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ZED Mariel: open to the world
www.zedmariel.com
OPEN TO
THE WORLD
zed mariel
zona especial de desarrollo mariel
November 2015
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ZED Mariel: open to the world
Contents
01. Why Cuba?
09. Social Indicators
18. Employment Matters
02. The Hub to the Americas
10. La Habana
19. Sector A Project Development
03. International Relationships
11. Artemisa Province
20. Priority Sectors
04. Cuba-US Relations
12. Tourism
21. 2015 Projects Portfolio
05. Foreign Trade
13. TC Mariel
22. Approved Users
06. Doing Business with Cuba
14. ZED Mariel: Overview
23. FAQs
07. Modernization of Economic
Framework (2010-2015)
15. Legal Framework
24. EY/CONAS
08. Infrastructure
16. Fiscal Rules
17. Administrative Procedures
Construction work is ongoing in Zone A3 where some
of the first high-tech companies will be located. This
zone may also have some recreational facilities along
the attractive shoreline.
ZED Mariel: open to the world
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ZED Mariel: Open to the World
Zona Especial de Desarrollo Mariel (ZED
Mariel) is a long-term visionary project,
which is destined to play an important role in
Cuba’s economic modernization process.
The ZED Mariel administrative center will
be ready in early 2016 and parcels of land
are now available for the first international
investors to break ground.
The total area covered by the ZED Mariel
legislative framework is 465.4km2 located in
the Northern part of Artemisa province, 45 km
West of Havana city. At the center of this area
is Sector A, which covers 4,372 hectares on
the Western side of Mariel Bay. The modern
container terminal, TC Mariel, which opened on
January 27, 2014, forms part of Zone A7.
The detailed Master Plan of Sector A, currently
in its second phase is being undertaken by
Bouygues Bâtiment International, which is
working with a futuristic vision in the conception
and design of its urbanization, in compliance
with the best international practices, under the
concept of “high environmental quality” (HQE).
Over the past year major investments have
been made in developing the necessary
infrastructure in the first zones to be
developed within Sector A. This builds on
improvements made in past years to the
external infrastructure, including upgrades of
road and rail links from Havana.
Over 6,000 construction workers have been
working to transform this greenfield site into
a modern platform where investors will be
able to plug into world-class infrastructural
and logistical services. Outside of Sector
A, land is available for renewable energy
projects, hotel, resort and golf course
development as well as other forms of real
estate.
ZED Mariel is not a Free Trade Zone fenced
off from the rest of the country. Instead,
it forms an integral part of the national
territory for practical and legal purposes.
The development of this area represents
an important element of Cuba’s foreign
investment approach, which has targeted the
attraction of US$ 3 billion annually in new
greenfield Foreign Direct Investments (FDI).
It is important to understand the regional
context of Cuba, not just in terms of the
improving relationship with the US but within
Latin America and the Caribbean as well as
more globally. Although Cuba has been cut
off from the US for the past 50 years it has
never been isolated from the rest of the world
and has deep longstanding and multi-faceted
relationships with many countries.
The sobriquet ‘Pearl of the Antilles’ is well
deserved for Cuba, not just for the many
sites of natural beauty, culture and historic
architecture but also for the achievements
made over the past 50 years in areas such
as health care, education and sport. These
social factors are important in any evaluation
of Cuba and are outlined in section 9 of this
document.
We have provided economic data and other
information regarding international trade and
Cuba’s existing regulatory framework as well
as the country´s past experience with FDI.
It has been our pleasure putting together this
Guide to ZED Mariel on behalf of the Oficina
de la ZED Mariel. We would be delighted to
receive any feedback or questions which you
may have regarding this Special Economic
Zone.
This presentation has been prepared by EY
& CONAS on behalf of the Oficina de la ZED
Mariel. Its purpose is purely informative and
is intended to provide a general outline of the
subjects covered. It should neither be regarded
as comprehensive nor sufficient for making
decisions, nor should it be used in place of
professional advice. We advise that users of this
document consult their own legal advisors and
professional consultants regarding investment
in Cuba. Neither EY nor CONAS accepts any
responsibility for any loss arising from any
action taken or not taken by anyone using this
material.
All photos are subject to copyright ©.
www.zedmariel.com
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ZED Mariel: open to the world
01. Why Cuba?
Cuba has good political, economic and trading
relationships within the region and globally.
Cuba occupies a strategic location in the heart
of the Caribbean, ideally located to become
the hub to the Americas in shipping and
aviation and, in the longer term, as a business
and financial center leveraging the unrivalled
attractions of living in Havana.
At 1,200 miles long, Cuba is the largest
country within the West Indies archipelago. The
sobriquet ‘Pearl of the Antilles’ is well deserved
There is a level of culture, history, architecture
and sites of natural beauty unrivalled within the
region.
The ZED Mariel offers a world-class production
and logistics platform, which will facilitate a
greater level of domestic production reducing
import costs, boosting growth, providing
employment and facilitating foreign direct
investment.
Cuba’s underlying infrastructure is strong in
transportation, energy and telecoms. Ongoing
investment needs provide opportunities for
foreign direct investment going forward.
The Cuban workforce is well educated and
highly skilled. Cuba has a high participation
rate in tertiary education (62%) and worldclass universities especially strong in medicine,
engineering and information technology.
There is a stable legal, economic and political
framework. Cuba’s reported 4.7% economic
growth in the first half of 2015 is amongst the
fastest within the region. Inflation was reported
at 3.6% in 2014. As the US blockade is further
relaxed and ultimately lifted, Cuba is likely to
see a significant boost to its ongoing economic
growth potential.
An ongoing boom in the tourism sector,
evidenced by a 17.2% year on year increase
in the 8 months to 31 August 2015, has
been partly driven by the relaxation of travel
restrictions for US citizens. This is driving
demand for investment in hotel capacity and
other associated infrastructure and services.
The development of a Cuba strategy is a must
for regional players in the hospitality sector.
In 2014, the UNDP ranked Cuba 2nd within
Latin America & the Caribbean and 44th out of
187 nations on its Human Development Index
(HDI). This reflects Cuba’s strong and inclusive
health care system as well as other social
indicators.
There is a strong fabric of society and social
cohesion in Cuba. Low rates of crime, traffic and
pollution make Cuban cities attractive places to
live.
Old Havana is a UNESCO recognized World
Heritage site. Havana has been chosen as one
of the world’s seven most remarkable cities
(New Seven Wonders), one of the top 10
healthiest cities in the world (CNN) and the
safest city in Latin America and the Caribbean
(El País).
ZED Mariel: open to the world
“Everyone dreamed
of Cuba”
Miguel Barnet
Picturesque Valle de los Ingenios was one of Cuba’s most prominent centers of sugar production during the 18th and
19th centuries. The area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
Photo by Marius Jovaiša, from this book Unseen Cuba (unseencuba.com)
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ZED Mariel: open to the world
02. The Hub to the Americas
TC Mariel is a world-class container terminal
located 45km from Havana with a current
capacity of 824,000 TEU. This is one of the
best natural harbors in the region, which has
ample greenfield development opportunities
going forward.
Following the full lifting of the US blockade
(specifically the Torricelli Act), TC Mariel
is poised to become a major transshipment
hub given its almost perfect location within
the Caribbean triangle where multiple major
commerce routes intersect. For traffic transiting
the Panama Canal from Asia to the East Coast
of North America, TC Mariel has a low deviation
and short distance to final location.
The Guillermón Moncada port in Santiago de
Cuba is currently undergoing a modernization
as part of a Cuba-Chinese agreement.
Cuba has a much larger domestic market than
other countries within the Caribbean region—
this makes it attractive for companies to use
the island as a platform for exports. In 2014,
Cuba imported merchandise goods of US$ 14.7
billion and exported merchandise goods of US$
5.3 billion.
Cuba is developing three cruise ship terminals
in Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.
Carnival Corp has announced plans to start
services to Cuba in 2016.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
of the US Department of the Treasury has
authorized several ferry operators to establish
services from the US to Cuba.
Cuba has developed a world-class marina in
Varadero with berths for over 1,000 boats.
Several other marina projects are under
development throughout Cuba by Cuban public
companies as well as additional marinas that
will be part of several mega golf course/marina
developments.
The Gulf Stream, which passes close to Cuba’s
northern coast, sees a massive boating traffic
each year. Recent relaxations of measures
ZED Mariel: open to the world
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Panoramic view of the container yard at Terminal de
Contenedores (TC Mariel). In the background is Mariel
Bay, one of the best natural harbors in the Caribbean.
pertaining to the US blockade make it much
easier for US leisure craft to visit Cuba.
Cuba attracts over three million visitors
annually arriving at one of its 10 international
airports. Over 20 major international airlines fly
into Cuba from more than 25 countries offering
a range of options for business and vacation
travelers. Additional carriers are entering the
Cuban market, including Iberia, which reestablished regular flights in the summer of
2015.
Charter airline travel from the US has increased
dramatically over the past year with new routes
being added on a regular basis. Scheduled
airlines are expected to begin operations soon
following changes in US regulations. Jet Blue,
Delta and others have all expressed an interest
and/or developed partnerships with existing
operators.
Havana’s José Martí International Airport will
be subject to a major renovation over the next
few years upgrading its capacity and improving
its facilities. In the longer term, it offers an ideal
hub for the Americas combining transatlantic
traffic with intra-American flights. Several
European airlines already use Havana’s airport
as a cargo hub for Latin America.
Other airports around the country, including
Varadero and Cayo Santa Maria, have also been
upgraded over recent years.
No other city in the region comes close to
Havana for quality of life. There is a depth of
cultural activities, colonial architecture and a
booming social life without the social problems,
contamination and traffic of other cities within
the region. In the longer term, Havana is likely
to offer a compelling option for the location
of regional headquarters for companies with a
regional presence.
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ZED Mariel: open to the world
03. International Relations
Colombia Nears a Peace Deal With FARC
Rebels
One hundred and eighty-six countries maintain
embassies and consulates in Cuba—the largest
number within the region. Cuba has diplomatic
relations with 190 countries and international
organizations.
Cuba has been a member of WTO since 1995
and a member of GATT since 1948. Preferential
trade agreements have been signed with all
the countries in Latin America & the Caribbean
through ALADI, Cuba-CARICOM and CubaMERCOSUR.
In September 2015. FARC and the Colombian
government announced a peace plan following
three years of talks held in Havana.
Pope Francis visited Cuba from September 1922, 2015, (the third visit by a Pope to Cuba in
the last 17 years), reaffirming the excellent and
uninterrupted relations between the Holy See
and Cuba.
Other important visitors to Cuba during 2015
included:
Cuba has won widespread plaudits for its
leading role in responding to global health crises
and natural disasters. Most recently a Cuban
medical brigade responded to the emergency
caused by the earthquake in Nepal. Previous
assistance was provided to help deal with the
Ebola outbreak in West Africa (2014-ongoing),
as well as to help following earthquakes in Haiti
(2010) and Pakistan (2005).
October Penny Pritzker (US Secretary of
Commerce), Robert Fico (Prime Minister of
Slovakia), Cyril Ramaphosa (South African
Vice-President).
Cuba held the Presidency of the Community of
Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in
2013 and in January 2014, successfully hosted
CELAC’s 2nd Summit in Havana, which was
attended by 31 out of 33 regional heads of state.
August John Kerry (US Secretary of State),
Nicolás Maduro Moros (President of Venezuela),
Tomislav Nikolić (President of Serbia).
Cuba chaired the 6th World Health Assembly, which
took place from May 19-24, 2014 in Geneva.
On October 24, 2014, the Financial Action Task
Force (FATF) decided to remove Cuba from its
monitoring mechanisms, acknowledging the work
carried out by the country to prevent money
laundering and the financing of terrorism.
April 10-11, 2015 Cuba participated in the
Seventh Summit of the Americas held in
Panama.
September Truong Tan Sang (President of
Vietnam), Cristina Fernández de Kirchner
(President of Argentina), Juan Carlos Varela
Rodríguez (President of Panama).
July Frank-Walter Steinmeier (German Minister
for Foreign Affairs), José Manuel Soria López
(Spanish Minister of Industry, Energy and
Tourism).
May François Hollande (President of France),
Fumio Kishida (Japanese Minister of Foreign
Affairs), Salvador Sánchez Cerén (President of
El Salvador).
March Federica Mogherini (EU foreign policy
chief).
February H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan
(President of Turkey).
ZED Mariel: open to the world
SA-Cuba deepen economic ties: Ramaphosa
Friday 23 October 2015 05:31
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa led a high-level delegation
to Cuba with the aim of improving trade relations between the
two countries (Oct 2015).
Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida
makes historic visit to Cuba
France´s Francois Hollande in first Cuba
visit
José Manuel Soria, Spain’s Industry
Minister in Havana, July 2015
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ZED Mariel: open to the world
04. Cuba-US Relations
On October 28, 2014, there were 188
votes for the non-binding resolution
entitled Necessity of ending the economic,
commercial and financial blockade imposed
by the United States of America against
Cuba in the 193-nation General Assembly.
The US Embassy
in Havana reopened on July
20, 2015. The
American flag was
raised on August
14, 2015.
