Cuba: brain drain in developing countries is caused by western nations

Lage made the statement during the 16th meeting of the Ibero-American Nations Organization. He said high salaries and other benefits were attracting doctors, engineers, teachers, nurses and other professionals to work in developed countries.

This practice is the reason why developing nations are now suffering from brain drain, he said.

He said rich countries use various means to make these talented professionals to stay.

In Latin America alone, it was estimated that some 240,000 professionals migrated to developed countries in 2005 alone to seek greener pasture. Unfortunately, Lage said their home countries' spent at least $5 billion for their training.