China and Cuba have signed 16 agreements as Chinese President Hu Jintao continues his visit to Havana. Mr. Hu and his Cuban counterpart, Fidel Castro, witnessed the signings late Monday in the Cuban capital, Havana.
The accords include deals to build a nickel production plant in Cuba and setting up a joint venture to explore untapped Cuban nickel deposits. In addition, China agreed to a 10-year extension for repayment of loans given to Cuba in the 1990s.
Cuban state-run media say Mr. Hu's visit is a sign of the high priority both countries give to the development of their bilateral relations.
Cuba has suffered economically since the collapse of its former backer, the Soviet Union, more than a decade ago.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.