An exchange of notes on two programs of Japan''s non-reimbursable financial assistance for Cuba has strengthened today trade ties between the two nations. The notes were signed in Havana by Japanese Foreign Minister, Kentaro Sonoura, and Cuban Minister for Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Rodrigo Malmierca. This collaboration will allow a project to improve agricultural equipment to develop rice seed production technology and an economic and social development program.According to the agreement, in the first case, it supports the Cuban priority to increase food self-sufficiency rate, particularly regarding self-sufficiency in rice.Tokyo will donate the necessary machinery for seeds production and processing, and will increase the production of an excellent variety of seeds, to contribute to the agricultural development of this island.