Havana, September 20 (KCNA) -- Raul Castro Ruz, president of the Council of State of Cuba, guided the Mariel Port expansion project on the spot on Sunday.

After inspecting the port he, who is also president of the Council of Ministers, said the expansion project was of great economic importance.

The expansion project, along with its improved operation, will provide Cuba with an important facility for a long time in the special development zone which covers more than 400 square kilometers, he added.

The expansion project started in February 2010 and will end in 2014.