INFORMATION ON CUBA No. 19

- REVIEW OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN TRADE IN 1999.

Trade exchange during 1999 increased to 5,115.9 million dollars, 3 % less as compared to 1998.

Commerce was carried out with 146 countries.

Spain and Canada were maintained as the main commercial partners for the third consecutive year, followed by Venezuela, China and Russia.

The commerce with Europe represented 45 % of the total commerce.

Commerce with countries of the European Union represented 77 % and with the American Continent it represented a 38%.

Exports decreased to a 4% (as compared to 1998). There was a considerable influence of the falling of the sugar prices to a 37%, as well as of the sea and steel products.

Cuban products were exported to 113 countries (just like in 1998).

69 products were added to exports.

Imports were 3% inferior to 1998. Fuels and lubricants increased 8% due to the rising of the prices, which brought about an additional distribution of 92,5 million dollars.

There was imported merchandise from 121 countries, as compared to the 142 countries that imported products in Cuba in 1998.

Regarding exports, although there has been a 10.3 % annual growth during these years of economic recovery, is considered still insufficient.

The plan of the year was not accomplished, mainly in the ambit of traditional products, where it has only a 5% increase of their amount in value.

Among the causes, there were since insufficiencies in the productivity until low competitiveness and difficulties in the trade and in the need to reduce the indicator of expenses in hard currency per every gross income dollar.

The measures mentioned to be taken are as follows:

Increase efficiency and quality.

Deepen the analysis of the cost cards.

Creating different strategies for every product.

Variety.

More realistic elaboration of the plan of the years.

Imports increased rapidly and much more than exports.

New phenomena appeared as the links due to the high-interest credits that had to be taken and the slow advance in the imports’ substitution.

It was evident that there are still some incongruence and lack of knowledge by the import entities regarding the productive and service capacity of the country, as well as a misuse of the experience acquired by the Ministry of Foreign Trade when entering in foreign markets.

In the conclusions, José Luis Rodriguez pointed out that if the exports' growth is important and unpostponable, to revert the imports that have grown more than 4% above the economic growth is even more important because this forces them to implement a stricter policy of restriction of imports and to increase their substitution.

- REVIEW OF THE MINISTRY OF CONSTRUCTION IN 1999.

1999 brought growing results according to the review of the Ministry of Construction (MICONS).

Its production in value was 1,494 million pesos, the biggest figure in the last years.

The service provided 111.4 million pesos.

The productivity per person increased to 1.042 pesos and consumption rates of the main materials continued decreasing.

During the year, 4,310 rooms were given for the tourist sector.

Among the deficiencies mentioned are included:

The performing of productions without contracting support (at the end of the year there were 9,772, 400 pesos).

The high amount of the accounts to be paid and to be charged after the dead lines.

The excess of expenses in the works higher to the approved budget.

The delay in the execution of important works such as Las Tunas province aqueduct.

For the year 2000, MICONS has planned the granting of 4,300 rooms for international tourism in an average of 2.45 days per room construction with maximum quality.

The construction of 8,642 houses.

Finishing the construction works of the second facility of the Felton thermo-electric power plant, finishing civil construction and the assembly of the soja oil plant in Santiago de Cuba and the repair of a group of health centers in the capital.

- REVIEW OF THE MINISTRY OF LABOR AND SOCIAL SECURITY.

Around 163 thousand jobs were created, 35 % of them in the Eastern provinces.

The location of available workers was achieved reducing the amount of 1,094.

2,725 disabled persons were employed.

It was registered a 10.6% growth in the productive activity.

There were 781 thousand workers incorporated to the incentive system.

The salaries of 747 thousand workers of budgetary activities were raised.

By the end of 1999, there were 164 thousand freelance workers; the Ministry of Labor controls three quarters of them. The rest of the freelance workers are persons who work giving transportation services and house rental.

There are 1 million 325 thousand persons that are benefiting from the Social Security System.

The Social Assistance protects 130 thousand persons who have low incomes and physical limitations.

The process of ordering and controlling the freelance work continues increasing in order to eliminate illegal procedures and indiscipline.