December 17, 2014. Cuba and the US
announce the reestablishment of diplomatic
relations. The US relaxes some sanctions
and travel restrictions. Measures included
an increase of limits for remittances, an
easing of licensing conditions for travel to
Cuba and certain exemptions for companies
providing telecoms services to Cuba or
goods more generally to the non-state
sector.
April 11, 2015. President Obama meets
with Cuban leader Raúl Castro on the
sidelines of the Summit of the Americas,
the first face-to-face discussion between US
and Cuban heads of state in more than half
a century.
April 2015. Cuban Vice-president Miguel
Díaz-Canel receives Andrew Cuomo,
Governor of New York. Cuomo was visiting
Cuba with a group of over twenty American
businessmen.
May 29, 2015. The US State Department
removes Cuba from its list of state sponsors
of terrorism.
July 20, 2015. The US and Cuba reopen
embassies in each other’s respective
capitals. Both had been closed since 1961.
July 22, 2015. Stonegate Bank and Banco
Internacional de Comercio(BICSA)sign a
commercial correspondent bank agreement.
August 14, 2015. US Secretary of State,
John Kerry visits Cuba for the raising of
the American flag ceremony over the newly
opened US Embassy in Havana.
September 16, 2015. During a meeting
with US businessmen, US President Barack
Obama urges them to pressure Congress
into lifting the embargo against Cuba.
September 21, 2015. The US Treasury
Department announces new measures
further relaxing some sanctions and travel
restrictions. American companies are now
allowed to establish certain (primarily
telecoms), businesses with Cuban
companies, hire personnel and export
equipment. New measures also include
facilitation of air and sea transportation,
an increase of travelers under existing
categories, and the removal of limit on
remittances.
September 25, 2015. The US Chamber of
Commerce launches the US-Cuba Business
Council (USCBC) to build strong, strategic
trade relations between the US and Cuba.
September 29, 2015. US President Barack
Obama meets with his Cuban counterpart,
Raúl Castro, at the UN venue in New York in
the framework of the 70th Regular Session
of the UN General Assembly.
On October 7, 2015, Penny Pritzker (US
Secretary of Commerce) visits ZED Mariel
and TC Mariel as part of her official visit to
Cuba.
ZED Mariel: open to the world
US Secretary of State John Kerry with Cuba’s Foreign Minister
Bruno Rodriguez during a joint press conference at the Hotel
Nacional in Havana, Cuba, August 14, 2015.
Cuba’s Minister of Trade & Investment Rodrigo Malmierca
Díaz, US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, and other
governmental representatives at a bilateral meeting in Havana,
Oct 7, 2015
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Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla, left, with Sen.
Pat Roberts, R-Kan, at the Foreign Ministry in Havana, Cuba,
Saturday, June 13, 2015. Also pictured are Sen. Jeff Flake,
R-Ariz, second left, and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine
Band From Cuba Plays the White House With 1940s
Havana Rhythms
Tom Donohue, President of the US Chamber of Comemrce with
Orlando Hernández Guillén, President of the Cuban Chamber of
Commerce, September 2015
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ZED Mariel: open to the world
05. Foreign Trade
Merchandise
EXPORTS from Cuba
to country
of destination
All figures US$ millions
Source:
Oficina Nacional de Estadísticas e Información
(ONEI)
Cuba has a large surplus on its services account,
which largely offsets the deficit on the current
account.
This services surplus includes significant income
from Cuba’s medical professionals, teachers,
sports coaches (and others), who work as part of
missions to countries including Venezuela, Brazil,
South Africa and the Middle East.
Selected countries
rank
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
% change
2014/13
% of total
(2014)
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
1
528
1,717
2,273
2,484
2,266
2,070
-9%
42.6%
Canada
2
431
604
719
551
462
525
14%
10.8%
Netherlands Antilles
7
59
3
29
60
108
76
-30%
1.6%
Brazil
8
63
58
82
108
81
63
-21%
1.3%
Dominican Republic
12
21
23
29
84
46
42
-9%
0.9%
Argentina
22
25
18
19
14
17
22
31%
0.4%
Honduras
24
7
9
16
15
22
19
-14%
0.4%
Mexico
26
Americas
14
18
25
24
22
16
-27%
0.3%
1,249
2,545
3,314
3,547
3,276
2,905
-11%
59.8%
Netherlands
3
238
353
655
698
457
468
2%
9.6%
Belgium
5
8
30
37
40
118
213
80%
4.4%
Spain
6
154
161
165
150
171
141
-18%
2.9%
France
9
45
107
23
28
43
61
42%
1.3%
Russian Federation
10
88
57
56
90
20
56
179%
1.1%
Germany, Federal Republic of
11
29
28
40
43
81
55
-32%
1.1%
Croatia
13
0
0
1
0
0
39
11497%
0.8%
United Kingdom
14
7
19
37
22
101
34
-66%
0.7%
Italy
15
29
38
51
33
56
29
-48%
0.6%
Denmark
18
18
1
2
1
0
25
5850%
0.5%
Belarus
19
europe
China, People´s Republic of
4
1
0
14
36
1
23
4362%
0.5%
719
854
1,215
1,280
1,291
1,246
-3%
25.6%
516
681
778
459
344
302
-12%
6.2%
Cyprus
16
44
29
39
33
29
28
-2%
0.6%
Vietnam
17
3
3
5
8
26
27
4%
0.6%
Singapore
20
35
186
27
32
35
23
-34%
0.5%
650
959
1,029
614
637
518
-19%
10.7%
2,863
4,550
5,870
5,577
5,283
4,857
-8%
100%
asia
total
www.zedmariel.com
2009
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Merchandise
IMPORTS to Cuba
from country
of origin
All figures US$ millions
Source:
Oficina Nacional de Estadísticas e Información
(ONEI)
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rank
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
% change
2014/13
% of total
(2014)
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
1
2,608
4,302
5,902
6,079
4,802
5,189
8.1%
39.8
Brazil
4
508
444
644
648
614
587
-4.4%
4.5%
Mexico
5
323
360
450
487
508
443
-12.8%
3.4%
Canada
6
310
331
479
387
451
408
-9.4%
3.1%
United State of America
8
598
406
434
509
402
389
-3.1%
3.0%
Argentina
9
120
129
149
120
371
336
-9.4%
2.6%
Selected countries
Netherlands Antilles
17
0
39
150
30
1,241
94
-92.4%
0.7%
Panama
24
64
60
87
75
101
57
-43.6%
0.4%
Colombia
25
50
47
68
51
57
55
-4.4%
0.4%
Trinidad and Tobago
26
32
31
45
43
35
51
47.8%
0.4%
4,834
6,384
8,696
8,667
8,815
7,857
-10.9%
60.3%
3
752
785
1,020
1,006
1,227
1,025
-16.4%
7.9%
Americas
Spain
Italy
7
324
292
388
381
460
392
-14.9%
3.0%
Germany, Federal Republic of
10
280
269
286
311
344
323
-6.1%
2.5%
France
12
140
190
344
360
412
277
-32.6%
2.1%
Russian Federation
14
195
227
224
252
183
138
-24.9%
1.1%
Ukraine
15
17
13
44
37
167
115
-31.1%
0.9%
Netherlands
16
68
61
73
94
87
107
23.3%
0.8%
Belgium
19
36
45
62
66
79
79
-0.6%
0.6%
Inited Kingdom
22
32
50
80
61
67
65
-2.8%
0.5%
2,041
2,158
2,830
2,954
3,365
2,870
-14.7%
22.0%
1,171
1,223
1,281
1,237
1,534
1,334
-13.0%
10.2%
europe
China, People´s Republic of
2
Vietnam
13
276
266
309
190
188
242
29.0%
1.9%
South Korea
18
112
94
129
110
98
88
-9.7%
0.7%
Japan
20
89
78
79
54
71
73
1.7%
0.6%
India
51
asia
Algeria
11
53
64
62
67
62
0.5%
-7.3%
0.5%
1,842
1,832
2,024
1,786
2,127
1,928
-9.3%
14.8%
169
213
309
331
308
292
-5.0%
2.2%
Africa
177
222
328
352
356
307
-13.5%
2.4%
total
8,906
10,644
13,952
13,801
14,707
13,037
-11.4%
100%
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ZED Mariel: open to the world
Merchandise
EXPORTS from Cuba
by classification
of product
All figures US$ millions
* Petroleum-related products may include
some other products not broken down.
Source:
Oficina Nacional de Estadísticas e Información
(ONEI)
Cuba’s exports fell by 8.1% in 2014. This was
largely driven by a fall in petroleum-related
products (-10.9%), nickel & other ores (3%) and
sugar (-9.9%). These falls were largely driven by
falling worldwide commodity prices during this
period.
item
2011
2012
2013
2014
% change,
2014/13
% of total,
2014
* Petroleum related products
2,682
2,697
2,613
2,327
-10.9%
47.9%
1,465
1,060
768
795
3.6%
16.4%
12
20
26
30
16.0%
0.6%
1,480
1,082
796
828
4.0%
17.0%
Medical and pharmaceutical products
523
554
601
592
-1.4%
12.2%
Chemical materials and products, nes
37
40
43
52
21.1%
1.1%
•
•
Nickel (& other ores)
Cork and wood
Crude materials
•
•
•
Organic chemicals
15
22
32
29
-11.8%
0.6%
583
620
681
679
-0.3%
14.0%
361
456
432
389
-9.9%
8.0%
Seafood, fresh and frozen
66
66
71
80
12.3%
1.6%
Natural honey
15
15
17
23
38.9%
0.5%
Coffe, cocoa, other
5
8
10
8
-27.4%
0.2%
Food and live animals
483
570
549
508
-7.6%
10.5%
215
218
232
217
-6.4%
4.5%
Tobacco leaves
4
5
8
6
-22.6%
0.1%
Cigarettes
3
1
4
3
-31.5%
0.1%
223
224
245
227
-7.4%
4.7%
Chemicals and related products
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sugar
Rolled cigars
Cigars & tobacco
Alcoholic beverages (including rum)
93
92
154
95
-38.1%
2.0%
316
317
398
322
-19.2%
6.6%
Iron and steel
94
83
72
65
-9.7%
1.3%
Cement
35
40
27
16
-41.7%
0.3%
Manufactured goods
145
145
112
94
-16.1%
1.9%
Machinery and transport equipment
136
105
101
84
-17.0%
1.7%
46
40
32
17
-48.6%
0.3%
5,870
5,577
5,283
4,857
-8.1%
100.0%
Beverages and tobacco
•
•
Miscellaneous manufactured articles
total value of exports
www.zedmariel.com
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Merchandise
IMPORTS from Cuba
by classification
of product
All figures US$ millions
item
2011
2012
2013
2014
% change,
2014/13
% of total,
2014
* Petroleum related products
6,370
6,475
6,343
5,619
-11.4%
43.1%
Cereals (rice, wheat, corn)
906
756
822
838
1.9%
6.4%
Dairy products and eggs
220
192
214
289
34.6%
2.2%
Meat and meat preparations
284
311
322
283
-11.9%
2.2%
Animal feed (not including unmilled cereals)
198
158
208
220
6.1%
1.7%
Vegetable oils (soybean oil)
146
165
120
147
22.9%
1.1%
Leguminous vegetables and fruit
113
91
120
123
3.1%
0.9%
37
28
50
55
8.6%
0.4%
2,047
1,838
2,018
2,120
5.0%
16.3%
Herbisides/insectisides
223
215
242
231
-4.7%
1.8%
Plastics
230
207
224
194
-13.4%
1.5%
Fertilizers
212
227
189
215
14.0%
1.7%
Medicinal and pharmaceurical products
149
150
169
166
-1.8%
1.3%
Essential oils (toiletries and cleaning products)
107
114
132
149
12.4%
1.1%
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Beverages and tobacco
Food & Drink
* Petroleum-related products may include
some other products not broken down.
Source:
Oficina Nacional de Estadísticas e Información
(ONEI)
Cuba’s Imports fell by 11.4% in 2014. This was
largely driven by a fall in petroleum-related
products (-11.4%), which was due to lower global
prices.
Manufactured goods and machinery and transport
equipment imports fell by 24.5% and 21.7%
respectively, across virtually all categories of
imports. Food & drink products increased by 5%.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Seeds and oleagenous fruits
88
117
124
128
2.7%
1.0%
100
95
113
90
-19.7%
0.7%
1,451
1,464
1,598
1,444
-6.1%
11.1%
Manufactured metals (cans/bolts etc.)
298
321
378
301
-20.5%
2.3%
Iron and steel
372
279
333
200
-40.0%
1.5%
Rubber (tires/transmission belys)
198
232
195
175
-10.5%
1.3%
Nom-metallic (tiles/bottles, etc.)
