The accord was signed in Havana by Cuba's Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca and France's state secretary for Foreign Trade and Tourism, Fleur Pellerin.

　　Pellerin told reporters after the signing that the credit line is an extention of a previous one, but with improved conditions.

　　A binational group of experts will be created soon to explore other opportunities for financial agreements, with an eye to enabling French companies to export to Cuba and develop business ties there, she added.

　　France, said Pellerin, is interested in rapidly developing its presence in Cuba's Special Development Zone at Mariel Port, a deep- water port facility and industrial complex located west of Havana.

　　French businesses are keen to invest in the still-developing port and take advantage of the financial incentives the Cuban government is offering companies that set up there, said Pellerin, adding the port is poised to become an important center for boosting Cuban products' added value.

　　France was also eyeing cooperation in the areas of health and biotechnology, she said, since Cuba has top doctors and international recognition in the biotech field, and France is home to renowned research firms and laboratories.

　　Malmierca said the agreement formed part of Cuba's push to modernize its economy, a sector that presented ideal opportunities for expanded ties with France.

　　Pellerin is heading her country's delegation to Cuba's annual International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2014), which kicks off Tuesday in Havana, and features France as guest nation.

　　"A lot of cooperation is possible in this sphere," said Pellerin. "We can contribute, in terms of training, hotel keeping, gastronomy and economic factors, in this important revenue source for Cuba's economy."

　　Pellerin is also scheduled to meet with other officials, tour scientific research centers and participate in a French Film Festival, among other things.（本文由在线英语听力室整理编辑）