In the conclusions, among other issues, Carlos Lage referred to:

The need to get concentrated on the rigorous control of the places where the improvement of managerial method has been applied. The need to verify the economic results and to guarantee its countable response, to strengthen the inspection and to act rigorously and with responsibility.

The decision to maintain the policy of protection to low-income families, disabled persons and the subsidies in order to improve the food supplies for old persons living alone.

Regarding the debate on the average salary, which was 226 pesos, it was decided that it is more objective to talk on the middle income, due to the fact that besides the salary, there are other ways by means of which the workers receive an important economic benefit.

- REVIEW OF THE FOOD INDUSTRY IN 1999.

In 1999, the values of this industry reached a total of 1,676 million pesos.

For the year 2 000, it is planned to reach 1,783 million pesos in values.

The Ministry of Food Industry (MINAL) was classified among the main bodies present in the market (internal market in hard currency), with a 20% growth in its sales in such market that is over 200 million dollars.

In the year 2 000, it is planned to increase this figure to 300 million dollars.

Exports surpass 35 million dollars, above all, thanks to the sale of rum, but it is necessary to expand even more the export of non-traditional products.

The main idea of the auto-financing plan of the Ministry of Food Industry is to collect in hard currency in order to reinvest in the sectors aimed at the population's consumption.

The Cuban Chain for the Sale of Bread (Cadena cubana del pan) collected 213 million pesos in 1999. Currently, the chain comprises 96 facilities and it would be expanded until reaching a total of 200 facilities.

On the other hand, the Chain Oferta (for the sale in local currency) collected 806 million pesos and for the year 2 000, it is planned to collect 1,100 million pesos.

The increase achieved by the Ministry of Food Industry is still considered discreet but stable and it comprises all the facilities.

One of the main objectives for the year 2 000 is to diminish the imports destined to consumption.

- REVIEW OF THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN 1999.

The budget in local currency increased from 904 million pesos in 1998 to more than 1,695 million pesos. In hard currency, more than 225 million dollars were implemented.

Infant mortality rate was 6.4 per one thousand new borns.

From 65,800 doctors working in the country, more than 30 thousand are family doctors working together with 35 thousand nurses in Family Doctor Offices.

The Family Doctor Offices gave medical assistance to a 98.25% of the population.

There was registered a growth of almost 22% in the families' incomes, which has helped to humanize the medical assistance.

The country counts with 60 thousands beds in hospitals from which 42 thousand have been using.

13% of the population is over 60 years old.

Currently, there are 29 general surgery wards, 7 pediatric surgery wards, 6 wards of rheumatology, 5 wards of gynecology and 8 stereotaxis operating.

Accidents continue being the first death cause between persons among 1-49 years old.

Persons suffering from AIDS make a total of 483, for a 43.3 rate per million inhabitants.

There are 2,676 seropositives.

One thousand persons have been infected with AIDS.

689 persons infected with AIDS have died.

46% of the medical personnel have been prepared as technicians in Natural and Traditional Medicine.

There are 1,300 medical personnel working abroad.

At the Latin American School of Medicine there are more than 200 young people studying.

The most relevant data of this sector is the following:

Infant Mortality Rate: 6.4 per one thousand new borns.

Total of deaths of children under 1 year old: 104 children less than in 1998.

Lowest infant mortality rate in a province: 4.8% in Villa Clara.

Infant mortality rate under 6% in provinces: Sancti Spiritus, Matanzas y Granma.

Cuba is located among the 11 countries of the world (all are developed countries) with a 6% infant mortality rate.

1999 ended up with the lowest mortality rate of children under five years old, 8.3%

Mortality in children between the ages 5-14 decreased to 3 out of 10 thousand inhabitants.

During 1999, 150 thousand 675 Cubans were born. From them, 966 died. The main causes were prenatal affectations and congenital anomalies.

- SUGAR CANE HARVEST.

At present, there is not any territory excluded from accomplishing the plan for the sugar cane harvest.

Havana and Matanzas have a difficult situation although there is a tendency to recovery.