158
190
178
156
-12.1%
1.2%
Yarn, fabrics, textile
127
137
150
125
-16.7%
1.0%
Paper, cardboard, other
146
154
152
107
-29.8%
0.8%
1,396
1,415
1,503
1,134
-24.5%
8.7%
Industrial machinery (pumps, bearings, parts, etc)
544
496
675
504
-25.3%
3.9%
Electricalmachinery(batteries,lamps,transformers,etc)
427
451
563
477
-15.3%
3.7%
Motor vehicles & spare parts
282
306
331
245
-26.0%
1.9%
80
86
112
94
-16.0%
0.7%
Paints (& other)
Chemicals and related products
•
•
•
•
•
•
Manufactured goods (by material)
•
•
•
•
•
Telecoms (other)
Office machinery
56
56
70
62
-11.8%
0.5%
1,954
1,940
2,525
1,978
-21.7%
15.2%
Professional, scientific, instruments
146
145
162
203
25.1%
1.6%
Footwear
115
116
123
103
-16.4%
0.8%
87
77
91
80
-11.5
0.6%
732
667
776
741
-4.5%
5.7%
13,952
13,801
14,707
13,037
-11.4%
100.0%
Machinery and transport equipment
•
•
•
Apparel and clothing
Miscellaneous manufactured articles
total value of IMPORTS
15
16
ZED Mariel: open to the world
The Republic of Cuba
has agreements with:
Agreements for the avoidance of double
taxation and the Reciprocal Promotion and
Protection of Investments (ARPPI) are in
place with 12 and 63 countries respectively.
The table (see right) shows the agreements in
force with a selection of Cuba’s trading partners.
Cuba has preferential trade agreements with
CARICOM, MERCOSUR and the Latin America
Integration Association (LAIA)
Barbados
Double taxation
agreement entered into
force
Preferential Trade
Agreement
Agreement for Reciprocal
Promotion & Protection of
Investments (ARPPI)
Government export
credit facility available
17 Mar 2000
CARICOM
Feb 19, 1996
-
Bazil
-
LAIA
Jun 24, 1997
BNDES
China
Oct 17, 2003
Jan 1, 2001
Apr 20, 1995
EXIM Bank China
France
-
-
Apr 25, 1996
COFACE
Germany
-
-
Apr 30, 1996
HERMES
Italy
-
-
May 7, 1993
SACE
Japan
-
Aug 1, 1971
-
NEXI
Mexico
-
LAIA
May 30, 2001
Bancomext
Panama
-
LAIA
Jan 27, 1999
Yes
Jul 5, 2003
-
Jul 8, 1998
-
Russia
Portugal
Nov 15, 2010
Jan 1, 2010
July7, 1993
Yes
Spain
Dec 31, 2000
-
May 27, 1996
CESCE, COFIDES S.A.
-
Mar 1, 1972
Jun 28, 1996
-
Venezuela
May 6, 2005
LAIA
Jun 28, 1996
Yes
Vietnam
Jun 26, 2003
-
Mar 22, 196
Yes
-
-
Oct 10, 1995
-
Switzerland
UK
The Republic of Cuba is a member of:
•
African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States (ACP)
•
International Labour Organization (ILO)
•
United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
•
Community of Latin American and Caribbean States
(CELAC)
•
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
•
•
International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO)
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO)
•
United Nations Industrial Development Organization
(UNIDO)
•
United Nations Institute for Training and Research
(UNITAR)
•
Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering in
South America (GAFISUD)
•
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
•
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
•
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
•
Group of 77 (G77)
•
Nonaligned Movement (NAM)
•
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
•
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
(OPCW)
•
World Customs Organization (WCO)
•
International Chamber of Commerce – national
committee (ICC)
•
World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU)
•
Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)
•
World Health Organization (WHO)
•
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
•
United Nations (UN)
•
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
•
International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol)
•
UNICEF
•
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies (IFRCS)
•
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD)
•
World Trade Organization (WTO)
•
ZED Mariel: open to the world
17
Benchmarking Cuba within the region
Reference
cuba
Costa Rica
Colombia
Dominican
republic
Jamaica
Mexico
Panama
Population
Million
11.2
4.8
46.4
9.38
2.71
121.7
3.8
Nominal GDP
US$ Billion
80.6
50
378
64
14
1,283
46
GDP per person
US$
7,186
5,952
4,549
5,101
5,562
8,626
20,884
PPP per person
US$
6,789
10,415
7,903
6,147
5,290
10,230
11,948
GDP growth, 2014
%
1.3%
3.5%
4.6%
7.3%
2.4%
2.1%
6.2%
GDP growth, Jan-Jun 30, 2015
%
4.7%
3.8%
3.3%
5.1%
1.7%
3.0%
6.1%
Merchandise imports
US$ Billion
13.0
17.1
64.0
17.8
5.8
399.9
13.7
Merchandise exports
US$ Billion
4.6
11.2
54.8
9.9
1.5
397.5
818.2
Sources: World Bank or IMF reports except for Cuba, which is based on *ONEI figures.
*The ONEI figures are consistent with World Bank figures. The exchange rate used to convert Cuban Pesos into USD is 1:1, (again consistent with the treatment followed by the World Bank for Cuba).
Reference
UNDP Human Development
Index (HDI)
Ranking out of
187 countries
Life Expectancy
Years
Infant Mortality
Deaths per 1,000
live births
Maternal mortality rate
Deaths per
100,000 live births
cuba
Costa Rica
Colombia
Dominican
republic
Jamaica
Mexico
Panama
44
68
98
102
96
71
65
79.3
79.9
74
73.4
73.5
77.5
77.6
4
9
15
23
14
14
16
73
40
92
150
110
50
92
Physicians
Physicians per
10,000 people
67.2
n.a.
14.7
n.a.
4.1
19.6
n.a.
Literacy rates
% aged 15 and
above
99.8
96.3
93.6
90.1
87
93.5
94.1
Years
10.2
8.4
7.1
7.5
9.6
8.5
9.4
9
17
25
25
28
28
23
% of tertiary schoolage population
62
47
45
33
26
28
42
Ranking out of
149 countries
66
63
92
105
88
73
107
Mean years of schooling
Pupil teacher ration
% Enrollment in tertiary
education
UDP Gender Inequality Index
(GII)
Number of pupils
per teacher
Source: 2014 UNDP Human Development Index report
ZED Mariel: open to the world
18
Italian boutique clothing company Paul &
store in Old Havana’s beautiful Plaza Vieja.
Shark
06. Doing Business with Cuba
Cuba opened up to foreign investment in the
1990s following the collapse of the Soviet
Union. Since then, over 400 joint ventures and
International Economic Associations have been
signed.
In-Bev (beer), Souza Cruz (cigarettes),
Unilever (cleaning products) and Nestle (soft
drinks, confectionery) have all developed
products (predominantly) for the Cuban
market.
Cuba imported US$ 13 billion of merchandise
goods in 2014. Of this, US$ 5.6 billion was nonoil-related. This makes Cuba one of the largest
markets within the region and an important
export market within certain targeted sectors.
Pernod Ricard and Tabacalera (owned by
Imperial Tobacco) have helped develop Havana
Club and Habanos S.A., respectively, into world
leading brands.
As part of the ongoing process of updating
Cuba’s economic model, the government
has taken the following steps with regards to
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):
• A review of policy towards FDI.
• An annual target of US$ 3 billion in FDI for
Greenfield projects.
• The creation of the Mariel Special
Development Zone.
• The passing of Law No. 118/2014, a new,
more attractive framework for foreign
investment, which replaced Law 77/1995.
• The Portfolio of Opportunities for Foreign
Investment, launched in November 2014,
contained 246 projects open for foreign
investment in Cuba. These projects add
up to over US$ 8 billion. This portfolio of
opportunities will be updated annually.
Odebrecht, Bouygues Bâtiment International
and other leading international construction
firms have experience in building infrastructure,
developing hotels and other projects in Cuba.
Sherritt International has developed extensive
mining, oil & gas, and energy interests in Cuba
since the early 1990s. Several other major
oil companies have performed exploratory
work both on-shore and off-shore, including
Repsol, ONGC, Petronas, PDVSA, Sonangol and
Zarubezhneft.
Many of Cuba’s hotels are managed by one
of the more than 18 foreign hotel groups
operating in the country. The largest, the
Meliá Group, manages 28 properties in Cuba.
Other groups include the Canadian group Blue
Diamond (13 properties) and Iberostar (9
properties).
Corporación Andina de Fomento (CAF) held its
first international seminar in Cuba on April 28,
2015. Executive President Enrique García said
CAF had “genuine interest in strengthening its
ties with Cuba.”
June 9, 2015. Moody’s sees the US removal of
Cuba from its list of terror-sponsoring nations
as “credit positive.”
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Japan
China
Beijing Enterprises Holdings Ltd. is planning to
build a golf & real estate development called
Bellomonte, just east of Havana, which will
include a five-star hotel.
During 2015, Beijing authorities signed 11
agreements to be implemented between 2015
and 2017. These agreements were signed by
the chairman of state holding BioCubaFarma,
Carlos Gutiérrez Calzado, and Ren Zhiwu,
deputy director of the Department of High
Technology at the National Commission of
Development and Reform.
France
May 10-12, 2015. President Hollande visited
Havana with French business executives from
Air France, Accor, Orange, Soufflet and Pernod
Ricard (amongst others).
Coface raised the limit of its line of export credit
to €90 million ($98.8 million) in late 2014.
Italy
July 7, 2015. Italy’s Deputy Minister for
Economic Development Carlo Calenda
announced that SACE and Turin-based Intesa
Sanpaolo S.p.A. would provide a rotating line of
credit of Euro 80 million to back exports to the
island. This news was made during a bilateral
business forum in Havana with 140 Italian
participants.
April 30-May 3, 2015. Fumio Kishida (Japanese
Foreign Minister) said that Japan will begin
“cooperation on a grand scale,” during a fourday trip to Havana with 30 businessmen. The
group included executives from Mitsubishi
Corp., Mazda Corp. and Hino Motors Ltd.,
trading companies Itochu Corp., Sumitomo
Corp., Marubeni Corp. and Toyota Tsusho Corp.,
heavy machinery maker Komatsu Ltd., as well
as Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.
19
Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) is making a $26 million
investment in a rail logistics hub. It is also
modernizing and expanding a rail maintenance
and assembly plant in Santa Clara.
Spain
Korea
April 16, 2015. Forty-five company executives
accompanied Spain’s State Secretary for Trade
Jaime García-Legaz on a visit to Cuba. The
group, heavy on tourism, construction and
energy, also included the president of CESCE,
Álvaro Bustamante, as well as Joaquín Gay de
Montella, Vice-President of the Confederación
Española de Organizaciones Empresariales
(CEOE), and Modesto Piñeiro, Vice-President of
the Spanish Chamber of Commerce.
Russia
Compañía Española de Financiación del
Desarrollo (Cofides) created a Euro 40 million
line of credit for Spanish investments in Cuba
during 2015. CESCE resumed export guarantee
credit for Euro 25 million in 2014.
Nippon Export and Investment Insurance
(NEXI) restarted a short-term export
guarantee program in 2013.
February 2015 K-sure signed an MOU with the
Central Bank of Cuba for trade insurance of up
to Euro 60 million.
October 22, 2015 Cuban Vice President
Ricardo Cabrisas, and Russian Vice President
Dmitri Rogozin signed six bilateral co-operation
agreements. These include Euro 1.2 billion of
financing from Russia for the development of
four 200MW thermo-electric units at Mariel’s
Máximo Gómez (1) and Santa Cruz del
Norte’s Este Habana (3) to be constructed by
Russian Inter RAO. Other agreements included
investment to modernize the José Martí steel
plant as well as a co-operation between Heber
Biotec and Pharmaco.
In March 2015 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
announced that the construction of a cargo
airport on the premises of a Cuban airbase
southwest of Havana.
UK
April 27-30, 2015. Lord Hutton led a
45-member British trade delegation to Havana.
Concluding this visit, London & Regional
Properties Ltd. signed an agreement to develop
the US$350 million Carbonera golf real estate
project near Varadero. Havana Energy, a
subsidiary of Esencia Group, committed to a
$150 million biopower project connected to
Cuba’s sugar industry. Cuba Mountain Coffee
Co. Ltd. agreed to invest $4 million in private
coffee farms in eastern Cuba.
20
ZED Mariel: open to the world
07. Modernization of Economic
Framework
(2010-2015)
July 2010 Amendment to the Civil Code allows
the granting of surface rights for 99 years and
in perpetuity to joint venture companies in real
estate projects.
Decreto-Ley No. 273 del 19 de julio de 2010 del Consejo
de Estado
April 2011 The 6th Congress of the Communist
Party of Cuba adopts new economic and social
guidelines.
January 2012 The requirement for an exit
permit to leave the country is lifted.
Decreto-Ley No. 302, modificativo de la Ley No. 1312: Ley
de migración
November 2012 New legislation passed related
to experimental non-agricultural cooperatives.
Decretos-Ley No. 305 y 306 del Consejo de Estado
November 2012 New tax code established.
Ley No. 113/2012 del Sistema Tributario
September 2011 Self-employment permits
expanded to 181 categories.
Decreto-Ley No. 284, modificativo del Decreto-Ley No. 278
September 2011 Cubans allowed to buy and
sell post-1959 privately owned motor vehicles.
