TEHRAN –A delegation led by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister, Sattar Hashemi, is paying a visit to South America and the Caribbean region to boost joint efforts in the ICT sector.

The ICT minister is scheduled to hold meetings with his Venezuelan and Cuban counterparts, respectively, to explore avenues for expanding collaborations in the ICT, IRIB reported.

In Caracas, Hashemi will hold talks with the vice president, and the head of the regulatory body of Venezuela, as well as the vice-president for science and technology, who is in charge of telecommunications, as well, IRIB reported.

Enhancing cooperation between the private companies of the two countries in ICT is one of the main focuses of the meeting with Venezuelan officials.

In the second part of the visit, the delegation will travel to the Caribbean countries, particularly Cuba, to develop ICT ties with these countries.  

Moreover, a memorandum of understanding on postal services is going to be signed by Iranian and Cuban officials, which is expected to significantly increase postal exchanges between the two countries.

Hashemi is also going to attend the 40th edition of the Havana International Fair (FIHAV) which will take place from November 4 to 9.

This event is a significant platform for business consolidation and strengthening alliances. FIHAV 2024 will serve as a space for participation and exchange between exhibitors, businessmen, and professionals.

Over 50 countries from all regions of the world and 800 companies including Iranian knowledge-based firms are expected to participate in the event.

In September, Hashemi and his Cuban counterpart, Mayra Arevich Marín, discussed ways to bolster cooperation in different fields of ICT.

During a video call on September 24, the officials further reviewed possibilities to enhance ties in artificial intelligence, digital economy, and e-government, as well as post companies, Mehr news agency reported.

The Cuban official proposed and highlighted expanding collaborations based on formerly signed agreements.

He also welcomed the presence of Iranian private companies active in providing ICT-related equipment and services in Cuba.

Hashemi, for his part, announced Iranian private companies’ readiness to provide ICT services in Cuba and expressed optimism to promptly implement needed measures.

In July, Cuba’s First Deputy Minister of Communications, Wilfredo González Vidal, in Tehran said it is important for Havana to develop strategic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran in all fields,” IRIB quoted the Cuban official as saying.

MT/MG