The four main problems affecting the present harvest are:

Lack of cane in the mills.

Interruptions in the operations.

Broken machinery.

Loses in the crops.

It is significant the fact that around 600 thousand workers of this sector have made possible to diminish, in 14 pesos, the cost of the metric ton of sugar (to 330 pesos) as compared to the previous sugar cane harvest.

70 % of the cane should be cut by machines.

With the exception of the province of Ciego de Avila, the provinces accomplished the earth movement program and the seed-planting plan is foreseen to be accomplished.

The socialist emulation system and the incentive plan have been excellent supports to encourage the efficiency.

- BASIC UNITS OF COOPERATIVE PRODUCTION IN 1999.

Total of non sugar cane cooperatives: 1,689

Total of members: 120,605.

Extension: 1 million 492 thousand km.

- The Basic Units of Cooperative Production contributed with:

35% of the milk produced in country.

24% of roots.

7% of vegetables.

36% of citrics.

29% of rice.

10% of beans.

7% of tobacco.

14% of meet from lambs and goats.

- In 1999, 40.3% of the non-sugarcane Basic Units of Cooperative Production were profitable.

- NATIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE TERRITORIAL TROOP MILITIA IN 1999.

Since 1981, the Cuban people have contributed with more than 540 million pesos for the defense of the country.

In 1999, the goal was accomplished in a 103.3%, with 28 million pesos.

The percentage fulfilled by every organ was in the following way:

- ANAP (National Association of Small Farmers): 105%

- MINFAR (Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces): 114,4%

- MININT (Ministry of Interior): 102,2%

- MINREX (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): 139,7%

- FMC (Cuban Women Federation): 103,9%

- OPJM (Organization of "José Martí" Pioneers): 105%

- FEU (University Students Federation): 166,7%

- FEEM (Mid-Level Students' Federation): 120,8%

- CDR (Committees for the Defense of the Revolution): 93,8%

The commitment for the year 2 000 is to collect 30 million pesos.

In the months of January and February were collected 10 millions from this year's goal.

- REVIEW OF THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM IN 1999.

Amount of tourists received in the country: 1 million 602 800.

Increase of tourists/day: 6%.

Total income: 1,300,9 million dollars.

Participation of national productions and services in the tourist sector: 51%

Contribution to the income of the country in hard currency: 53%

The tourist sector was confirmed to be the most dynamic sector in the economy and it will continue being this way until the year 2 005.

There was some advance in the rigorous policy of employment.

In the conclusions of the review made by José Luis Rodríguez was pointed out:

The need to deepen the commercial activity without reducing the quality of the Cuban tourist product.

To elevate the quality of hotel and extra hotel services.

Accelerate the investment process.

Increase the rigor in the control of the resources and accountability.

- CUBAN FOREIGN DEBT.

Current amount: 11 thousand million dollars.

Debt with Japan: 125 million dollars.

- BOOK FAIR.

At the fair, there were sold 300 thousand books in national currency and more than one million Cuban pesos in values.

The average price per book was 3 Cuban pesos.

In 1999, 309 new titles were published and more than 875 thousand books were sold, 33% more than in 1998 and there was an increase of 110 books per title.

Internationally, in 1999 the Cuban books were presented in 28 fairs and exhibitions through the Book Chamber.

Ediciones Cubanas is the commercial agency of the Cuban book, while the Agencia Literaria Latinoamericana is the agency in charge of the Cuban publications abroad.

- VARADERO-MATANZAS OIL PIPELINE.

The Varadero-Matanzas oil pipeline will have a total extension of 75 km, including 30 km from the Amistad Oil pipeline, which joins the Supertankers Base in the Matanzas Bay with the Cienfüegos Refinery.

The Amistad oil pipeline has 187 km in length, 20-inch diameter, and 7 mm density. It is a hidden pipeline, that has been there for eight years and it is still disused.

The total capacity of the hidden route would be 2 million 200 thousand tons annually, although experts state that it could be extended.

It cost 23 million pesos and 14 million in hard currency. It is considered that in less than one year of exploitation, the pipeline will cover its initial cost.

