Havana, Dec 21 (Prensa Latina) Cuba´s sales of goods and services abroad increased by 37 percent in the first ten months of 2004, compared to the same period last year, according to estimates by Cuba´s Foreign Trade Ministry (MINCEX).

Estimates published by Juventud Rebelde daily reveal that traditional exports comprised 74 percent of sales abroad, with a 33 percent increase, while non traditional exports increased by 50 percent.

As many as 61 percent of total traditional exports belonged to nickel, followed by sugar and its by-products, cigar, fishing, cement, and rum.

Non traditional exports, comprising 26 percent, were mainly represented by steel, generic and biotechnological medicine, fresh and processed citrus, and graphic products.

Cuba´s products were exported to Holland, followed by Canada, Venezuela, Russia, Spain, and China, representing 82 percent of total exports to 124 countries in the mentioned period, the daily reads.
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Foreign trade officials have called these results very positive, due to the importance that increased hard currency incomes represent to tackle economic development plans.