Caracas, June 6, 2025 – This Friday, the First Joint Meeting of Ministers for Agriculture and Fisheries of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) was held in the context of the Agroalba 2025 Expo-Fair, which took place in Caracas on June 5 and 6.

The Executive Secretary of the Alliance, Jorge Arreaza, warmly welcomed the attendees from the member countries of the regional bloc, who are working on strengthening the Agroalba program, an initiative promoted by the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro.

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture of Venezuela, Juan Carlos Loyo, stressed that the tariff war (imposed by the United States) has impacted food supply chains within the framework of hyperglobalization, “this means that friendly nations must work together to provide food for our people, to ensure security for our people, allowing us to form a strong alliance of friends capable of confronting the global reordering that is currently underway.”

He noted that through the ALBA Azul (Blue ALBA) proposal, Venezuela is offering land and maritime areas for food production, including livestock and seafood. In this regard, he proposed holding a future virtual meeting to address these issues with technical teams and to discuss the programs being developed in each country.

The Vice Minister for Agriculture and Land of Venezuela, Tibisay León, reported that the ministry is currently reviewing all land available in Venezuela for the Agroalba initiative. “Once we have bilateral meetings, we will be able to specify which lands are available for you to come and begin working here,” she stated.

Additionally, Cuba’s Minister for Agriculture, Ydael Pérez, affirmed that the blows of imperialism compel the region to work together to guarantee food for the people. “Agroalba offers special opportunities for Cuba, and we are grateful for this initiative. In Cuba, we aim to make progress in agricultural and food development for the region. We offer the willingness of Cuba and its farmers to demonstrate that a better world is possible,” he emphasized.

Saboto Caesar, Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry, and Labour of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, highlighted that Agroalba is essential to uniting productive efforts to ensure food security amid the challenges of climate change.

He stressed the importance of solidarity at this time. “We must understand the moment we are in—food will not always be available at a good price, and that is key. Today, we represent those who are not in this room, and we must be conscious of our duty to ensure nutritional and food security.”

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship, and the Creative Economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis affirmed that Agroalba is an excellent opportunity to strengthen agricultural production in the region and called for improvements in transportation to reduce costs.

Representing Dominica, the Minister of State in the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, with specific responsibilities for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Jullan Defoe, stated that agriculture is the backbone of the Caribbean nation’s economy. He asserted that Agroalba must serve as a platform for food production investment and for strengthening the region’s brand. “For Agroalba to fulfill its objectives, we must work collectively,” he added.

Similarly, Midalys Naranjo, Vice Minister of the Food Industry of Cuba, emphasized that in the face of global challenges such as climate change and the food crisis, unity within the bloc must guide the proposals of Agroalba and ALBA Azul. She also noted: “Let us work together to face these challenges.”

From Grenada, Javon Williams, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development, Blue Economy, Planning, Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, Marine Affairs, and Cooperatives, confirmed his country’s participation in the Agroalba program.

Likewise, Randel Esnard, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Saint Lucia, stated that this meeting is a clear example of the solidarity and cooperation that define ALBA-TCP, and thus expressed his support for the Agroalba initiative. “We are here to strengthen agricultural and fisheries production, and we applaud the proposal to ensure food sovereignty,” he said.

According to Luz Adilia Luna, Vice-Rector of the National Agrarian University of Nicaragua, “ALBA member countries must move forward with sustainable food systems. For Nicaragua, it is essential to continue joining efforts to combat global hunger and ensure peace for our peoples.”

Ramiro Lizondo, Executive Director for Bolivia at the ALBA Bank, highlighted that import substitution has been a cornerstone of Bolivia’s economic development. In this regard, Bolivia supports Agroalba as a duty of governments to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable populations. “Bolivia is aligned with the objectives of Agroalba, and we are pleased to work together to achieve them,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ika Fergus, Assistant Officer of the Ministry for Agriculture of Antigua and Barbuda, stated that within ALBA, “we have the tools to strengthen food sovereignty, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and ensure that our nations have access to nutritious food as a human right.”

Laura Suazo, Secretary of State for Aquaculture and Livestock of Honduras (an invited country of the Bolivarian Alliance), described the initiative as “spectacular.” “With Agroalba, you are telling us that when we work together, we are stronger,” she said, adding that it is a unique and innovative project.

The President of the ALBA Bank, Raúl Li Causi, affirmed that the institution fully embraces the challenge posed by Agroalba and ALBA Azul. “This is about jointly defending the food sovereignty of our peoples. We count on firm political will and on an integration that does not bow to colonial interests.”