The earth movement is in charge of the Cuban enterprise but for digging the foundations (2 m depth and 85 cm wide) the Israel firm BM was contracted.

At present, more than 50% of the oil pipeline work has been carried out.

It is guaranteed a profitable exploitation for 30 years at least.

- CHERNOBYL PROGRAM.

During 10 years, the program of Chernobyl that has been taking place at the Ciudad de los Pioneros "José Marti" (José Marti City of Pioneers), has offered medical assistance to 15,868 children from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia.

In the first period, around 1,700 patients traveled annually. In the last years these figures changed to around 250 patients.

There are more than 700 children that have been diagnosed with oncohematologic diseases.

7 bone marrow transplants and 150 orthopedic operations have been fulfilled, as well as 18 cardiovascular surgeries. Around 100 patients with neurological diseases have been assisted.

In the Ukrainian spa of Eupatoria, Cuban doctors give aid in the assistance to these children.

- CENTRAL INSTITUTE FOR DIGITAL RESEARCH (ICID)-EXPORTS.

Four important medical equipments designed and manufactured by the Central Institute for Digital Research (ICID) are being commercialized with great acceptance for five years now in many countries of the area.

ICID, with 500 workers, also increases the offer of products and automation and information systems for the centers of the scientific pole and other developing sectors.

In 1999, with around one million-dollar state financing, the Institute produced equipments that could have cost five million dollars.

The products' quality has allowed the still insipient but promissory incursion in the international market.

COMBIOMED is the entity in charge of commercializing ICID's work.

The sales of medical equipment have been doubled during the last year. The products with bigger demand are CARDIOCID, ERGOCID and OXY. The DOCTUS is to be exported.

CARDIOCID-BS is a digital electrocardiograph to be used in patients who are in rest condition. This is one of the most sold products, mainly in Mexico, where last year it won two international public biddings in the Institute of Social Insurance.

ERGOCID is another electrocardiograph to carry out effort tests.

OXY 9,800 is a pulse oximeter used by anesthetists to monitor the percentage of the blood oxygen saturation.

DOCTUS-IV is a monitor to measure different physiological indicators that is very used in the intensive care units.

Mexico, Venezuela and Colombia are buying these equipments to Cuba.


