This past Friday, Miguel Díaz-Canel toured the Caribbean Electric Vehicles International Economic Association (VEDCA) in Boyeros, Havana, portraying it as a "pillar of cooperation with China" and a tangible representation of the so-called "Community of Shared Future" between the two nations.
Accompanied by the Minister of Industries, Eloy Álvarez Martínez, and the Chinese Ambassador to Cuba, Hua Xin, Díaz-Canel's visit was framed by the regime as evidence of progress in the island's energy transition. Notably, this visit coincided with the conclusion of former U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Asia.
On his X account, Díaz-Canel remarked: "The energy transition is one of the country's strategic priorities, and electric mobility is essential within that framework. VEDCA exemplifies the extent of our potential progress on this path."
The Cuban leader also committed to returning to the plant before the year ends, stating, "Thanks to your team. We'll be back before the year is over."
Established in 2019 as a joint venture, VEDCA involves the Chinese firm Tianjin Dongxing Industrial Group Co. Ltd., holding a 58% investment stake, and the Cuban company Minerva. Its product range includes electric bicycles, motorcycles, tricycles, quadricycles, scooters, and children's vehicles.
The plant's director, Julio Oscar Pérez Pérez, highlighted that the partnership between the two companies spans over two decades. In 2024, VEDCA reported revenues exceeding $12 million and aims to produce more than 20,000 units, with sales reaching approximately $40 million by 2026.
Yet, during that same period, the factory operated below its capacity due to financial, logistical, and market challenges—issues that were conspicuously absent from the official discourse during the visit.
Starting in 2026, VEDCA plans to introduce tricycles equipped with photovoltaic panels, merging electric mobility with solar generation, reflecting the Cuban regime's increasing reliance on Chinese technology in this domain.
This visit occurs amid a severe energy crisis gripping Cuba. In April 2026, the UN issued a warning that the island had been experiencing a fuel shortage lasting over three months, leading to systemic blackouts that impact health, water, food, education, and transportation.
Facing this collapse, the regime has strengthened its ties with Beijing: Cuban imports of Chinese solar panels surged from $48 million in 2024 to $117 million in 2025, with China announcing the establishment of seven solar parks on the island.
Bilateral relations have deepened since September 2025 when Díaz-Canel met with Xi Jinping during a tour of China, Vietnam, and Laos, resulting in the signing of 11 cooperation agreements in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, agriculture, and infrastructure. Xi Jinping described the Cuba-China relationship as a "model of solidarity" at that time.
The "Community of Shared Future" concept invoked by Díaz-Canel at VEDCA is China's official term for its international relations model, which Havana has adopted as the framework for its alliance with Beijing, while the Cuban populace endures power outages affecting over 70% of the territory.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and Its Cooperation with China
What is VEDCA's role in Cuba's energy transition?
VEDCA is a joint venture focused on electric mobility, serving as a key example of Cuba's effort to transition towards renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
How has China's technology influenced Cuba's energy sector?
China's technology has played a significant role, particularly in solar energy, with Cuba importing substantial amounts of Chinese solar panels and integrating them into new energy projects.
Why is Cuba facing an energy crisis?
Cuba is experiencing an energy crisis due to a prolonged fuel shortage, which has led to widespread blackouts impacting various sectors, including health and transportation.