Decreto No. 292 del Consejo Ministros
November 2011 Real estate markets
liberalized, allowing Cubans to buy and sell
private property.
Decreto-Ley No. 288, modificativo de la Ley No. 65 del 23
de diciembre de 1988: Ley general de la vivienda
December 2011 Central Bank of Cuba adopts
a new credit policy providing access to credit to
cooperatives and self-employed persons.
Decreto- Ley 289 y Resoluciones 99/2011 y 100/2011 del
Banco Central de Cuba
2011 Restrictions relaxed on small businesses
including the lease of state-owned commercial
premises to self-employed persons.
Resolución 516/2011 del Ministerio de Comercio Interior,
Resolución 409 del MFP y Resolución 46/2011 del
Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social
January 2013 Greater flexibility granted to
Cuban entities regarding the establishment of
pricing.
Resolución 38/2013 Ministerio de Finanzas y Precios
May 2013 Greater flexibility granted to Cuban
entities regarding their secondary social
objectives.
Resolución No. 134/2013 del Ministro de Economía y
Planificación (MEP)
May 2013 ETECSA implements a system for
internet connectivity in 118 commercial offices
around the country.
Resolución No. 197/2013 del Ministerio de
Comunicaciones
September 2013 The Council of State adopts
Decree Law 313 on the “Special Development
Zone of Mariel”.
October 2013 State-owned tourism companies
authorized to enter into direct contracts with
self-employed private owners and pay in CUC.
Resolución 145 de 2013 del Ministerio del Turismo
ZED Mariel: open to the world
21
* The co-efficient is the ratio of Cuban Pesos paid to the
employee by the State Employment Agency for every Cuban
Convertible Peso charged paid by the company to the
employment agency.
December 2013 Agricultural cooperatives,
state farms, and private farmers are authorized
to enter into direct sale contracts with hotels
and other tourism related outlets.
Resolución 581/2013 del Ministerio de la Agricultura,
Resolución 352/2013 del Ministerio de Finanzas y Precios
y Resolución 137/2013 del Ministerio del Turismo.
2013 Various decentralization measures occur,
including the creation of various groups of
companies, formerly under the authorities of
various Ministries, such as Gecomex, Azcuba,
BioCubaFarma, Azcuba, Quimefa.
January 2014 Cuban State entities begin the
sale of cars to the general public.
Decreto No. 320 del Consejo de Ministros
March 2014 Rules relaxed on cellphone data
services for Cuban nationals.
Resolución 8 de 2014 del Ministerio de Comunicaciones
March 2014 Salary for doctors and dentists
raised by over 100% and 70% respectively.
Resolución No. 11/2013 del Ministerio de Trabajo y
Seguridad Social
March 2014 Foreign Investment Legislation
published to establish a new legal framework for
foreign investment in Cuba.
Ley No. 118 de la Inversión Extranjera; Decreto No.
325/2014: Reglamento de la Ley de la Inversión
Extranjera, Resolución 128 y 129 del Ministerio del
Comercio Exterior y la Inversión Extranjera, Resolución
46 y 47 del Banco Central de Cuba, Resolución 16 del
Ministerio del Trabajo y Seguridad Social
April 2014 Employment incentives announced
for ZED Mariel. A *coefficient of 10 is
established for Cuban workers hired through
employment agencies to provide services to
entities operating in the zone.
Resolution 14/2014 del Ministry of Labor and Social
Security
April 2014 Increased autonomy provided to
Cuban companies in making investment and
other decisions.
Resolución 203/2014 Ministerio de Finanzas y Precios
April 2014 Flexibility given to Cuban state
companies to determine salary levels including
incentive payments for staff.
Resolución 17/2014 del Ministerio del Trabajo y Seguridad
Social
July 2014 The Council of Ministers approved
new, higher salaries for sportspeople, trainers
and other sports professionals.
November 2014 Employment incentives
announced for Cuban employees of joint
ventures and other foreign investment vehicles.
The co-efficient is changed from one Cuban
Peso for each Convertible Peso charged to two
Cuban Pesos for each Convertible Peso charged.
Resolution 42/2014 del Ministerio del Trabajo y Seguridad
Social
17 December 2014 Cuba and US announced
the reestablishment of diplomatic relations. The
U.S. relaxes certain sanctions and makes travel
to Cuba easier.
June 2015 Reported that the largest Cuban
state companies will be overseen by boards of
directors made up by representatives of social
organizations, experts and academics appointed
by the Council of Ministers.
June 2015 Banco Popular de Ahorro offers
online banking services to the non-public sector.
Resolución 22/14, 23/14 y 24/14 del INDER
July 2014 Two Cuban baseball players officially
hired by the Japanese Major League. Salaries in
millions of US dollars.
July 2014 Cuban State entities begin the sale
of cars to the general public.
Decreto No. 320 del Consejo de Ministros
March 2014 Rules relaxed on cellphone data
services for Cuban nationals.
July 2015 ETECSA opens up 35 Wi-Fi hot spots
throughout the country at a rate of CUC 2 per
hour.
2015 Plan announced for over 10,000 coops to
be established from 2015-2017 by converting
state enterprises (including all existing state
restaurants) into democratically managed
cooperatives.
Resolución 8 de 2014 del Ministerio de Comunicaciones
www.zedmariel.com
22
ZED Mariel: open to the world
08. Infrastructure
Cuba has an extensive network of over
10 airports able to receive international
aircraft. Havana’s José Martí International
Airport will be subject to a major
renovation over the next few years
upgrading its capacity and improving its
facilities. In the longer term, it offers an
ideal hub for the Americas combining
transatlantic traffic with intra-American
flights. Several European airlines already
use Havana’s airport as a cargo hub for
Latin America.
The newly built railway spur linking Mariel
to the national rail network now enables
individuals to commute easily by train from
Havana to Mariel as well as providing an
efficient alternative to road transportation
for containers.
Cuba’s road network connects all areas of
the country. Several investment initiatives
are ongoing to ensure that these are
adequately maintained.
ETECSA, the national telecoms monopoly, has
embarked on a major five-year investment
program that will enable the company to meet
Significant investments have been made over
recent years to upgrade the water network
within the country; Cuba has many natural
aquifers including five within the ZED Mariel
area.
ZED Mariel: open to the world
regional norms in terms of internet and
mobile connectivity. Measures have been
taken in recent years to reduce the cost of
communications to and from Cuba.
Unión Eléctrica (UNE), the national utility
provider, has an ambitious plan to provide
25% of the energy needs of Cuba
from renewable energy sources
by 2030. This plan calls for the
development of 755 MW of
biomass plant, 700 MW of
solar photovoltaic parks
and 633 MW of wind
projects.
Existing thermo-electric power stations
mostly burn Cuban domestic crude oil that is
extracted from (mostly) on-shore or shallow
water platforms.
A major new project was recently announced
to invest approximately Euro 1.45 billion to
build four new thermoelectric 200 MW units at
Mariel’s Máximo Gómez (1) and Santa Cruz
del Norte’s Este Habana (3). This work will be
done by Russian Inter Rao as part of an overall
co-operation agreement signed between the
two countries in October 2015.
23
The 30-mile El Pedraplén causeway cuts through Buena
Vista Bay, linking mainland Cuba to the Cayería del
Norte cays in Villa Clara Province.
Photo by Marius Jovaiša, from this book Unseen Cuba
(unseencuba.com)
24
ZED Mariel: open to the world
09. Social Indicators
Cuba has universal health care free at the
point of delivery that has produced First World
health indicators. Cubans have a life expectancy
of 79.3 years, infant mortality rates of 4 per
1,000 live births and 67 physicians per 10,000
population.
The Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina
(ELAM) was established in 1999 as part of
Cuba’s humanitarian and development aid
strategy. ELAM is one of the largest medical
schools in the world by enrollment with
approximately 19,550 students from 110
countries enrolled in 2013. All those enrolled
are international students from outside Cuba
and mainly come from Latin America and the
Caribbean as well as Africa, Asia and the US
Cuba has Universal education with a literacy
rate of 99.8%. The mean years of schooling is
10.2, with 62% entering tertiary education.
The pupil-teacher ratio is 9 pupils per teacher.
Each year over 10,000 Cubans graduate with
information technology degrees from one of
Cuba’s technical schools.
A high percentage of the workforce (71%) has
advanced educational qualifications. There
is also a high participation of women in the
workforce.
Within the Havana catchment area are the
University of Havana, Instituto Superior
Politécnico José Antonio Echevarría (CUJAE),
Instituto Superior de Tecnologías y Ciencias
Aplicadas, Instituto Superior de Ciencias
Médicas de La Habana, Universidad Agraria
de La Habana, Universidad de las Ciencias
Informáticas (UCI), Universidad de Artemisa
and Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina.
The Biotechnology cluster (pole) in Western
Havana contains several world-renowned
research institutions that have developed many
groundbreaking medical treatments.
In June 2015, WHO’s director general Margaret
Chan highlighted Cuba’s success in becoming
the first country to eliminate mother-to-baby
HIV transmission.
There are low levels of crime, violence and
drug use in Cuba, which provides for a safe and
secure environment.
Cuba is the most progressive country in the
region on issues related to gender equality and
same sex marriage.
Cuban international sports teams have an
incredible track record at the Olympics and
other international competitions. In sports as
diverse as athletics, baseball, boxing, fencing,
judo, shooting, volleyball and boxing, Cuban
talent and coaching is widely respected.
Cuba has encouraged mass participation
domestically in sport. The Annual Terry
Fox Run has a countrywide participation of
approximately 2 million people (20% of the
population).
Cubans have very strong family relationships
and ties.
Cuba has a strong sense of national identity and
limited ethnic, religious or racial cleavages.
ZED Mariel: open to the world
The World Bank and UNDP
consistently classify Cuba
alongside First World countries
in educational and health
benchmarking reports.
Kids walking home
from school in Baracoa,
Guantánamo province
Even in remote rural areas,
you will see Cuban kids
with their school uniforms
kept immaculately and
worn with pride
25
26
ZED Mariel: open to the world
10. La Habana
“Havana is the safest
city in Latin America
and the Caribbean.”
Guía de El Viajero,
published by El País.
In December 2014, New Seven Wonders
Foundation chose Havana as one of the
world’s seven most remarkable cities.
CNN includes Havana within its top 10
healthiest cities worldwide.
(Population 2,141,913)
View of the entrance
to Havana
harbour.
Oldworld
Havana is in27
the
ZED Mariel:
open
to the
foreground, right and “complejo Morro Cabaña”, foreground left.
Photo by Marius Jovaiša, from this book Unseen Cuba (unseencuba.com)
‘Sensual, surreal, and seductive, Havana is simply sensational. To call the city
“unique” is no cliché. Arguably Latin America’s best-preserved capital city, Havana
is one of the oldest, grandest and most seductive cities in the Americas. It glories
in historic import. At the heart of the city is enchanting Habana Vieja (Old
Havana), a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing perhaps the finest collection
of Spanish colonial buildings in all the Americas. Baroque churches, convents and
castles dating back to the 17th century reign majestically over cobbled streets
and squares embraced by the former palaces and mansions of ruling gentry. Now
in its third decade of renovation, this “lived-in museum” teems with quintessential
Havana street life.
Christopher Baker,
Author of the Moon Guide to Cuba
28
ZED Mariel: open to the world
12. Tourism
Cuba attracted 3 million visitors in 2014
generating US$ 2.55 billion in revenues. Looser
OFAC restrictions have led to strong growth from
US visitors, which increased by an estimated
35% in the first half of 2015. Other markets
have also seen strong growth averaging 17.2%
(up to August 31, 2015). If this rate of increase
continues, Cuba will welcome 3.5 million visitors
for the complete year.
This increase has been helped by global factors
including turbulence in North Africa and a
strengthening global economy but really driven
by Cuba’s increasing appeal both to American
and non-American visitors alike.
Cuba is in the news and in fashion. Whether it’s a
new visit to Cuba by this President or that Prime
Minister, it seems that the whole world is coming
to town. Anthony Boudain and Conan O’Brian
recently did shows from Havana. Beyonce and
Jay Z, Mick Jagger, Paris Hilton, Naomi Campbell
and Katy Perry have all visited in 2015. The
2015 Havana Biennial in May received global
coverage and was the largest ever. The Rolling
Stones are planning to perform in March 2016,
in Havana’s Latinoamericano Stadium.
Services and facilities offered to tourists are
continuing to improve as a virtuous circle
of booming demand is driving investment in
the state and non-state sector which in turn
increases demand.
In the 1950s, 85% of tourists to Cuba came
from the US. Various studies have estimated
that, once Americans can visit Cuba without
restriction, the island could expect to see
demand for more than ten million tourists
annually.
ZED Mariel: open to the world
The Northern Keys are virgin areas which have been
developed into some of Cuba’s much luxurious tourism
resorts. This beach in Cayo Coco is simply spectacular.
“If I get lost look for me
in Cuba”
Federico García Lorca .
Studies which have looked at Cuba’s potential
to receive this many tourists emphasize that,
while obviously massive investment will be
needed, Cuba does have the potential in terms
of geographic size (110,860km2/43.6% of the
Caribbean), miles of coastline (5,746km) and
population (11.2 million/31% of the Caribbean)
to meet this demand.