	INFORMATION ON CUBA No. 19 - REVIEW OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN TRADE IN 1999. Trade exchange during 1999 increased to 5,115.9 million dollars, 3 % less as compared to 1998. Commerce was carried out with 146 countries. Spain and Canada were maintained as the main commercial partners for the third consecutive year, followed by Venezuela, China and Russia. The commerce with Europe represented 45 % of the total commerce. Commerce with countries of the European Union represented 77 % and with the American Continent it represented a 38%. Exports decreased to a 4% (as compared to 1998). There was a considerable influence of the falling of the sugar prices to a 37%, as well as of the sea and steel products. Cuban products were exported to 113 countries (just like in 1998). 69 products were added to exports. Imports were 3% inferior to 1998. Fuels and lubricants increased 8% due to the rising of the prices, which brought about an additional distribution of 92,5 million dollars. There was imported merchandise from 121 countries, as compared to the 142 countries that imported products in Cuba in 1998. Regarding exports, although there has been a 10.3 % annual growth during these years of economic recovery, is considered still insufficient. The plan of the year was not accomplished, mainly in the ambit of traditional products, where it has only a 5% increase of their amount in value. Among the causes, there were since insufficiencies in the productivity until low competitiveness and difficulties in the trade and in the need to reduce the indicator of expenses in hard currency per every gross income dollar. The measures mentioned to be taken are as follows: Increase efficiency and quality. Deepen the analysis of the cost cards. Creating different strategies for every product. Variety. More realistic elaboration of the plan of the years. Imports increased rapidly and much more than exports. New phenomena appeared as the links due to the high-interest credits that had to be taken and the slow advance in the imports’ substitution. It was evident that there are still some incongruence and lack of knowledge by the import entities regarding the productive and service capacity of the country, as well as a misuse of the experience acquired by the Ministry of Foreign Trade when entering in foreign markets. In the conclusions, José Luis Rodriguez pointed out that if the exports' growth is important and unpostponable, to revert the imports that have grown more than 4% above the economic growth is even more important because this forces them to implement a stricter policy of restriction of imports and to increase their substitution. - REVIEW OF THE MINISTRY OF CONSTRUCTION IN 1999. 1999 brought growing results according to the review of the Ministry of Construction (MICONS). Its production in value was 1,494 million pesos, the biggest figure in the last years. The service provided 111.4 million pesos. The productivity per person increased to 1.042 pesos and consumption rates of the main materials continued decreasing. During the year, 4,310 rooms were given for the tourist sector. Among the deficiencies mentioned are included: The performing of productions without contracting support (at the end of the year there were 9,772, 400 pesos). The high amount of the accounts to be paid and to be charged after the dead lines. The excess of expenses in the works higher to the approved budget. The delay in the execution of important works such as Las Tunas province aqueduct. For the year 2000, MICONS has planned the granting of 4,300 rooms for international tourism in an average of 2.45 days per room construction with maximum quality. The construction of 8,642 houses. Finishing the construction works of the second facility of the Felton thermo-electric power plant, finishing civil construction and the assembly of the soja oil plant in Santiago de Cuba and the repair of a group of health centers in the capital. - REVIEW OF THE MINISTRY OF LABOR AND SOCIAL SECURITY. Around 163 thousand jobs were created, 35 % of them in the Eastern provinces. The location of available workers was achieved reducing the amount of 1,094. 2,725 disabled persons were employed. It was registered a 10.6% growth in the productive activity. There were 781 thousand workers incorporated to the incentive system. The salaries of 747 thousand workers of budgetary activities were raised. By the end of 1999, there were 164 thousand freelance workers; the Ministry of Labor controls three quarters of them. The rest of the freelance workers are persons who work giving transportation services and house rental. There are 1 million 325 thousand persons that are benefiting from the Social Security System. The Social Assistance protects 130 thousand persons who have low incomes and physical limitations. The process of ordering and controlling the freelance work continues increasing in order to eliminate illegal procedures and indiscipline. In the conclusions, among other issues, Carlos Lage referred to: The need to get concentrated on the rigorous control of the places where the improvement of managerial method has been applied. The need to verify the economic results and to guarantee its countable response, to strengthen the inspection and to act rigorously and with responsibility. The decision to maintain the policy of protection to low-income families, disabled persons and the subsidies in order to improve the food supplies for old persons living alone. Regarding the debate on the average salary, which was 