Cuba’s transition to an economy driven by private sector employment is creating attractive opportunities for the emerging consumer base in the country’s population of 11 million people and GDP of $82 billion. The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) analyzed the country’s market for consumer goods and found that it will present a growing opportunity over the … Read more
Research Professor Kislaya Prasad recently visited Cuba to assess the business climate and prepare a trip for a group of academics. He offers his insights in the following Q&A. How can Cuba overcome its well publicized obstacles and become a viable environment for business? “It’s significant that U.S. tourism travel to Cuba is booming and … Read more
Last week, the Obama administration announced two major hotel brands will seek to do business in Cuba. White House officials expressed hope these deals would come together before Mr. Obama arrives in Havana March 20. Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson, vice chair of the President’s Export Council, will travel to Cuba with Mr. Obama. “We are … 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
What’s the price of sitting on the sidelines? by Simons Chase, Editor-in-Chief SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – “Where to start?” was a topic of interest at the Cuba panel of the CHICOS 2015 HVS Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference held this week in San Juan, Puerto Rico. For hotel developers and operators, distilling the bigger picture … 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
At the Economist Events’ first Cuba Summit in the US, Economist editors, business and policy leaders, and industry experts will analyze Cuba’s changing economic, social and political future. Foreign businesses operating in Cuba face many restrictions preventing them from responding quickly to emerging opportunities. The shift in U.S.-Cuban relations promises to give a further boost … Read more
by Simons Chase According to economic development theory, technology transfer and deregulation hold great promise as a pathway for developing countries, like Cuba, to lift incomes, stimulate foreign direct investment and enhance quality of life. To date, the ligature between this type of neoclassical growth model and actual results has been government policy supported by … Read more
