Havana’s Chinatown has signed cooperation agreements with the University of Havana and the faculties of communication and tourism. This marks a significant step in strengthening the links between academia and sociocultural development.
By: Isis María Allen
Havana’s Chinatown has signed cooperation agreements with the University of Havana and the faculties of communication and tourism. This marks a significant step in strengthening the links between academia and sociocultural development.
The event began with a dragon dance, which, according to Chinese tradition, symbolises good omens, renewal and hope for the initiative.
The signing of the documents took place in Hall 250 of the Enrique José Varona Convention Centre at the University of Havana, with the highest authorities of each institution in attendance: Miriam Nicado, Rector of the University of Havana; and Teresa María Li Cecilio, Director of the Budgeted Unit of Havana’s Chinatown. Li Cecilio also signed separate agreements with Lisandra Torres and Ariel Terrero, the respective deans of the faculties of tourism and communication.
The event took place on Tuesday 3 June, marking 178 years since the first Chinese immigrants arrived in the Cuban archipelago after a perilous journey across seas and oceans.
The Rector of the University of Havana emphasised the historical, cultural and social importance of Havana’s Chinatown for Cuba.
'It is a great honour to promote these ties, initially through the faculties of communication and tourism, but I believe there are opportunities for almost all faculties... there is space to do many things...'
The Director of Havana’s Chinatown emphasised that signing these agreements on such a significant date would mark a turning point in the institution’s relationship with academia and the variety of projects that can be undertaken.
For the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, these agreements emphasise the cultural heritage that Chinatown brings to Cuban society. For the dean of the Faculty of Communication, they open up new possibilities for research and work.
Havana’s Chinatown is located in the picturesque municipality of Centro Habana, where efforts are being made to preserve and restore the traditions that have been established there and which now form part of Cuba’s national culture.
These agreements are being signed in the year marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cuba and China, reaffirming the century-long ties between their peoples.