226 pesos, it was decided that it is more objective to talk on the middle income, due to the fact that besides the salary, there are other ways by means of which the workers receive an important economic benefit. - REVIEW OF THE FOOD INDUSTRY IN 1999. In 1999, the values of this industry reached a total of 1,676 million pesos. For the year 2 000, it is planned to reach 1,783 million pesos in values. The Ministry of Food Industry (MINAL) was classified among the main bodies present in the market (internal market in hard currency), with a 20% growth in its sales in such market that is over 200 million dollars. In the year 2 000, it is planned to increase this figure to 300 million dollars. Exports surpass 35 million dollars, above all, thanks to the sale of rum, but it is necessary to expand even more the export of non-traditional products. The main idea of the auto-financing plan of the Ministry of Food Industry is to collect in hard currency in order to reinvest in the sectors aimed at the population's consumption. The Cuban Chain for the Sale of Bread (Cadena cubana del pan) collected 213 million pesos in 1999. Currently, the chain comprises 96 facilities and it would be expanded until reaching a total of 200 facilities. On the other hand, the Chain Oferta (for the sale in local currency) collected 806 million pesos and for the year 2 000, it is planned to collect 1,100 million pesos. The increase achieved by the Ministry of Food Industry is still considered discreet but stable and it comprises all the facilities. One of the main objectives for the year 2 000 is to diminish the imports destined to consumption. - REVIEW OF THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN 1999. The budget in local currency increased from 904 million pesos in 1998 to more than 1,695 million pesos. In hard currency, more than 225 million dollars were implemented. Infant mortality rate was 6.4 per one thousand new borns. From 65,800 doctors working in the country, more than 30 thousand are family doctors working together with 35 thousand nurses in Family Doctor Offices. The Family Doctor Offices gave medical assistance to a 98.25% of the population. There was registered a growth of almost 22% in the families' incomes, which has helped to humanize the medical assistance. The country counts with 60 thousands beds in hospitals from which 42 thousand have been using. 13% of the population is over 60 years old. Currently, there are 29 general surgery wards, 7 pediatric surgery wards, 6 wards of rheumatology, 5 wards of gynecology and 8 stereotaxis operating. Accidents continue being the first death cause between persons among 1-49 years old. Persons suffering from AIDS make a total of 483, for a 43.3 rate per million inhabitants. There are 2,676 seropositives. One thousand persons have been infected with AIDS. 689 persons infected with AIDS have died. 46% of the medical personnel have been prepared as technicians in Natural and Traditional Medicine. There are 1,300 medical personnel working abroad. At the Latin American School of Medicine there are more than 200 young people studying. The most relevant data of this sector is the following: Infant Mortality Rate: 6.4 per one thousand new borns. Total of deaths of children under 1 year old: 104 children less than in 1998. Lowest infant mortality rate in a province: 4.8% in Villa Clara. Infant mortality rate under 6% in provinces: Sancti Spiritus, Matanzas y Granma. Cuba is located among the 11 countries of the world (all are developed countries) with a 6% infant mortality rate. 1999 ended up with the lowest mortality rate of children under five years old, 8.3% Mortality in children between the ages 5-14 decreased to 3 out of 10 thousand inhabitants. During 1999, 150 thousand 675 Cubans were born. From them, 966 died. The main causes were prenatal affectations and congenital anomalies. - SUGAR CANE HARVEST. At present, there is not any territory excluded from accomplishing the plan for the sugar cane harvest. Havana and Matanzas have a difficult situation although there is a tendency to recovery. The four main problems affecting the present harvest are: Lack of cane in the mills. Interruptions in the operations. Broken machinery. Loses in the crops. It is significant the fact that around 600 thousand workers of this sector have made possible to diminish, in 14 pesos, the cost of the metric ton of sugar (to 330 pesos) as compared to the previous sugar cane harvest. 70 % of the cane should be cut by machines. With the exception of the province of Ciego de Avila, the provinces accomplished the earth movement program and the seed-planting plan is foreseen to be accomplished. The socialist emulation system and the incentive plan have been excellent supports to encourage the efficiency. - BASIC UNITS OF COOPERATIVE PRODUCTION IN 1999. Total of non sugar cane cooperatives: 1,689 Total of members: 120,605. Extension: 1 million 492 thousand km. - The Basic Units of Cooperative Production contributed with: 35% of the milk produced in country. 24% of roots. 7% of vegetables. 36% of citrics. 29% of rice. 10% of beans. 7% of tobacco. 