Cuba Journal 
Establishing an FDI project in Cuba requires case-by-case government authorization at the highest levels of government. Projects must be authorized by either the Council of State or the Council of Ministers, depending on the circumstances of the particular project, as described below. According to observers, the Cuban government is most likely to approve investment proposals … Read more
Cuba’s coastline is 40% longer than Florida’s, so getting access to the island nation’s pristine natural gifts is best accomplished by water. Unless you have a large yacht on which to explore, the next best way to see Cuba by water is by kayak. Idaho-based tour operator ROW Adventures, one of the first companies authorized … Read more
The Cuban government developed a port and special economic development zone in Mariel called ZED Mariel (Zona Especial de Desarrolo). ZED Mariel was built in partnership with the Brazilian government and the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht for roughly $900 million. Established on November 1, 2013, the zone’s aim is to create a modern, multimodal trading … Read more
Eight US-based airlines have received tentative approval to fly to Havana, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Thursday. The move – part of a broader effort to normalize relations between the US and Cuba – would give 10 US airports at least one weekly non-stop flight to the Cuban capital. The DOT approved 14 … Read more
Sundance Institute announced today its return to Cuba with film screenings and filmmaker discussions open to the public as part of Sundance Film Forward, July 14-16. Local artists, students, and film lovers are invited to attend public events at venues across Havana, including Cine Yara and Casa del Festival. Sundance Film Forward will host free … Read more
Southwest Airlines today was informed by U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that the carrier has been preliminarily awarded authority to serve Havana with twice daily nonstop service from Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and once daily nonstop service from Tampa Bay International Airport. Pending finalized authority from DOT and subject to requisite approvals from the Cuban … Read more
On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) tentatively awarded the airline nonstop flights to the Cuban capital from its global gateways in New York/Newark and Houston. “These flights open the door to a new world of travel and opportunities for our customers,” said Oscar Munoz, United’s president and CEO. “We are proud of the … Read more
The European Union (EU) and Cuba held seven rounds of talks—two in 2014, four in 2015, and one in March 2016—on a Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) covering political, trade, and development issues. The new cooperation agreement, which has to be officially approved by EU governments, would replace the 1996 Common Position. In 1996, … Read more
Looking for a cultural cruise on a small-ship to Cuba? You’re in luck. Friendly Planet Travel, one of the leading companies specializing in Cuba travel, has teamed up with Celestyal Cruises to provide a culturally immersive experience in a seven-night all-inclusive voyage through Santiago de Cuba, Havana, Punta Francés, Isla de Juventud and Cienfuegos. Tour-goers … Read more
The Cuban telecom services market, measured by revenues derived from voice, data, and video services, grew 10% in 2014 to $918 million, slightly slower than the average annual growth rate of 12% during the preceding four years. The industry is tightly controlled by the government, with ETECSA operating as the monopoly provider in both the … Read more