Over the last 25 years, the island grew from
18,565 hotel rooms in 1990 to 62,700 hotel
rooms (68% of which are 4 and 5 stars) at the
beginning of 2015. By 2020, the total number
of hotel rooms should be 85,000 according to
Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero.
MINTUR estimates that Cuba has a total
potential capacity of 273,500 hotel rooms,
which is more than four times the current
number.
Currently, more than 60 tourism projects are
being developed with companies from Canada,
China, Germany, Spain, Italy and others. These
projects are aimed not just at building new
hotels and resorts, but also the development
of amusement and water parks, together with
logistical support and the expansion of water
sports.
29
The 2014 Investment Opportunity Brochure
identified 16 hotels (totaling 5,412 rooms)
open for foreign investment through joint
ventures as well as a further 35 hotels (16
current and 19 new properties) available for
management by international hotel groups.
At FITCUBA in May 2015, Grupo Islazul S.A.,
which operates 106 one- to four-star hotels
with close to 10,000 rooms, announced it is
seeking marketing and hotel administration
partners.
30
ZED Mariel: open to the world
At least 12 major golf courses, marina and real estate development
projects are under discussion. Five have reached an advanced stage.
These are Carbonera (Varadero), Bellomonte (Playas del Este),
Camarioca (Matanzas), El Salado (Artemisa) and Punta Colorado
(Pinar del Rio). These projects have projected capital costs of US$
300-600 million each.
MeliÁ manages 28 hotels in Cuba, with a total of
12,244 rooms. In 2013, it opened the 731-room,
1,000-berth Marina Varadero. Future plans include
the 900-room Meliá Internacional in Varadero
(2015) and the Paradisus Cayo Santa María
(2015).
Blue Diamond, the subsidiary of Canadian
Sunwing, has quickly established a major presence
with 13 hotels and 8,051 rooms in Cuba.
Iberostar, the Spanish group currently manages 9
properties in Cuba, totaling 3,843 rooms. The familyrun group has various development plans on the island.
Accor currently manages 2 hotels in Cuba. It
has agreed to manage the Pullman Cayo Coco
(opens November 2015) and Sofitel So La
Habana (under construction).
Warwick International Hotels and
Resorts will enter the Cuban market in 2015,
administrating the Warwick Cayo Santa Maria
and Naviti Varadero.
NH hotels opened the newly renovated NH
Capri in 2014.
The planned tourist
development will require
construction materials and
accessories as well as supplies
to run their post-opening
operations.
Other Spanish groups operating in Cuba include
H10, Hoteles C, Be Live (part of Globalia),
Husa, Hotusa and ROC. The Jamacian groups
Superclubs and Sandals both manage
properties.
Kempinski is set to manage the 246-room
Manzana de Gómez, currently under construction
in Old Havana.
ZED Mariel: open to the world
31
Visitor arrivals to Cuba, 2009 to 2015
Rank
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
*2015
%change
2015/14
% of total
2015
Canada
1
914,884
945,248
1,002,318
1,071,696
1,105,729
1,175,077
1,340,763
14.1%
38.1%
United States
6
52,455
63,046
73,566
98,050
92,348
91,254
123,193
35.0%
4.1%
Venezuela
7
28,657
30,965
34,096
36,373
45,943
78,839
110,769
40.5%
3.1%
Mexico
8
61,487
66,650
76,326
78,289
84,704
82,820
102,448
23.7%
2.9%
Argentina
10
48,5436
58,612
75,968
94,691
90,084
68,849
82,688
20.1%
2.3%
Chile
11
18,205
17,521
23,527
27,551
35,952
38,500
50,743
31.8%
1.4%
Colombia
14
21,287
20,624
24,873
33,343
34,828
37,403
33,925
-9.3%
1.0%
Peru
17
14,708
16,049
15,188
19,737
18,528
19,536
24,811
27.0%
0.7%
Brazil
18
13,498
14,367
14,507
16,174
17,573
19.513
24.216
24.1%
0.7%
* Annualized estimate based on results to
August 31, 2015
B
(B) Projected based on reported
increase of 35% in first half of 2015.
(C) General increase assumed of 17.2%
assumed
Panama
24
9,677
9,656
10,347
12,298
12,765
13,277
15,561
17.2%
0.4% C
Uruguay
27
4,585
5,128
7,009
7,910
8,294
10,258
12,022
17.2%
0.3% C
Other
n-a
35,696
37,574
39,552
41,634
43,825
45,446
53,263
17.2%
1.5% C
11.6% A
Cuban Émigré
TOTAL AMERICAS
312,318
378,560
401,723
389,254
373,427
361,228
408,678
13.1%
1,536,000
1,664,000
1,799,000
1,927,000
1,964,000
2,042,000
2,383,078
16.7%
67.7%
Germany
2
93,437
93,136
95,124
108,712
115,984
139,138
170,444
22.5%
4.8%
England
3
172,318
174,343
175,822
153,737
149,515
123,910
159,100
28.4%
4.5%
France
4
83,478
80,470
94,370
101,522
96,940
103,475
134,518
30.0%
3.8%
Italy
5
118,347
112,298
110,432
103,290
95,542
112,076
129,336
15,4%
3.7%
Spain
9
129,224
104,948
101,631
81,354
73,056
77,099
101,848
32.1%
2.9%
Russia
12
37,391
56,245
78,472
86,944
70,401
69,237
42,788
-38.2%
1.2%
Holland
13
33,123
31,787
32,4023
35,284
32,165
33,491
40,725
21.6%
1.2%
Switzerland
16
15,339
16,095
18,143
20,254
20,992
23,880
31,545
32.1%
0.9%
Austria
19
12,004
11,486
11,803
13,250
15,201
16,923
19,834
17.2%
0.6% C
Poland
20
13,501
12,793
13,972
13,035
13,395
16,569
19,402
17.1%
0.6%
Belgium
21
15,722
13,049
14,266
14,414
14,098
15,895
18,613
17.1%
0.5%
114,116
103,350
105,563
107,563
113.011
135,307
158,580
17.2%
4.5% C
TOTAL EUROPE
838,000
810,000
852,000
839,000
810,000
867,000
1,026,733
18.4%
29.2%
ASIA & PACIFIC
45,000
47,000
54,000
59,000
62,000
76,000
88,310
16.2%
2.5%
MIDDLE EAST+AFRICA
11,000
11,000
11,000
13,000
15,000
18,000
21,096
17.2%
0.6%
2,429,809
2,531,745
2,716,317
2,838,607
2,852,572
3,002,745
3,519,217
17.2%
100.0%
Other
TOTAL
(A) 2013 & 2014 figures based on
work by Faculty of Tourism at Havana
University. Other years estimates.
C
www.zedmariel.com
32
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Cayo Mono-Galindo
Ecological reserve
Playas del Este
Sierra del Rosario
Mountain rainforest.
Biosphere
reserve
Viñales National Park
Cultural and natural
landscapes, endemics.
Mil Cumbres
High diversity
endemic
Cayo Leguas
Migratory birds
Galindo hills
Endemic flora
Las Picúas-Cayo Cristo
Wildlife sanctuary
Bibanasí hills
Wildlife sanctuary
Las Cayamas
Migratory birds
Los Pretiles
Endemic
CIÉNAGA DE ZAPATA
Las Salinas
Cabo Corrientes
Guanahacabibes Peninsula
Well preserved forests
Endemics.
Cayo Largo
Cayos Los Indios
Cabo Cantiles
Isle of Youth southern plain
Well preserved original
coastal forests and swamps.
Invasive exotic animals
(hogs, cows, deer, alligators)
have turned into pests.
Cubanacán
Ecological reserve
Pico San Juan
Ecological reserve
Cayos de San Felipe
Endemic
Cabo de
San Antonio
Jumagua
Ecological reserve
Playa Girón
Ciénaga de Zapata National Park
The largest wetland in the
Caribbean (1.7 million acres).
Includes a special protection
zone at Playa Girón shoreline,
Las Salinas wildlife sanctuary
and parts of the ocean shelf.
Agabama
Los Canarreos Archipielago
Coral reefs, sand islands,
original vegetation. Includes
Cantiles National Park and
several natural sanctuaries.
Cuba´s nature reserves and
protected areas, 2014
Map compiled by Caribbean Professional Services Ltd
from various public sources. It is indicative only.
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Lanzanillo-Cayo Fragoso
Wildlife sanctuary
Cayo Francés
Natural reserve
Reserve (natural, ecological)
Protected landscape
Wildlife sanctuary
Area managed for conservation
National park
Protected natural landmark
Cayo Coco
Natural reserve
Cayo Cruz
Wildlife sanctuary
Caguanes National Park
Forests, caves,
aboriginal paintings
Banao
Loma de Cunagua
Ecological reserve Wildlife sanctuary
Río Máximo
Wildlife sanctuary
Maternillos
Ecological reserve
Tunas de
Zaza
Sierra Maraguán
Wildlife sanctuary
Cayo Ana María
Wildlife sanctuary
Bahía Nuevas
Ecological reserve
Nuevitas
Wildlife sanctuary
and mangrove belt
Caletones
Endemics
Cerro Galano
Natural reserve
Jardines de la Reina
National Park
Coral reefs, sand islands, wildlife,
original vegetation.
Delta del Cauto
Wildlife sanctuary,
wetlands.
Buena Esperanza
Protected landmark:
coral reef in muddy
waters.
Desembarco del Granma
National Park
Marine terraces, forests.
33
El Guaso
Rainforests
Sierra Cristal
Established in 1930
La Mensura
Turquino
National Park
Rainforest, endemics.
Alejandro de Humboldt National Park
Mountain rainforests,
hundreds of endemics.
Maisí
Marine terraces,
xeromorphic forest
Baconao-Gran Piedra
Endemics, forests,
landscapes diversity.
Southeastern coast
Natural reserves,
protected landscapes,
terraces, forest, wildlife.
34
ZED Mariel: open to the world
11. Artemisa
The immediate
catchment area for
workers in ZED Mariel
includes:
Mariel (Pop: 14,000)
Artemisa (Pop: 82,917)
Guanajay (Pop: 28,750)
San Antonio de los Baños (Pop: 49,942).
ZED Mariel encompasses an area of 465.4
km², partially covering six municipalities
within the province of Artemisa. This area
includes many sites of natural beauty as
well as an attractive topography.
Land is available for renewable energy
projects as well as for hotel, resort and
golf course development outside of Sector
A (but still within the area covered by the
ZED Mariel legislative framework).
Playa El Salado and Playa Baracoa offer
attractive beaches and over 15 dive sites
offshore. Only 23km West from Havana,
El Salado has great potential for tourism
development and currently is the location for
Cuba’s best go-karting track.
San Antonio de los Baños hosts the worldrenowned Escuela Internacional de Cine y
TV founded in 1986 with the help of the late
Gabriel García Márquez.
Artemisa is known as Villa Roja (Red Town)
or the Jardín de Cuba (Garden of Cuba) for
the famous fertility of its soil, which still
yields a rich annual harvest of sugarcane,
tobacco and bananas.
ZED Mariel: open to the world
35
View of Artemisa, near Quiebra Hacha at sunset.
Ernest Hemingway and Cuban poet Nicolás
Guillén were attracted to spend time in the
town of Artemisa that boomed on coffee and
sugar in the 19th century. It maintains a
country charm today.
The University of Artemisa opened in October
2012 and now has 3,000 undergraduate and
graduate students in 18 schools.
Just outside of the boundary of ZED Mariel,
to the West lies the UNESCO Biosphere
Reserve Sierra del Rosario, which includes
Las Terrazas. This is one of Cuba’s premier
destinations for eco-tourism. Stunningly
beautiful and often twinned with the lovely
Soroa, this is a place to appreciate nature and
escape from city life.
Just outside of the boundary of ZED Mariel,
to the East is located the respected Latin
American School of Medicine (ELAM)
graduates thousands of medical students from
all over the world each year.
Artemisa Province is one of the
two new provinces created from
the former La Habana Province,
whose creation was approved
by the Cuban National Assembly
on August 1, 2010, the other
being Mayabeque Province. The
new provinces were enforced on
January 1, 2011
36
ZED Mariel: open to the world
13. TC Mariel: A Regional Logistics Hub
Terminal de Contenedores de Mariel, S.A. (TC
Mariel) is a world-class container terminal
located 45km from Havana with a current
capacity of 824,000 TEU. This is one of the best
natural harbors in the region, which has ample
greenfield development opportunities going
forward.
TC Mariel opened in January 2014 and is
operated by Singapore-based PSA. With the
capacity to receive Post-Panamax shipping,
this port is being developed into an important
regional logistics hub.
Following the full lifting of the US blockade
(specifically the Torricelli Act), TC Mariel
is poised to become a major transshipment
hub given its almost perfect location within
the Caribbean triangle where multiple major
commerce routes intersect. For traffic
transiting the Panama Canal from Asia to the
East Coast of North America, TC Mariel has
a low deviation and short distance to final
location.
