Cuban official's visit expected to bolster links (2)

Business cooperation

"Business cooperation with China is very important for Cuba during its economic reform. We worked together on developing local technology and China has considerable experience in agriculture, which is longed for by Cuba," Liu said.

By holding the presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States this year, Cuba can play a highly important role in building a better relationship between China and Latin American countries, she said.

Yang Jianmin, an expert at the center for Cuban studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said a visit to China is essential for Diaz-Canel, who is expected to be the next Cuban leader.

"Cuba is undergoing economic reforms ... China has tremendous experiences that Cuba can borrow from. Knowing more about China's economic reform is very important for him," he said.

Yang also said Diaz-Canel has been very active as Cuba's first vice-president as Havana seeks to build the image of its next leadership through international activities such as his Asian trip.