Cuban and Brazilian autyhorities are holding on Thursday the first meeting of the working group for economic and trade affairs, to extend cooperation in those sectors.

"This will be an opportunity to examine the point at which we are standing, and set new goals for the future," Cuban Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Minister Rodrigo Malmierca asserted.

During the opening ceremony of Brazil's pavilion in the 27th Havana International Fair, taking place at ExpoCuba exhibition site, Malmierca said both nations would work together in the integral development zone in Mariel locality, which is in the outskirts of the capital and will become the emblem of our relations.

The project includes extension of the Mariel port, construction and restoration of railways and roads to favor greater access, and creation of an area for logistic activities, among other strategic objectives, the minister said.

The tourist sector will be benefited with the purchase of equipment to remodel hotels and extend services, as well as other plans covering the basic industry, agriculture, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical sphere.

According to Brazilian Development, Industry and Foreign Trade Ministry data, the South American country's exports to Cuba during the 2009-January-September period reached 61.8 percent of industrialized goods and 38.2 percent of basic products.