With a population of 11.2 million, Cuba is the
largest country in the Caribbean. Given a large
and growing tourism market, this implies a large
domestic market relative to other countries in
the region that gives Cuba an advantage over
other smaller islands within the Caribbean.
Mariel is a deep-water port, enabling the
operation of a 702-meter jetty covering an area
of 27.7 hectares. It has in operation four ship
to shore cranes (STS)and twelve patio cranes.
The current capacity is 824,000 twenty-foot
equivalent units (TEUs) annually.
The entrance channel has a depth enabling the
operation of Post-Panamax vessels, which are
capable of carrying as many as 12,500 TEUs
(compared to the current maximum of 3,500
TEUs).
An administrative center is already in place.
Warehousing and distribution centers are being
developed to meet the current ongoing needs
generated from the container traffic that is
entering the port.
A future expansion to meet transshipment
demand in a post-US blockade scenario could
see the jetty increased to 2,400 meters over
an area of 128 hectares, which would increase
the potential annual capacity to over 3 million
TEUs.
Contact details:
Terminal de Contenedores de Mariel, S.A.
Carretera a Quiebra Hacha, Km 8 ½. Municipio
Mariel, Artemisa, Cuba.
Tel: (5347) 397100
[email protected]
http://www.tcmariel.cu
ZED Mariel: open to the world
37
38
ZED Mariel: open to the world
U.S.A.
451
1,950
926
Jacksonville
Container traffic throughput
in the region (000´s TEUs), 2013
New Orleans
Houston
Port Everglades
Miami
0,30
0,83
2,00
928
1,50
1,50
2,50
KEY
BAHAMAS
Incoming traffic, 2013
Current capacity, 2013
Capacity after expansion
Million TEUs
901
FREEPORT
MEXICO
Altamira
597
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
*TC MARIEL
0,87
1,00
3,00
VERACRUZ
HONDURAS
Santo Tomás
499
GUATEMALA
Puerto Barrios
1,15
1,25
2,45
1,423
4,80
2,80
1,70
San Juan
Kingston
389 571
Puerto Cortés
CAUCEDO
PUERTO RICO
JAMAICA
1,053
EL SALVADOR
Nicaraguan
Canal
Puerto Aguila
1,05
1,50
3,50
Puerto Brito
NICARAGUA
10,95
4,42
2,62
1,98
5,20
3,36
766 502La Guaira
CARTAGENA
COSTA RICA
VENEZUELA
LIMON MOIN
COLON CLUSTER
PANAMA
* TC Mariel is estimated to have traffic of
approx. 310,000 TEU in 2015, its first full
year of operation. Its current capacity is
824,000 TEU.
Puerto
Cabello
COLOMBIA
0,60
1,20
2,20
PORT-OF-SPAIN
U.S.A.
Houston
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Jacksonville
39
cuba, hub to the americas
New
Orleans
(future opportunities)
Port Everglades
Miami
BAHAMAS
Freeport FTZ
TC MARIEL
L AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
OAST + CENTRA
C
F
L
U
G
S
E TO U
EUROP
MEXICO
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Altamira
Veracruz
San Juan
GUATEMALA
Puerto Barrios
Kingston
HONDURAS
EL SALVADOR
Planned
Nicaraguan
Canal
COSTA RICA
Puerto Limón
Caucedo
PUERTO RICO
ECSA TO ECNA
+ US GULF
COAST
+ CEN
TRAL
AME
RICA
&C
La Guaira
AR
IBB
EA
N
Port-of-Spain
Cartagena
Puerto
Cabello
Colón
PANAMA
ASI
A TO
NICARAGUA
Río Haina
JAMAICA
Puerto Cortés
ECNA
+ CENT
RAL AMERICA & C RIBBEAN
A
Santo Tomás
VENEZUELA
Balboa
COLOMBIA
40
ZED Mariel: open to the world
14.
ZED MARIEL
Overview
www.zedmariel.com
ZED Mariel: open to the world
41
View of the sector A8 (Food and agricultural processing
zone). In the background trucks leave TC Mariel.
Mariel Special Development Zone (ZED Mariel)
is Cuba’s first Special Development Zone,
created in November 2013 by Decree-Law 313.
It covers a total area of 465.4 km², located in
the Northern part of Artemisa province, 45 km
West of Havana.
ZED Mariel is not a Free Trade Zone; it is an
area of the national territory regulated by
special regimes and policies, designed to attract
investment in the production of goods and
services with added value, using knowledge and
innovation, clean technologies and generating
industrial concentration to replace imports,
boost exports, and create new sources of
employment. This is being done in co-ordination
with the rest of the domestic economy.
ZED Mariel is open to Cuban and foreign
companies. Its incentives are universal, more
attractive than those provided by Law 118 and
apply to all companies based in the Zone.
Products and services generated in ZED Mariel
are Cuban products, which can be traded with
other Cuban companies outside Mariel or
exported without quotas.
Exports from Cuba are customs tariff exempted.
ZED Mariel has a fast approval process, ranging
between 35 and 65 days, with only two levels
of decision: the General Director of the Office
of ZED Mariel and the Council of Ministers for
those cases explicitly listed in the law.
www.zedmariel.com
42
ZED Mariel: open to the world
New/renovated railway
New 4-lane Mariel connecting highway
45 Km
HAVANA
Total area available for development
as part of ZED Mariel
Canto de Santa Fe
ZONES A1-A11
La Boca
CARRE
ICANA
A PANAMER
TER
Embalse
El Mosquito
Cabañas
Mariel
Caimito
Guanajay
Embalse
Pinillo
Escuela Internacional
de Cine y TV
Bejucal
Embalse
San Francisco
SAN ANTONIO
DE LOS BAÑOS
Cayajabos
Candelaria
San Antonio
de los Baños Airport
ARTEMISA
Alquízar
CE
NT
RA
L
TA
IS
P
TO
A
AN
B
HA
RIO
DEL
R
A
PIN
CA
RR
ET
ER
A
AU
Las Terrazas
San Cristobal
JOSÉ MARTÍ
INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
Bauta
La Molina
Presa
La Coronela
SIERRA DEL
ROSARIO
Baracoa
Airport
Punta
Brava
Quivicán
Guira de Melena
ARTEMISA
MAYABEQUE
TC MARIEL
Bahía de Cabañas
Playa
Baracoa
Playa
El Salado
ZED Mariel: open to the world
The two-track railway started operations in July 2014,
transporting cargo and passengers to and from the
Zone. In total, 58km of railway double track has been
laid and a further 30.5km of single track. Four railway
stations have also been built.
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44
ZED Mariel: open to the world
15. Legal Framework
Taxation Act Law
113/2012
Details the general tax rules for all economic
activities in Cuba, including for Cuban/nonCuban nationals and Cuban/international
companies.
The previous tax law, Law 73 continues to apply
to international companies that have invested in
Cuba to the extent that Decree-Law 313/2013
or Law 118/2014 does not contradict it.
The National Assembly (Parliament) adopted
Law 113 of 2012 on the Taxation System dated
July 23, 2012. The following complementary
regulations were also adopted
• Council of Ministers Decree No 308/2012
on General Rules and Tax Procedures
Special Development Zone
of Mariel Decree Law
313/2013
Cuban Foreign
Investment
Law 118/2014
Establishes a special regime for investment in
the area of 465.4 km² within the province of
Artemisa, which pertains to ZED Mariel.
This sets out the principal legal structures
for the implementation of foreign investment
projects in Cuba, including investment
protection and the general rules relevant to
foreign investors. Supersedes and repeals
previous Law 77/1995.
The Council of State adopted Law 313 of 2013,
dated September 23, 2013 (the “Special
Development of Mariel”).
In addition, the following complementary
regulations were adopted:
• Council of Ministers Decree No 316/2013
• Banco Central de Cuba Resolution No
82/2013
• Council of Ministers Decree 325/2014
(“Decree 325”) dealing with procedural
rules
• General Customs of the Republic of Cuba
Resolution No 278/2013
• Central Bank of Cuba Resolutions 46/2014
and 47/2014
• Ministry of Science, Technology and the
Environment Resolution No. 150/2013
• Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign
Investment Resolutions 128/214 and
129/2014
• Ministry of Finances and Prices Resolution
No. 384/2013 and 149/2014
• Ministry of the Interior Resolution No.
14/2013
• Ministry of Labor and Social Security
Resolution No. 49/2013
www.zedmariel.com
The National Assembly (Parliament) adopted
Law 118 of 2014 on Foreign Investment dated
March 29, 2014. The following complementary
regulations were also adopted:
• Ministry of Labor and Social Security
Resolution 16/2014 dealing with labor
matters
ZED Mariel: open to the world
16. Fiscal Rules
Applicable tax regime
Taxation Act 113/2012
Foreign Investment Law 118/2014
ZED Mariel Decree Law 313 & 316/2013
Type of Foreign Investment Company
100% foreign owned companies & branches
Joint Ventures / IEA
ALL companies in ZED Mariel
Income tax
(on net profits)
35%. May be increased up to 50% when
involving natural resources (oil/minerals).
Exemptions may be negotiated on a caseby-case basis.
Exempt for first 8 years as of date of
incorporation, then taxable at 15%. May
be increased by 50%(up to 22.5%) when
involving natural resource. Profits reinvested
are tax exempted.
Exempt for first 10 years then taxable
at 12%. Exemption may be extended.
Profits reinvested are tax exempted.
Social security
(employer)
Law 117 on the State Budget for 2014 establishes a rate of 14% payable by the employer.
Payroll tax
12% in 2015, will be gradually reduced to
5% in 2017.
Personal Income Tax
(Non-Cuban residents)
15% of all income obtained or generated as a result of economic activity in Cuba. Dividends are exempt from taxation. Payable within
first 20 calendar days following settlement period.
Services tax
(Gross receipts tax)
10% of gross sales value
Gradual application.
Exemption during first year of operations.
Payable at 50% of the rate (10%) established
by law.
Exemption during first year of
operations. 1% flat rate established.
Sales tax
2% gross sales value for wholesale and 10%
for retail sales. Gradual application.
Exemption during first year of operations.
Payable at 50% of the rate (2%) established
by law on wholesales.
Exemption during first year of
operations. 1% flat rate established.
Goods tax
Certain goods intended for use or consumption such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, luxury goods, etc. Taxable goods and rates
established in the Law on the State Budget/Resolution of the Ministry of Finance & Prices (MFP).
Territorial contribution
1% gross income. Raw materials for
industrial production & goods for export
exempt.
Exempted during investment recovery period.
* None
Environmental protection taxes
(beaches, fauna etc.)
Defined in The Law on the State Budget
annually.
50% reduction during investment recovery
period.
50% reduction during investment
recovery period.
Customs duties
Exemptions may be negotiated on a caseby-case basis on capital investment.
Not payable during development period.
Not payable on capital equipment
imported for investment.
None
None
Customs duties are payable in accordance with the established tariffs for raw materials. Existing scheme in place to exempt goods
subsequently re-exported.
Land Transportation & Document
Tax
Rate is dependent upon type of vehicle/document– amounts are relatively low.
Advertisement Tax
Applies to the public display of commercial announcements and advertising signs – rates are dependent upon dimensions of sign and
location.
*Companies located in ZED Mariel must pay 0.5% of the gross income earned in each quarter to the ZED Mariel Development Fund.
45
46
ZED Mariel: open to the world
ZED Mariel: open to the world
47
17. Administrative Procedures
Legal status of users/
concessionaires
Administration of
ZED Mariel
Investor
Guarantees
ZED Mariel is open to Cuban and foreign
companies, as well as cooperatives and
individuals.
The Mariel Special Development Zone Office is
an entity attached to the Council of Ministers
and commissioned to administer the Zone,
control its activities, prepare and conduct
the Development and Business Program,
process all applications, licences, permits
and authorizations carried out or needed by
concessionaires and users of the Zone or by
those interested in becoming established in it,
by means of an efficient one-stop-shop system.
Cuba has signed Agreements for the Reciprocal
Promotion and Protection of Investments
(ARPPI) with over 63 countries (page 16).
Companies may act as a concessionaire or as a
user of the zone.
Concessionaires need to obtain approval from
the Council of Ministers, which will grant an
administrative concession for the temporary
management of a public service, execution of
public works or exploitation of government
property, for up to 50 years, which may be
extended.
Cuba is a member of the International Court of
Arbitration with headquarters in Paris.
The Foreign Investment Law 118/2014 provides
for protection against expropriation and ensures
the free transfer abroad of dividends, profits or
other income associated with the realization of
the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) project.
Foreign investments in ZED Mariel enjoy the
same level of protection as foreign investments
elsewhere in Cuba as regulated by Law 118/2004.
Application & approval process
The Mariel Special Development Zone Office is able to provide all of the necessary approvals for a new project including all licensing, permits and
authorizations from other Cuban State entities. From an investor perspective, there is only one point of contact and the process functions as a One-Stop-Shop.
Initial contact made by the investor with the Mariel
Special Development Zone Office
A preliminary assessment is made of the project to clarify whether it fits within the overall eligibility
criteria for ZED Mariel and a written reply is conveyed to the investor.