Li Causi stated that the ALBA Bank is ready to finance structured projects that meet technical and environmental sustainability standards. He announced that letters of intent are already being signed with allied countries for active trust funds. Finally, he proposed the establishment of a permanent financial technical committee to accelerate the validation and financing processes.

Caracas, June 5, 2025 — Cooperation and complementarity are the cornerstones proposed by the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, for the conception of Agroalba, a vital program of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).

This was stated on Thursday, June 5, by the Executive Secretary of the regional bloc, Jorge Arreaza, during the inauguration of the First Agroalba Expo-Fair, which is being held until June 6 in Caracas, Venezuela.

“These ideas, now becoming a reality, had already been circulating in the minds, projects, and plans of Commanders Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro (…) We believe Agroalba is in good hands.”

Arreaza affirmed that the first steps led to the creation of ALBA Alimentos, and later, the proposal for Agroalba emerged with the aim of strengthening the region’s food sovereignty in light of the new global geopolitical landscape.

According to the Executive Secretary, this program of the Alliance will enable member countries of the regional bloc to join efforts in food production and achieve productive independence.

Initial agreements have been signed between Venezuela and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; also with Antigua and Barbuda; as well as with São Tomé and Príncipe, an African nation.

Arreaza emphasized that, for the first time, Ministers for Agriculture and Fisheries from the region are meeting in Caracas to mark the first steps of Agroalba and promote the food and life sovereignty of the peoples of Our America. “This is an alliance for life,” he concluded.

Visions of Agroalba

The conference What is Agroalba?, led by Venezuela’s Minister for Productive Agriculture and Lands, Julio León Heredia, marked the opening of the first Agroalba 2025 Expo-Fair, an event held in Caracas on June 5 and 6, following the initiative of President Nicolás Maduro and the Executive Secretariat of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), headed by Jorge Arreaza.

León Heredia emphasized that the origin of Agroalba lies in the value of integration promoted by the leaders of the regional bloc. “This is the key element to build a model of alliance and productive development, taking into account ALBA’s potential,” he added.

He stated that the Agroalba program is open to friendly countries, even those not part of the bloc, with the goal of achieving independence and food sovereignty. “We are at the perfect moment to reach this goal,” he noted.

The Minister affirmed that Venezuela is offering all the nation’s potential to ALBA-TCP countries and friendly nations around the world to achieve important goals. He mentioned that more than 3 million hectares are available for plant production and over 13 million hectares for livestock, among other sectors.

Cooperation in the face of the climate crisis

What is ALBA Azul? was the title of the second conference, delivered by Venezuela’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Juan Carlos Loyo, who began by highlighting that, in the face of the climate crisis, the Bolivarian nation proposes gathering the entire network of ALBA-TCP scientists to design strategies for aquatic food production that meet the nutritional needs of the member countries.

In the area of trade, he also stated that, as a bloc, “we need to harmonize our sanitary export certificates. Move toward a unified policy that standardizes (trade) criteria,” Loyo explained.

ALBA Azul is an initiative to promote comprehensive fishing and encourage the export of seafood produced in the region.

He further pointed out that the Caribbean Sea is classified as independent and has strategic significance for the sustainable use of maritime resources. It is the seventh largest sea in the world and is home to more than 12,000 species. ALBA Azul, therefore, is the initiative for joint development in fishing and aquaculture, he emphasized.

The third conference of the expo-fair, titled Made in Venezuela, was led by the President of the Marca País Institute, Daniella Cabello. She recalled that ALBA was born as a response to neoliberalism, drawing strength from the struggle for the freedom and sovereignty of the peoples. “This is the same conviction of Marca País and Made in Venezuela,” she stated.

Finally, she asserted that Venezuela possesses all the strengths needed to ensure food production, in collaboration with the Bolivarian Alliance. She highlighted that the country has a wide variety of products grown on its land, with highly qualified producers committed to advancing Agroalba.

Caracas, May 29, 2025 — On May 29, 1944, Maurice Bishop was born, a charismatic leader who would become a central figure in the political history of Grenada.

From an early age, Bishop demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice and national independence, shaped by the colonial context in which he was raised.

Bishop was one of the founding members of The New Jewel Movement and later of the Grenada Labour Party. In 1979, he led a revolution that overthrew the authoritarian government of Eric Gairy, establishing a revolutionary government that implemented sweeping social and economic reforms.

His administration prioritized education, healthcare, and social equality, aiming to empower the most disadvantaged sectors of society.

The alliance with Cuba and the Soviet Union led to mounting tensions with the United States and other Western nations. In 1983, following a coup d’état, Maurice Bishop was arrested and later assassinated by opposition forces backed by U.S. imperialism. His death marked a turning point in Grenadian history.

