Cuba Transfers Pharmaceutical Production Technology to Vietnam: A New Step in Healthcare Cooperation
On August 31, 2025, within the framework of his official visit to Vietnam, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez led a high-level delegation to the Genfarma Plant at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park (Hanoi). The event was also attended by Vietnam’s Minister of Health Đào Hồng Lan and representatives from several ministries and agencies.
During the meeting, both sides witnessed concrete progress at the Genfarma project – the facility where Cuba officially transfers pharmaceutical production technology to Vietnam. This milestone not only underscores the depth of the special friendship between Vietnam and Cuba but also opens prospects for enhancing domestic research capacity, production, and pharmaceutical security.
Collaboration with the Cuban state-owned pharmaceutical group BioCubaFarma enables Vietnam to access cutting-edge technologies in biopharmaceuticals and biotechnology – fields that are shaping the future of the global pharmaceutical industry.
Key benefits of the Genfarma project:
- Helps Vietnam master advanced drug production technology, reducing dependence on imports;
- Creates a foundation to strengthen research and development (R&D), fostering the production of new medicines;
- Ensures national pharmaceutical security amid rising domestic demand;
- Provides access to high-quality medicines at affordable costs, especially for cancer treatment;
- Opens opportunities for Vietnam to become a pharmaceutical export hub to regional and global markets.
The joint venture agreement between BioCubaFarma and Vietnamese enterprises was signed in May 2025. Remarkably, within just three months, Genfarma had established modern infrastructure and a synchronized management system – a testament to the strong political will and close coordination between the two nations.
Some key figures about BioCubaFarma:
- 51 member companies and 9 joint ventures abroad (6 of which operate production facilities);
- 21 scientific, technological, and innovation organizations;
- 396 R&D projects;
- Over 2,300 international patents;
- More than 300 products exported to over 40 countries;
- Proven technology transfer experience with major markets such as Brazil, India, China, Russia, Venezuela, Algeria, Iran, and now Vietnam.
These numbers highlight that Vietnam is partnering with one of Latin America’s most capable pharmaceutical groups in science and technology – a partner fully equipped to support Vietnam’s integration into the global pharmaceutical value chain.
At the event, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez emphasized: “This technology transfer will bring shared benefits, fostering the production of essential medicines for the people of both nations.”
On Vietnam’s side, Minister of Health Đào Hồng Lan stated: “The Genfarma project is a testament to the special friendship between our two nations and a concrete outcome of agreements reached during General Secretary Tô Lâm’s visit to Cuba in 2024. The Ministry of Health will continue to support and promote deeper cooperation for the wellbeing of both peoples.”
Reporting at the reception of the Cuban high-level delegation and representatives of Vietnamese ministries, Genfarma leaders expressed gratitude to the governments and agencies of both countries, while committing to mobilize all resources to bring products to market soon. The enterprise has set long-term goals, aiming at sustainable production and expanded international cooperation. The event in Hoa Lac once again affirms that the combination of Cuba’s advanced technological expertise and Vietnam’s development aspirations not only yields immediate benefits but also paves the way for Vietnam’s pharmaceutical sector to rise and assert its role in the global value chain.
Source: Nhân Dân Newspaper, September 1, 2025, https://nhandan.vn/cuba-chuyen-giao-cong-nghe-san-xuat-duoc-pham-cho-viet-nam-mo-ra-nhieu-co-hoi-lon-post905317.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
