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A British Trade and Investment mission is expected to visit Cuba April 27-30 to explore opportunities to increase commercial relations, according to an announcement by the British embassy in Havana.
The visit will take place under the auspices of the Cuban side of Cuban Initiative which is chaired by the Minister of Foreign Investment and Trade, Rodrigo Malmierca, the announcement explains and adds that participants in the mission will be able to meet Cuban ministers and senior decision-makers in state-owned and autonomous enterprises. The information also explains that this visit will take place “at an important time, when Cuban relations with the US, the EU and the UK are evolving. An unique high level Trade and Investment Mission to Havana, Cuba. UKTI
In order to speed up the the process of boarding passengers departing from Cuban international airports the airlines will include in their tickets price the departure tax (CUC 25) from May the 1st. Cubadebate
Can American citizens import any goods from Cuban entrepreneurs?
If true, it’s hardly inspirational for the Cuban entrepreneurs. On the other hand looking to the bright side of such “opportunity”, it can be the push to demonstrate our creativity skills.
If we take a look at the list of products which are not allowed to be imported into the United States & knowing the basic material (raw material ) used for its production it’s controlled by state-owned Cuban enterprises, we’ll realize why they don’t fall within the category.
Thus, what is allowed?
Everything else which is not in the list as long as it complies with the regulation in force.
Nevertheless it hasn’t caught us by surprise to know that the new regulation allows to import services from the Cuban private sector, if we take into account that Americans may hire well qualified Cuban professionals, such as accountants, designers, programmers, translators among others, as long as they can prove that they are independent entrepreneurs, cooperatives or self-employed. It doesn’t sound like a bad deal. Win-win?
The United States to indicate categories of goods that are not eligible for import into the United States pursuant to § 515.582, even if such goods were produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs; any other goods produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs and not covered by the listed sections and chapters of the HTS may be imported. All services supplied by independent Cuban entrepreneurs are eligible for import.
Easing the trade between Cuban entrepreneurs and American citizens. Who holds the aces?
The ongoing Cuban economic reforms in the “private” sector (Self-employed, Small business and the Cooperatives) “bonded” with the easing of US sanctions against Cuba has generated an overwhelming enthusiasm within the Island and especially in the Cuban exile community. Entrepreneurs are looking at wholesale and retail market as a big investment opportunity.
We must not fail to admit the new approach of both governments regarding to a process which has been around for over 50 years, is not just a historic moment for both countries but also it’s a good new time for the Cuban people are coming soon. However, the path is not completely paved yet, there are some legal barriers, which we must consider.
The regulation of non-agricultural cooperatives establishes equal footing with the rest of the productive forms and services in the country, in terms of production, commercialization and services, according to the purposes for which it was founded. The cooperative as holder or owner of its products and services can make direct sales without intermediaries.
Trading activities in Cuba: How it works?
Wholesale and Retail business are run by agencies set up as corporations by the government, by foreign corporations (in partnership with the Government), or by an individual agent, who can obtain his license to operate by investing and partnering with local businesses. To obtain the license, importers and exporters will have to appoint an agent who will be able to obtain a license that will allow them to receive or send goods; however Agents and intermediaries can handle goods on consignment for licensed importers, but they can’t import directly and they can’t be a distributer either.
The non-state forms of management, which were approved for carrying out of foreign trade activities, should apply for grant of such powers and the authorized of export and import list of the products, according to the regulations issued for this purpose by the Ministry of Foreign Trade.
Import & Export from the United States to Cuba
The recently changes on the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) related to exports and reexports to promote more effectively positive change in Cuba’s private sector by supporting private economic activity. Items include building materials for use by the private sector to construct or renovate privately-owned buildings including privately-owned residences, businesses, places of worship and buildings for private sector social or recreational use; goods for use by private sector entrepreneurs such as auto mechanics, barbers and hairstylists and restaurateurs; and tools and equipment for private sector agricultural activity. It is intended to facilitate Cuban citizens’ lower-priced access to certain goods to improve their living standards and gain greater economic independence from the state. It also enables the export and reexport to Cuba of items to further support civil society in Cuba. (OFAC)
I wonder if, when the Obama’s administration issued the resolution described above, were they unaware of the Cuban export and import rules, has the decision been made deliberately?