While attending the Caribbean Hotel Conference and Operations Summit (“CHICOS”), Cuba was noted as “unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean” by many panelists discussing the culture of the Country. While there are a number of outstanding issues that currently stand between the United States and Cuba such as the billions in outstanding claims against Cuba … Read more
At last week’s Cuba Summit conference in Washington, DC, Fernando Monzote, Cuban farmer-entrepreneur, said organic farming is having an impact and creating opportunity in Cuba. According to the United Nations, Cuba’s transition to organic agriculture has had a positive impact on people’s livelihoods by guaranteeing a steady income for a significant proportion of the population … Read more
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday’s “Cuba Summit”, organized by The Economist Events, explored Cuba’s changing economic, social and political landscape and what it means for businesses planning a move into Cuba. The island nation faces many challenges as it tries to create a more dynamic and prosperous economy. The Economist editors – along with a diverse … Read more
The first Startup Weekend in Cuba ended last month with great enthusiasm for the startups teams’ success in organizing ideas and turning them into reality. The organizers for Startup Weekend Havana included: Ramphis Castro (no relation to Fidel), Medardo Rodriguez, Rodney Hernandez and Alex Medina. The event’s facilitator was Santiago Zavala, Venture Partner, at 500Startups. … Read more
According to a report in the Miami Herald, Stonegate Bank has announced plans to offer its customers the use of a debit card while traveling in Cuba. There will about 10,000 outlets in Cuba including hotels and restaurants capable of processing transactions with Stonegate’s debit card. Only Stonegate’s debit card (a Mastercard) will function in … Read more
Cuba, the formerly off-limits land of vintage cars, beautiful beaches, cigars, mojitos, and Ernest Hemingway, will be opening for American tourism for the first time since the 1960s. A Switchfly Travel Trend Report: How Interested Are U.S. Travelers in Visiting Cuba offers an overview of those Americans who are most curious about visiting Cuba – … Read more
Cuba is seeking $8.2 billion of foreign investment in 326 projects ranging from rum production to high definition, pay-per-view television. Foreign Trade Minister Rodrigo Malmierca unveiled the ready-made investment opportunities, officially called the foreign investment portfolio, at the 33rd annual Havana International Fair (FIHAV). 40 of the 246 projects described on last year’s wish list … Read more
By Steven M. Harper, Esq – Cuba Journal Op-Ed Contributor In May of 2015, some of my law partners and I traveled to Havana for the purpose of meeting with Cuban attorneys and learning something about the Cuban legal system. We spoke with a variety of lawyers, some who worked as members of a “colectiva” … Read more
The Cuba Journal caught up with Alex Medina today to discuss tomorrow’s kickoff of Startup Weekend’s first event in Cuba — to be held in Havana at the Panorama Hotel. Startup Weekend organizes high-impact, experiential events that foster entrepreneurship and community building in every corner of the world. As of last year, the organization hosted … Read more
The U.S.-Cuba Business Council met on Monday as the 2015 Havana International Trade Fair (Fihav) in Havana as this year’s trade fair got underway at the EXPOCUBA fairgrounds. The council was created earlier this year as part of a cooperation of the Chambers of Commerce of both countries. The council’s meeting drew more than 50 … Read more