Today, Maurice Bishop’s legacy is remembered by many as a symbol of resistance and the struggle for self-determination. His birthday is commemorated annually as a reminder of the enduring aspiration for freedom and social justice among the people of Grenada and the Caribbean.

Caracas, May 15, 2025 — This Thursday, the headquarters of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) hosted the event titled “77 Years of the Nakba: Resistance and Memory. Palestine Belongs to the Palestinians, We Will Never Leave.”

The Executive Secretary of the Alliance, Jorge Arreaza, opened the event by condemning the death and suffering inflicted upon Palestine by Israel and other nations over the past 77 years. He warned that the project to uproot Palestine has not ceased.

“Seventy-seven years ago, the creation of that entity, later referred to as the State of Israel, led to the forced displacement and death of tens and hundreds of thousands, and eventually millions, of people from the diverse Palestinian nation,” he added.

He noted that in Venezuela and throughout the countries of the Bolivarian Alliance, Palestine remains a cause that is always defended. “When it comes to Palestine, support is immediate and unanimous,” he emphasized, while affirming that it is the desire of the Global South to continue defending this State and to uphold peace with sovereignty and respect for the sacred people of Palestine.

Additionally, the Palestinian Ambassador to Venezuela, Fadi Alzaben, expressed gratitude for this ALBA-TCP initiative on behalf of the Palestinian people. He stated that 77 years ago, his people began to endure the colonial process initiated by Israel, “at the expense of the Palestinians who have perished,” he stressed.

Alzaben underscored that the entire world must fight against Zionism and against genocide, which has killed thousands of girls and boys and left millions homeless. “What our people are experiencing daily is horrifying,” he added, noting that there are currently more than 40,000 dead and over 2 million displaced.

He called for the struggle for a free Palestine to continue and for the right to food, health, and life to be demanded.

At the conclusion of the event, poet Celenia Arreaza recited the story “A Place Called Palestine,” followed by a tour of the art exhibition “Resistance and Memory,” accompanied by background music performed by the Hugo Blanco Orchestra.

Caracas, May 7, 2025 – In a meeting with representatives of various diplomatic missions, the People’s Power Minister for Agriculture and Lands of Venezuela, Julio León Heredia, presented the Agroalba project on Tuesday, an initiative aimed at strengthening agricultural production in the region through international cooperation.

During the meeting, León Heredia highlighted the impact and objectives of the project, and emphasized the opportunities for integration available to countries outside the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP). “Agroalba is a macro-project open to all nations, regardless of political affiliation, with the aim of promoting sustainable agricultural development and ensuring food security in the region,” he stated.

He also announced the upcoming Agroalba Expo-Fair, an event that will serve as a showcase for the progress and achievements of this initiative. The expo-fair seeks to promote the exchange of knowledge, technologies, and best practices in the agricultural sector, facilitating interaction among producers, investors, and governments.

“Collaboration among countries is key to overcoming the challenges facing the agricultural sector and to strengthening our food sovereignty. Agroalba represents a unique opportunity to join efforts and consolidate an efficient and sustainable production model,” the minister concluded, calling on more nations to join this integration proposal.

With this initiative, Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to agricultural development and international cooperation by promoting progress in the sector and opening new doors for the exchange of ideas and resources among countries.

VTV

Havana, May 3, 2025 – An academic cooperation agreement in the field of tourism was signed this Saturday in Havana by the tourism ministries of Cuba and Venezuela, within the framework of the 7th Meeting of Ministers and High-Level Authorities on Tourism of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).

From the International Tourism Fair of Cuba (FITCuba), the largest of the Antilles and Honduras—an invited country of the Bolivarian Alliance—also signed a memorandum of understanding in the academic field of tourism.

The objective of these alliances is to strengthen the tourism sector in the region with a view to generating economic development for the peoples, as well as employment opportunities and community growth.

This Saturday, ministers and high-level authorities of the sector gathered at FITCuba 2025 to continue defining the tourism work agenda, aimed at creating a multi-destination product, along with various forms of air and maritime connectivity.

The authorities agreed that tourism is an economic activity that supports the unity of ALBA-TCP countries, amid the sanctions and blockades imposed by the United States in an attempt to hinder the development of Our America.

Havana, May 3, 2025 – During the 7th Meeting of Ministers and High-Level Authorities on Tourism of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), held this Saturday at the International Tourism Fair of Cuba (FITCuba) in Havana, ministers of the sector endorsed strengthening unity to empower the tourism sector in the region.

