The conclusion today of the 41st Havana International Fair (FIHAV 2025) has brought with it growing attention to the new economic measures announced by Cuba at the event.
A long list of possibilities, particularly regarding foreign investment, has captured the full attention of the Fair’s attendees. Companies and experts are closely following these new measures, which cover a wide range of topics.
At the 8th Investment Forum, held within the framework of the Fair, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Oscar Pérez-Oliva, presented details on these measures and on the Government’s program for macroeconomic stabilization.
One of the outstanding topics concerns Special Economic Zones. As the promotion of creating special zones (not necessarily on the scale of the Mariel Special Development Zone – ZEDM) for specific activities such as real estate or technology parks continues.
New financial and real estate modalities are highlighted. Including Selective Swap Operations, which selectively implement debt swap operations to restructure obligations and obtain foreign currency income or access financing. This is followed by a boost to the real estate business. Promoting a new model where foreign investors provide financing to execute investments in residential projects.
These businesses must be self-sustaining in foreign currency and comply with requirements for asset protection, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energy sources.
Authorities reiterated their priority focus on key sectors for national development. The first being food production, where new, more flexible and simpler business models are being promoted to generate a rapid increase in production.
Moreover the second key sector is the knowledge economy. Given the skilled workforce, partnerships are being promoted in sectors. Such as information technology, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry. With many trained individuals in Cuba capable of generating knowledge.
Regarding the legal framework, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that none of these proposals contradict the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba. The Guidelines, or the Conceptualization, and that these decisions can be implemented without difficulty under this framework.
As for Cubans residing abroad who wish to invest in their country, he confirmed that all these matters are implicitly aplicable. Cubans living abroad who wish to invest can do so without any distinction or obstacle.
Also as a complement to the announced easing measures, an updated portfolio of investment opportunities, comprising 426 projects, was presented. This portfolio has a sectoral focus, primarily targeting food production, industry, tourism, and energy. The latter with a specific focus on oil exploration and extraction. The projects are located in every province of the country, with 38 of them stemming from local initiatives. From the total portfolio, a group of 83 projects were selected as higher priority due to their export potential.
Futhermore these new measures, taken together, constitute a broad economic framework that can bring benefits to Cuba and its trading partners. Also as was evident during the FIHAV 2025 trade fair (November 24-29th, Expocuba fairgrounds). A meeting highly valued by businesspeople and contractors.
With information from Prensa Latina
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