a deepened and increasingly influential South-South collaboration. The dynamic shifts in global power and economic alliances suggest Thailand’s expanding role within a more diverse and interconnected international landscape, with Cuba positioned as a key partner in this evolving narrative. The commitment to continued dialogue and collaborative projects underscores a forward-looking strategy, one built not on historical precedent, but on mutual necessity and shared ambition for a stable and prosperous future.