Venezuela’s Minister of Tourism, Leticia Gómez, emphasized that investing in tourism means investing directly “in the quality of the tourist experience we offer, creating ambassadors of our culture and hospitality, especially in terms of connectivity, which is the backbone of regional tourism integration.”

“We have held constructive and proactive discussions on new proposals to link destinations, designing innovative strategies to increase the routes and frequency of connections among our sister countries. The active involvement of airlines in assessing our opportunities, the generation of operational incentives, and the facilitation of procedures and permits are firm commitments toward building air bridges,” said Gómez, while also noting that ALBA is advancing in the development of a Country Brand.

On the other hand, Nicaragua’s Minister of Tourism, Anasha Campbell, stated: “We are convinced that united we are stronger. Tourism stands out not only as a method for generating resources and jobs, but also as a tool for empowering our peoples and contributing to a culture of peace.”

According to the Nicaraguan representative, tourism plays a role in promoting the truths of ALBA-TCP countries. She concluded by calling for future discussions on the topic of tourism and migration.

Yeshika Crespo, Ambassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, proposed the creation of a specialized working group on indigenous heritage management, as well as the development of cultural routes and a shared ALBA tourism brand that reflects Afro-descendant, peasant, ethnic, and other identities. “Let us walk together toward the ALBA tourism destination,” she declared.

Dominica’s Plenipotentiary Ambassador, Ian Charles Anthony Douglas, welcomed the joint efforts to strengthen tourism within the regional bloc. In his view, this is an essential area for progress in the region.

“In ALBA-TCP we have been working jointly, and there is no other way to succeed. We will achieve this as long as we act as one,” added the Dominican diplomat.

Similarly, Antigua and Barbuda’s Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador, George Goodwin, asserted that taking immediate action to defend solidarity is more important than ever.

He stated that tourism provides economic stability to the Alliance’s nations, and therefore called for the exchange of knowledge to further develop the sector. He also expressed support for the promotion of multi-destination products that contribute to sustainable development.

Likewise, the Ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ellsworth I. A. John, supported the other ministers’ proposals regarding the promotion of tourism as a means of development for ALBA countries.

“We are emerging tourist destinations. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines would not have an airport if it weren’t for Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez. Tourism remains a work in progress, and we are striving to improve our tourist infrastructure,” he emphasized, reaffirming their agreement with the proposals presented at the meeting.

Mario Nuiila, Secretary of State of the Honduran Institute of Tourism (from the invited country), stressed that tourism is the tool that will allow for greater levels of development among the peoples.

“Multi-destination tourism is the option that will allow us not only to develop our countries, but also the entire region, and to promote a united and strong Latin America. Multi-destination is the way forward, the answer to the most recent aggressions is multi-destination. United to advance,” he concluded.

To close the interventions, Josefina Vidal, Cuba’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that the multi-destination program should be finalized at the next meeting, as it is what all the ministers have endorsed and emphasized.

Havana, May 2, 2025. – This Friday marked the start of the tourism working sessions of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), held within the framework of the 2025 International Tourism Fair (FITCuba) taking place in Havana.

The Executive Director of the ALBA-TCP Secretariat, Edith Peraza, opened the meeting by welcoming the participants and expressing her hopes for fruitful outcomes that will strengthen tourism in the region, viewing it as a vehicle for the unity of the peoples in this vital economic sector.

The working sessions will assess progress in multi-destination tourism products, as well as the proposal for a regional tourism brand for the Alliance, the design of a communication campaign, sustainable development, regulatory flexibility in aviation matters, and the formulation of a roadmap to achieve the established goals.

Another key item on the agenda is the evaluation of proposals aimed at promoting corporate and social tourism within the nations of the regional bloc.

Yamily Aldama Valdés, Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, noted that some tour operators who are not part of ALBA have expressed interest in joining this initiative through tourism, “as they have done in Cuba, to help strengthen tourism in our countries.”

Valdés also mentioned that several airlines will gradually join the working sessions and the Alliance’s proposals in order to facilitate regional interconnectivity.

“We aim to finalize several agreements. Over the past few days, we have worked closely with Venezuela, whose presence we greatly appreciate, as well as with Honduras and our Minister of Tourism of Nicaragua, who has remained closely informed about the agreements under discussion,” she stated.

In addition, Armando Bojórquez, President of the Latin American Culture and Tourism Association of Mexico, offered the Alliance a number of charter flights to support multi-destination tourism projects.

Present at the working sessions are Venezolana de Turismo, representing the Ministry of Tourism of the Bolivarian Republic; along with representatives from the tourism offices of ALBA countries, including Nicaragua, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Cuba, Antigua and Barbuda, among others.