14% of meet from lambs and goats. - In 1999, 40.3% of the non-sugarcane Basic Units of Cooperative Production were profitable. - NATIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE TERRITORIAL TROOP MILITIA IN 1999. Since 1981, the Cuban people have contributed with more than 540 million pesos for the defense of the country. In 1999, the goal was accomplished in a 103.3%, with 28 million pesos. The percentage fulfilled by every organ was in the following way: - ANAP (National Association of Small Farmers): 105% - MINFAR (Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces): 114,4% - MININT (Ministry of Interior): 102,2% - MINREX (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): 139,7% - FMC (Cuban Women Federation): 103,9% - OPJM (Organization of "José Martí" Pioneers): 105% - FEU (University Students Federation): 166,7% - FEEM (Mid-Level Students' Federation): 120,8% - CDR (Committees for the Defense of the Revolution): 93,8% The commitment for the year 2 000 is to collect 30 million pesos. In the months of January and February were collected 10 millions from this year's goal. - REVIEW OF THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM IN 1999. Amount of tourists received in the country: 1 million 602 800. Increase of tourists/day: 6%. Total income: 1,300,9 million dollars. Participation of national productions and services in the tourist sector: 51% Contribution to the income of the country in hard currency: 53% The tourist sector was confirmed to be the most dynamic sector in the economy and it will continue being this way until the year 2 005. There was some advance in the rigorous policy of employment. In the conclusions of the review made by José Luis Rodríguez was pointed out: The need to deepen the commercial activity without reducing the quality of the Cuban tourist product. To elevate the quality of hotel and extra hotel services. Accelerate the investment process. Increase the rigor in the control of the resources and accountability. - CUBAN FOREIGN DEBT. Current amount: 11 thousand million dollars. Debt with Japan: 125 million dollars. - BOOK FAIR. At the fair, there were sold 300 thousand books in national currency and more than one million Cuban pesos in values. The average price per book was 3 Cuban pesos. In 1999, 309 new titles were published and more than 875 thousand books were sold, 33% more than in 1998 and there was an increase of 110 books per title. Internationally, in 1999 the Cuban books were presented in 28 fairs and exhibitions through the Book Chamber. Ediciones Cubanas is the commercial agency of the Cuban book, while the Agencia Literaria Latinoamericana is the agency in charge of the Cuban publications abroad. - VARADERO-MATANZAS OIL PIPELINE. The Varadero-Matanzas oil pipeline will have a total extension of 75 km, including 30 km from the Amistad Oil pipeline, which joins the Supertankers Base in the Matanzas Bay with the Cienfüegos Refinery. The Amistad oil pipeline has 187 km in length, 20-inch diameter, and 7 mm density. It is a hidden pipeline, that has been there for eight years and it is still disused. The total capacity of the hidden route would be 2 million 200 thousand tons annually, although experts state that it could be extended. It cost 23 million pesos and 14 million in hard currency. It is considered that in less than one year of exploitation, the pipeline will cover its initial cost. The earth movement is in charge of the Cuban enterprise but for digging the foundations (2 m depth and 85 cm wide) the Israel firm BM was contracted. At present, more than 50% of the oil pipeline work has been carried out. It is guaranteed a profitable exploitation for 30 years at least. - CHERNOBYL PROGRAM. During 10 years, the program of Chernobyl that has been taking place at the Ciudad de los Pioneros "José Marti" (José Marti City of Pioneers), has offered medical assistance to 15,868 children from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. In the first period, around 1,700 patients traveled annually. In the last years these figures changed to around 250 patients. There are more than 700 children that have been diagnosed with oncohematologic diseases. 7 bone marrow transplants and 150 orthopedic operations have been fulfilled, as well as 18 cardiovascular surgeries. Around 100 patients with neurological diseases have been assisted. In the Ukrainian spa of Eupatoria, Cuban doctors give aid in the assistance to these children. - CENTRAL INSTITUTE FOR DIGITAL RESEARCH (ICID)-EXPORTS. Four important medical equipments designed and manufactured by the Central Institute for Digital Research (ICID) are being commercialized with great acceptance for five years now in many countries of the area. ICID, with 500 workers, also increases the offer of products and automation and information systems for the centers of the scientific pole and other developing sectors. In 1999, with around one million-dollar state financing, the Institute produced equipments that could have cost five million dollars. The products' quality has allowed the still insipient but promissory incursion in the international market. COMBIOMED is the entity in charge of commercializing ICID's work. The sales of medical equipment have been doubled during the last year. The products with bigger demand are CARDIOCID, ERGOCID and OXY. The DOCTUS is to be exported. CARDIOCID-BS is a digital electrocardiograph to be used in patients who are in rest condition. This is one of the most sold products, mainly in Mexico, where last year it won two international public biddings in the Institute of Social Insurance. ERGOCID is another electrocardiograph to carry out effort tests. OXY 9,800 is a pulse oximeter used by anesthetists to monitor the percentage of the blood oxygen saturation. DOCTUS-IV is a monitor to measure different physiological indicators that is very used in the intensive care units. Mexico, Venezuela and Colombia are buying these equipments to Cuba.