The investor is required to prepare a file, which
includes legal and financial documents, as well as
a feasibility study in accordance with the relevant
Cuban norms for ZED Mariel.
Once the Mariel Special Development Zone Office has received the file, a response will be given on the
project’s approval within 30-60 days, depending on the level of approval.
Investors have to contract an authorized entity to
perform a valuation of the land usage rights
Ministry of Finance & Prices (MFP) certifies the valuation of the land usage rights
The feasibility study may be performed internally by the company or contracted out to a Cuban or international
consulting firm. In either case, it must conform to the template laid out by ZED Mariel, which may be downloaded at
www.zedmariel.com
www.zedmariel.com
48
ZED Mariel: open to the world
18. Employment
Agencies
There are eleven employment agencies that
provide services to companies located within
ZED Mariel. These agencies may charge a
maximum of 20% commission for the provision
of the following services:
• Recruitment and selection of appropriately
qualified personnel
• Payroll processing, including payment
of social security and income tax
contributions on behalf of employee and
employer
• Resolution of labor-related disputes
• Relevant proceedings in relation to
occupational accidents, etc.
• Administrative processing of residency and
work permits for expatriates
Workers for one of the stateemployment agencies receive
their salaries with a co-efficient
of ten. This implies that they
will receive ten times the
amount in Cuban pesos that the
employment agency charges
the company in US dollars
(less the commission and
relevant taxes). This provides a
significant level of incentive for
Cuban staff.
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Employment Agency
Main professions available
Contact
Almacenes Universales S.A.
Professional, technician and skilled worker in the field of logistics (warehousing, transportation
and port activities)
Desamparados No. 166 e/ Habana y Compostela,
La Habana Vieja, La Habana
Tel: 7-861-3402 ext. 131-178
mail: [email protected]
AGEMPORT
Mechanic, driver, heavy/light equipment operator, industrial maintenance technician/worker,
technologist, painter, sheet-metal worker, assistant.
Desamparados No. 201 esquina a Compostela, La
Habana Vieja, La Habana
Tel: 7-862-1940, 7-862-1909, 7-862-1935
mail: [email protected]
[Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industry]
Chemical & industrial engineer, pharmacy, chemistry, biology and microbiology professionals,
technicians in biological processes, industrial chemistry and industrial pharmacy technicians.
100 y Boyeros, Edificio B, Boyeros, La Habana
Tel: 7-265-3749
mail: [email protected]
CUBATABACO
Skilled agricultural worker, and technician and engineer in any field.
Calle Nueva No. 72, e/ Universidad y Pedroso, Cerro.
Tel: 7-879-0250 to 7-879-0256
mail: [email protected]
CUBARON
Chemical engineer and professional; microbiology, biology and food science professional; food
technology technicians.
Calle 22 No. 310 y 312 e/ 3ra y 5ta, Miramar, Playa
Tel: 7-204-2427, 7-204-6231, 7-204-2566
mail: [email protected]
DELTA
IT engineer, telecommunications engineer, IT professional, cybernetics and mathematics
professional, IT technician
Neptuno, No. 108 e/ Prado y Consulado. Centro Habana
Tel: 7-863-6495, 7-862-9300 ext. 105 y 230
mail: [email protected]
All occupations in the field of construction (construction, assembly, design and construction
materials) in addition to other occupations linked to other fields
Factor No. 5, e/ Masó y Ayestarán, Cerro, La Habana
Tel: 7-879-9567 or 7-879-9614
mail: [email protected]
Assistant in all oil-related activities, technician in oil refining processes, oil well supervisor,
oil treatment professional, technician in drilling fluids, drilling experts, oil extraction worker,
drilling logistics expert, turbine repairman
Massip No. 14 206 e/ San Francisco y Vía Blanca,
Guanabacoa, La Habana
Tel: 7-784-1154, 7-699-2749, 7-699-2743
mail: [email protected]
[Unión Eléctrica]
Electric, mechanic and automation engineer, as well as the entire technical and managerial staff
required operating and maintaining solar parks, wind farms and any other power generating
facility connected to the grid.
Calle N, Edificio ENE, 8vo piso, e/ 21 y 23, El Vedado, La
Habana
Tel: 7-839-7700 ext. 6204 or 6200, 7-831-8473
mail: [email protected]
TECNOSIME
Manager, technician and skilled worker in industrial processes
Calle 36 A No. 712 e/ 7ma y 42 Miramar, Playa, La
Habana.
Tel: 7-202-1344 ext. 117 and 7-206-5644
mail: [email protected]
Duly trained personnel in all technical aspects, with working knowledge of the required
languages to work in hotel and restoration activities.
Calle D No. 520 e/ 21 y 23, El Vedado, Plaza de la
Revolución, La Habana (Margarita Rodríguez Infiesta)
Tel: 78333024 and 78364715
mail: [email protected]
[Ministry of Transport]
BIOCUBAFARMA
[Ministry of Agriculture]
[Food Industry]
[Ministry of Communications]
MICONS
[Ministry of Construction]
PETROEMPLEO
[Oil Industry]
SIECSA
[Ministry of Industries]
EMPLEATUR
[Ministry of Tourism]
www.zedmariel.com
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ZED Mariel: open to the world
19. Phase A Project Development
The detailed Master Plan of Sector A,
currently in its second phase, was contracted
to French Bouygues Bâtiment International,
which is working with a futuristic vision in the
conception and design of its urbanization,
in compliance with the best international
practices, under the concept of “high
environmental quality” (HQE)
BAHÍA DE MARIEL
A4
459.5 (ha)
High Technology
Industrial Area
A1
607 (ha)
Reserve Zone
The Development Programme for Sector A will
have three phases:
1. Short-Term Development. In response to
the present needs for the establishment
of industrial, logistic and construction
activities.
2. Medium- and Long-Term Development.
Aimed at positioning Cuba in the
international standards of added value
activities.
3. Long-Term Development. A phase of
great flexibility that shall adapt to the
predominant strategic needs of the
development process.
241.6 (ha)
Industry & oil
service logistics
A3
Ensenada
de Laza
A7
262.8 (ha)
Port Zone
A5
A2
299.7(ha)
Western
Ecopark
386.6 (ha)
Logistics Zone
A8
239.8 (ha)
Food and
Agriculture
Processing
Zone
A9
1040.0 (ha)
Agricultural
Development
Zone
Ensenada
de Angosta
MARIEL
A11
A6
478.6 (ha)
Mangrove Area
A10
250.2 (ha)
Transporation
Activities Zone
313.8 (ha)
TECHNOPARK
Sector A (an area covering 4,372 hectares closest to Mariel Port) has been subdivided into
eleven zones devoted to high-tech, industrial, logistic and agricultural activities. Commercial real
estate projects including for industrial and commercial properties may be developed in several of
the zones.
Over the past year major investments have been made in developing the necessary infrastructure
in the first areas to be developed, primarily Zones A3 (high-tech industry), A4 (industry and oil
service logistics) and A5 (logistics). TC Mariel forms part of the Port Zone (A7).
www.zedmariel.com
ZED Mariel: open to the world
51
52
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Infrastructure & logistics
Access Motorway and roads linking Sector A
with the rest of the national territory. Work is
underway in the construction of the North Road
and other secondary roads.
Railway infrastructure. The two-track railway
started operations in July 2014, transporting
cargo and passengers to and from the Zone.
Stable supply of drinking water and electric
power.
Fiber optic info-communication system and a
redundant radio link.
Plans are in place to develop options for the
supply of natural gas to the area.
The first Logistic Block, which started
operations in August 2015, has a storage
capacity of 10,000m² for dry cargo and
5,000m³ for refrigerated cargo. It also provides
modern cargo management and handling
services.
Construction is under way of the First Business
Centre. Other users of the zone will also
develop facilities to house offices, banks,
shopping centres, and warehouses, among
other various services.
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Contact details:
Construction volumes executed to date:
• Railway: 58 km of double track – 30.5 km of single track
• Roads: 14 km of 4-lanes motorway - 16 km of 2-lanes roads
• Bridges: 14
• Railway stations: 4
• Railway stops: 3
• Water supply pipelines: 25.3 km
• Sewerage pipelines: 15 km
• Rainwater collection network: 7.1 km
• Electric lines: 280 km
• Communication lines: 78 km
Servicios Logísticos Mariel S.A.
Calle 132, No. 8910 e/ 89 y Final
Municipio Mariel
Tel: (53) 47-398-225
53
View of newly built warehousing and logistics
buildings in Zone A5. The administrative building of
ZED Mariel, currently under construction may be seen
in the background, (center left).
54
ZED Mariel: open to the world
20.
Priority Sectors
High-tech industry (A3)
Biotechnology, pharmaceutical projects should
be negotiated with BioCubaFarma. Cuba has
world-class research and medical institutions.
Industry & oil service logistics(A4)
This area will be used to locate investors
developing production activities prior to the
Technopark (A10) being developed in a
subsequent phase.
Food production (A8 & A9)
The domestic market and booming hospitality
sector has significant unmet demand.
Real estate & infrastructure
developments
Commercial real estate projects including for
industrial and commercial properties.
Packaging & packing
Cuba has significant domestic requirements
including paper products, cans, bottles and
other areas.
Construction materials
Cuba has an enormous need for all types
of construction materials and hardware for
retail sales and to meet investment needs in
infrastructure projects and hotel development.
Renewable energy (Outside Zone A)
ZED Mariel is attractive for photovoltaic solar
projects.
ZED Mariel: open to the world
55
Projects should meet the
following general objectives:
• Generate exports/promote import
substitution;
• Use modern, environmentally-friendly
technology;
• Provide employment;
• Generate added value using knowledge
and innovation;
• Develop links with the wider Cuban
economy outside ZED Mariel.
56
ZED Mariel: open to the world
21. 2015 Projects Portfolio
Twenty projects have been developed by the relevant Cuban companies for development within ZED Mariel with foreign participation. Foreign
investors are in no way limited to the selection of the projects detailed in the Cartera de proyectos. They may prefer to develop their own projects
in line with the guidelines and priorities outlined in the previous section.
Renewable Energy
Outside of Zone A
Manufacture of:
Description of project
Investment type
Cuban Partner of:
Investment Cost, US$
Photovoltaic Solar Farms
Installation and operation of photovoltaic solar parks with capacities
between 5 and 15 MW. All the energy delivered to the grid will be
purchased by Unión Eléctrica through a PPA (Purchase Power
Agreement).
100% Foreign
Company
Unión Nacional Eléctrica (UNE)
Contact: Pedro Barbachan Bagés
[email protected]
1.5–2 million by MW of
installed capacity
Manufacture of:
Description of project
Investment type
Cuban Partner of:
Investment Cost, US$
1
Radial tires
Manufacture of 1.2 million radial tires, 56% for light automobiles
and 44% for heavy transport. For the domestic market and export
(400,000 units).
Joint Venture
Grupo Empresarial de la Industria 223 million
Química (GEIQ)
Contact: William Marrero Chi,
[email protected]
2
Aluminum cans
Intended to replace imports of aluminum cans for beverages (beer,
soft drinks, malt drinks, juice, etc.) at levels of over 600 million units
per year
Joint Venture
Grupo Empresarial de la Industria 40 million
Sideromecánica (GESIME)
Contact: Carmen Herrera Prieto,
[email protected]
3
Air conditioning equipment
Air conditioning equipment for central systems, commercial and
home air conditioning equipment and the production of parts, spare
parts and accessories and post-sale and warranty service.
Joint Venture
Grupo Empresarial de la Industria 15 million
Sideromecánica (GESIME)
Contact:Carmen Herrera Prieto,
[email protected]
4
Light automobiles
Assembly and manufacture of a minimum of 10,000 light
automobiles per year, for the domestic market and exportation
Joint Venture
Grupo Empresarial de la Industria To be negotiated
Sideromecánica (GESIME)
Contact:Carmen Herrera Prieto,
[email protected]
1
Industry Projects
Zone A10
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Manufacture of:
Description of project
Investment type
Cuban Partner of:
5
Valves for pressure bodies
Valves for pressure bodies such as extinguishers, gas cylinders,
oxygen and acetylene tanks, etc., in order to replace imports.
Joint Venture
Grupo Empresarial de la Industria To be negotiated
Sideromecánica (GESIME)
Contact:Carmen Herrera Prieto,
[email protected]
6
Glass bottles for beverages
Glass bottles for beverages (beer, foods, rum) for medicines and
food conserves, at over 210 million units yearly
Joint Venture
Grupo Empresarial de la Industria 70 million
Química (GEIQ)
Contact: William Marrero Chi,
[email protected]
7
Glassware items
Manufacture of various assortments of tableware, glassware, goblets, Joint Venture
water jars
Grupo Empresarial de la Industria 10 million
Química (GEIQ)
Contact: William Marrero Chi,
[email protected]
8
Medical items (expendable)
Manufacture of medical items for medical tests. Approximately
Joint Venture
87 million disposable syringes, 8 million needles, 6 million saline
solution and serum kits, and 800,000 blood injecting kits, amounting
to US$ 4.7 million, are sold annually in Cuba.
Company associated with
Industria Electrónica del Grupo
de la Electrónica, Ministerio de
Industrias.
Develop engineering, supplies and construction job management
projects, setting up and starting up industrial, agro-industrial,
wastewater treatment and renewable energies projects as well
as post-sale services for the domestic market and the export of
services.
Joint Venture
Grupo Empresarial de la Industria To be negotiated
Sideromecánica (GESIME)
Contact:Carmen Herrera Prieto,
[email protected]
9
Engineering and technological
projects company
57
Investment Cost, US$
5 million
Contact: Jorge Luis
Hernández Garnelo,
[email protected]
Agro food industry
Zone A8
1
2
Manufacture of:
Description of project
Investment type
Cuban Partner of:
Investment Cost, US$
Soy Processing (Refined Oil
Factory)
Project to mill 500,000 tons of soy beans per year to obtain
85,000 tons of refined oil and 375,000 tons of soy flour for animal
consumption.
Joint Venture
Corporación Alimentaria S.A.
(CORALSA)
149 million
Production of 6,000 tons per year of instant dry yeast for tourism,
the domestic market and export.
Joint Venture
Instant dry yeast
Contact:
[email protected]
Corporación Cuba Ron S.A.
Contact:
[email protected]
14.5 million
58
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Biotechnological Sector: developing and producing medicine
Zone A3
Manufacture of:
Description of project
Investment type
Cuban Partner of:
Investment Cost, US$
1
Monoclonal antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic use in cancer and other
chronic diseases (capacity of 100 kg per year), from the active
pharmaceutical ingredient right up to the final product.
International
Economic
Association
CIMAB S.A.
Contact:
Dr. Agustín Lage Dávila,
[email protected]
90 million
2
Biodrugs to treat cancer and
other chronic diseases
New facility to produce recombinant proteins for treating cancer and
other chronic diseases, from the active pharmaceutical ingredient
(10 kg/year capacity).
International
Economic
Association
CIMAB S.A.
Contact:
Dr. Agustín Lage Dávila,
[email protected]
70 million
3
Oral biodrugs
Oral biological medicines with a fermentative capacity of 500 L, for
manufacturing anti-salmonella vaccines and cholera probiotics.
International
Economic
Association
Laboratorios DALMER S.A
Contact:
Dra. Blanca Rosa Hung
Llamo, [email protected]
To be negotiated
4
Blood-based products plant
Process 100,000 liters of plasma per year, with an efficiency of
18 grams of protein per liter of plasma. Incorporation through
technological transfer of factors VIII and IX of blood coagulation.
International
Economic
Association
Empresa de Sueros y
Productos Hemoderivados
Adalberto Pesant
Contact:
MSc. Marbelys Cayíz
Díaz, mcayiz@pesant.
biocubafarma.cu
113 million
5
Enteral medications (tablets,
caplets and capsules)
Building a plant to produce solid forms from natural products. For the International
Cuban and Latin American markets.
Economic
Association
Laboratorios DALMER S.A.
Contact:
Dra. Blanca Rosa Hung
Llamo, [email protected]
40 million
6
Injectable cephalosporins and
Injectable cephalosporins and carbapenemas, and oral penicillincarbapenemas, and oral penicillin- based antibiotics with a capacity to obtain up to 21 million ampules,
based antibiotics
500 million capsules and 20 million flasks for suspension, produced
from imported active principles.
International
Economic
Association
Empresa Farmacéutica 8 de
Marzo
Contact:
Lic. Nancy Oña Aldana,
nancy@8marzo.
biocubafarma.cu
120 million
7
Auxiliary services
International
Economic
Association
BioCubaFarma
To be negotiated
Joint Venture
Centro de Biomateriales, BIOMAT
•
•
•
•
•
8
*Biomaterial plant Joint venture
Metrology and validation of measuring equipment laboratory
and production areas
Specialized engineering services workshop for refrigeration,
water treatment systems, diagnostics for maintenance systems,
etc.
Specialized treatment plant for solids, liquid and gas waste
Water and steam treatment service plant
Logistics services for warehouses for imported products and
moving import/export loads
Produce biomaterial-based products under NC-ISO 13485 and NCISO 14971.
The facility us expected to produce 640,000 bulbs of TISUACRYL,
75 kilograms of BIOGRAFT-G and 125 kilograms of APAFILL-G on a
yearly basis. Production will be basically for export.
Contact:
MSc. Jorge Sotolongo Peña,
[email protected].
cu
Contact:
Vicerrectoría de
Investigaciones, vilmah@rect.
uh.cu
1.5 million
ZED Mariel: open to the world
59
The Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical
Industries Group, (BioCubaFarma), is a
Cuban entity that executes strategies and
develops technologies and products to help in
the prevention, early diagnostics and timely
treatment of several disorders; from preconception to those of the elderly.
BioCubaFarma offers comprehensive health
programs that include drugs and equipment
designed to achieve a high social impact. These
include:
BioCubaFarma has 16 large enterprises that
maintain 78 manufacturing facilities that
employ more than 21,000 people. The group
produces and exports 1,099 products, including
generic and innovative. It has more than 800
marketing approvals abroad and exports to
more than 50 countries all over the world.
• Programs for early diagnosis and treatment
of different cancer pathologies (including
therapeutic vaccines);
Within the biotechnology sector, several
entities are developing 91 product projects
to target infectious, oncology, diabetes and
cardiovascular diseases. The Intellectual
Property Rights of other products developed
by BioCubaFarma have been recognized in the
more than 1,700 patents granted abroad.
• Diagnostic and monitoring programs of
different diseases (cardiology, neurology,
etc.) with novel medical equipment;
BioCubaFarma has developed a network
of partnerships internationally and has
incorporated joint venture companies in several
countries including China and Singapore.
BioCubaFarma uses various business models
including License Agreements, Representation
and Supply Agreements, and Technology
Transfer Agreements.
Cuba’s biotech industry “is the
best established compared to all
developing nations.”
• Disease prevention programs with
prophylactic vaccines; • Monitoring and treatment programs for
diabetes and its complications, such as
diabetic foot ulcers;
• Programs for the detection of
malformations and metabolic hereditary
diseases.
The group is open to foreign investment in Cuba
and is looking to expand its manufacturing
capacities through the development of joint
ventures to be located within ZED Mariel.
U.S. journal Nature, 2011
www.zedmariel.com
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ZED Mariel: open to the world
22. Approved Users
www.zedmariel.com
TERMINAL DE CONTENEDORES
DE MARIEL S.A.
Cuban entity managed by PSA International
from Singapore
RICHMEAT DE CUBA S.A
Food processing
100% Mexican capital
PROFOOD SERVICE S.A.
Food processing
100% Spanish capital
BDC LOG S.A.
Logistics
100% Belgian capital
BDC TEC S.A.
Electronics
100% Belgian capital
DEVOX CARIBE S.A.
Devox General Paint S.A
100% Mexican capital
SERVICIOS LOGÍSTICOS MARIEL
Logistics
100% Cuban company
BRASCUBA
Cigarette production
Cuban-Brazilian Joint Venture.
Future vision of ZED Mariel.
ZED Mariel: open to the world
61
62
ZED Mariel: open to the world
23. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Worker on the TC Mariel dock. In
the background, across the bay is a
church in the town of Mariel.
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Q1: Is ZED Mariel a Free Trade Zone?
• No. The area of ZED Mariel is considered
part of Cuban national territory. There
are no restrictions governing the sale
or purchase of goods and/or services
between companies operating within ZED
Mariel and other areas of Cuba (although
there may be some regulatory or taxation
differences). Practically, there is no fence
around the area of ZED Mariel and no
customs restriction between goods entering
or leaving ZED Mariel from/to other areas of
Cuba.
• Raw materials that are processed in ZED
Mariel will be subject to the same customs
duties as a facility located in another part of
Cuba, except in cases of export sales (see
below).
Q2: Can customs duties be reclaimed for export
sales?
• Yes. Capital goods and machinery (the
investment cost) are fully exempt from any
customs duties regardless of the destination
of sales. A process will also be established
through which it may be possible to
negotiate a rebate on customs duties paid
for raw materials corresponding to the
proportion of sales made outside of Cuba.
63
Q3: Can sales of goods be made to the domestic
market?
Q6: What is the contribution to the Zone’s
Development Fund? • Yes. There is no specified percentage of
• The contribution to the Zone’s Development
exports that a company located in ZED
Mariel must make. Theoretically, a company
could make 100% of its sales to the domestic
Cuban market. The projected distribution
of sales domestically and internationally
should be included in the feasibility study
presented to the Office of ZED Mariel. Only
government corporations currently carry
out retail commerce in Cuba.
Q4: Will service companies based in ZED Mariel
be able to provide services to the Cuban
domestic market?
• Yes. Tax benefits provided to users of ZED
Mariel will be applied on sales made outside
of ZED Mariel to the rest of Cuba.
Q5: Will it be possible to establish a bonded
warehousing facility in ZED Mariel to service
the Cuban market?
• No. ZED Mariel is intended to be a
productive area where value added is
added to inputs whether through assembly,
manufacturing or processing. As part of
Cuban national territory, customs duties
must be paid at the point when goods enter
the area.
Fund is the way in which concession holders
and users contribute a percentage of their
income (and in the absence of income, a
fixed fee) to the formation of a fund for the
maintenance of the Office and the Zone’s
common areas. • This contribution is established in Article 44
of Decree Law No. 313 and is implemented
through Resolution No. 384/2013 of the
Ministry of Finance and Prices. • This non-tax contribution is made through
quarterly payments of 0.5% of the gross
income earned in each quarter in the
concession holders’ and users’ operational
currency. If concession holders and users
do not earn any income during a fiscal
year, they will make an annual contribution
to the Fund in the amount of 600 Cuban
Convertible Pesos (CUC) or 600 Cuban
Pesos (CUP) if they operate only in the
latter currency.
www.zedmariel.com
64
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Building a better
working world for
companies doing
business in Cuba
Highlights
• We have over 20 years of experience assisting clients doing business with Cuba. During this
time we have developed an extensive pool of knowledge and understanding of the Cuban
market. We have also helped many of the most prestigious Cuban state-owned entities
implement international standards and to apply best international practices.
• We maintain a strong relationship with the main Cuban audit & consulting company,
Consultores Asociados S.A. (CONAS). Working with an integrated CONAS/EY team, we are
able to prepare complementary deliverables that meet both local regulatory and international
requirements. • We have a team of twelve experienced international staff dedicated full-time to assisting clients
with their Cuba-related business interests and an established infrastructure on the island.
• As well as maintaining the largest audit portfolio of any Big 4 firm in Cuba, we have performed
market and feasibility studies for several major new projects in Cuba, and have provided tax,
regulatory and other advice to many of the leading international companies doing business
with Cuba.
• EY Caribbean Professional Services Ltd (EY CPSL) works closely with other EY offices both
regionally and globally to ensure that our clients receive an integrated service in accordance
with EY’s Vision 2020. EY [Cuba]
EY Caribbean Professional Services Ltd
CONTACT DETAILS
EY Caribbean Professional Services Ltd
Calle 12 #105, 4to piso, e/ 1ra y 3ra,
Miramar, Playa, La Habana, Cuba.
Tel: (+53) 7-204-4658
Matthew Pickles
Country Managing Partner
[email protected]
Tel: (+53) 5-268-9547
Alejandro Gago
Partner, Audit
[email protected]
Tel: (+53) 5-284-7300
German Matkin
Partner, Audit
[email protected]
Tel: (+53) 5-263-8115
ZED Mariel: open to the world
65
Consultores Asociados S.A.
The consulting firm of choice for foreign investment and international business
Highlights
• We are the main Cuban professional services firm with over 140 well qualified professional
staff specialized in audit, business consultancy, services for foreign branches and professional
development.
• In addition to our main Havana head office, we maintain five regional offices in Matanzas,
Cienfuegos, Camagüey, Holguín and Santiago de Cuba, which allows us to provide services
throughout the island.
• We provide professional services to over 300 clients including the most prestigious state-owned
companies as well as the leading international companies developing investment opportunities in
Cuba.
• We assist our clients through consultancy and auditing services based on a competitive approach.
Our multidisciplinary, integrated and innovative team will meet the expectations of interested
parties.
• We maintain a strong relationship with EY. Working with an integrated CONAS/EY team on clients,
we are able to prepare complimentary deliverables that meet both local regulatory and international
requirements. CENTRAL OFFICE
5ta. Avenida No. 2201, esquina a
22, Miramar, Playa, La Habana
Telf.: (+53) 7204-2988, 7204 4116
www.conas.cu
CONTACT DETAILS
Dr. Elvira Castro Cossío
Directora General
[email protected]
66
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Future vision of ZED Mariel.
67
ZED Mariel: open to the world
68
ZED Mariel: open to the world
Thank for your interest.
Please get in touch with us if
you are interested in learning
more.
Oficina de la Zona Especial de Desarrollo Mariel
Desamparados No. 166 entre Habana y
Compostela, Oficina 303, Habana Vieja,
La Habana, Cuba
Teléfonos: +53 7-864-4240 to 47
email: [email protected]
www.zedmariel.com