Baracocoa, delights announced

Raquel Sierra, Sunday September 7, 2025

digital@opciones.cu

Archivo JR

With the new joint venture for processing cocoa, the idea is impelling production and exports in the Guantanamo province -precisely where production is higher.  Baracocoa S.A. a joint venture among the Cuban food and beverage corporations Alimcor S.A. and the Slovak firm Proxenta a.s., a new entity emerges as a first experience of this kind in Guantanamo.  The new firm, approved by the Council of Ministers in Cuba, signed by Dariel Lamadrid Martin (directive of Alimcor) and by Paul Kozik (president of the Proxenta Group), was created to process, produce and commercialize chocolates and a range of cocoa and chocolate derived assortments, mixes and premixes, pasta and fats associated with confectionery.  

According to both parties they are interested in working together for the success of the Baracocoa S.A. joint venture, whose fruits would impact both the development of the Cuban economy and benefit the Cuban population while stimulating cocoa producers in the eastern area of Baracoa to higher levels of production.

According to Javier Francisco Aguiar Rodríguez, first vice-minister of Food Industry (Minal), the creation of this company is not only a business achievement but also a bridge that unites the cultures, knowledge and markets of both countries. He thanked the president of the Proxenta a.s. group for his decision in investing and joining forces with Alimcor S.A. that makes possible combining deep international experience, advanced technology and access to global markets with our knowledge of local markets, production, distribution network and consumer preferences.

There is an underlying commitment to innovation and product quality, he added, to satisfy increasingly demanding consumers while betting in favor of mutual and sustainable growth. This new alliance, he added, will generate economic opportunities, favor the development of cocoa production in Baracoa and create valuable employment benefiting both parties and the communities connected with the joint venture.  

The Cuban commercial market, still regulated, lacks productive capacity, therefore, total sale in the domestic market is guaranteed. The official page of Proxenta explains that growing national demand and gradual recovery of tourism allow for an increase of productive capacity.

This is the second joint venture constituted by a Slovak enterprise in Cuba. Dedicated to confectionery, Proxcor joined Caibarien in the Villa Clara province in 2019 holding a 51 percent majority participation and with a signed contract for 25 years. When Proxcor-Caibarien achieves full productive capacity, as planned for 2027, it would produce 17 000 tons of confectionery per year and be able to import substitution. Proxcor-Caibarien will produce and commercialize basic lines: cookies, wafers, hard candies with and without filling and cereals.  

The Foreign Investment Universe in Cuba

Until June this year (2025) Cuba had 374 foreign investment contracts -Contracts of International Economic Association (Contratos de Asociación Económica Internacional CAEI), joint ventures and totally foreign corporations -as per the Report Institutional Organization. Main Entities from the National Office of Statistics and Information (Informe Organización Institucional. Principales entidades, de la Oficina Nacional de Estadística e Información (ONEI).

Of those 374, 183 are within the CAEI designation, 125 are joint ventures, and 66 are foreign corporations, the greater volume of foreign investment concentrates in Havana -with 185 of them.

Of the total of foreign investment the larger concentrates into hotels and restaurants (148), manufacturing industries follow (84), business services (28), commerce (27), mining and quarrying exploitation (20), electricity supply (15), transportation (12), financial intermediation (7) and agriculture, livestock, hunting and forestry (5).

In Havana are 70 contracts of the CAEI total, 88 joint ventures and 27 foreign corporations.  In Artemisa there are 56, in Matanzas 44, in Ciego de Ávila 24, in Villa Clara 18, in Holguín 10, in Sancti Spíritus 8, in Santiago de Cuba 7,  in Mayabeque and Cienfuegos 6, in Camagüey 4, in Las Tunas and Granma 2 and in Pinar del Río and the Special Municipality of Island of Youth one in each.

The statistical analysis of ONEI shows that Baracocoa S.A. would be the first foreign investment option in the most eastern provinces of Cuba.  

Translation by NSCUBA (Nova Scotia)

 

The two peoples are united by indestructible and historical ties of friendship and collaboration

Cuba and Laos

Díaz-Canel engaged in dialogue with the top leaders of the Lao People's Democratic Republic

Author: Leticia Martínez Hernández | internet@granma.cu

Author: René Tamayo León | internet@granma.cu

september 8, 2025 

Photo: Estudios Revolución

"Last week we met in Hanoi and Beijing, and now we are here in Vientiane on his state visit to our country, which I firmly believe is another historic milestone in strengthening our friendly relations". With warm words, comrade Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, received on Sunday morning (local time) First Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, on his third visit to Laos.

In his welcoming remarks, Sisoulith asked to convey "cordial greetings to comrade Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution, our dear friend," he stressed. He also sent congratulations to comrades Manuel Marrero Cruz, Prime Minister, and Esteban Lazo Hernandez, President of the National Assembly, both members of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba.

The Laotian leader welcomed "the traditional cooperation and fraternal solidarity between our two Parties, States and peoples". He valued the current stay of the Caribbean Head of State as another opportunity to continue "consolidating and producing greater results" in the ties of all kinds.
After the official welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Vientiane, the political leaders held a wide-ranging dialogue on bilateral relations, which celebrated half a century last year.
Díaz-Canel conveyed to the Laotian President "warm greetings from Army General Raúl Castro Ruz", and thanked him for the warm expressions of affection received by the Cuban delegation since its arrival in Vientiane, where hundreds of children, adolescents and young people have been waiting for them in the streets.
"In my memory, in a very pleasant way - the Cuban leader said - are the memories of the visit we made in 2018 and of the fraternal meetings that you and I have had in Moscow, in May, during the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, and in these days both in Vietnam and in Beijing".
In each of those moments," he remarked, "I realize that our friendly relationship is sincere, honest and very strong, as are the relations between our nations and peoples, because, whenever we meet, a smile and affection are immediately born from both sides.
"Our current visit to Laos, of course, has to do - he added - with the high importance we attach to the development of bilateral ties and political dialogue with the Lao People's Democratic Republic, a country with which we are united by close, indestructible and historical ties of friendship and collaboration."
In the nearly one-hour dialogue between the two presidents, as in the rest of the official activities carried out by Díaz-Canel on Sunday, participated, on the Cuban side, the member of the Political Bureau and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla; the member of the Central Committee of the Party and head of its Department of International Relations, Emilio Lozada García; the Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga; and the Cuban Ambassador to Laos, Enna Viant, among other members of the delegation.
The Lao side was represented by Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane; Bounleua Phandanouvong, head of the Foreign Relations Commission of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party; and senior officials of the Ministries of Education, Agriculture, Environment and Industry and Trade, among other leaders.
On Sunday, the Cuban President began his work agenda with the laying of a wreath, in the name of the Cuban people, at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, which honors the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the homeland and Lao independence.
ALWAYS AMONG FRIENDS
The Cuban President also held a meeting with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, who highlighted the relevance of Díaz-Canel's visit to the country.
It is a new opportunity -he said- to further develop bilateral relations and continue strengthening the brotherhood between both Parties, governments and peoples, "testimony of which is -he stressed- the successful exchange held today with our General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party and President, comrade Thongloun Sisoulith".
Siphandone recalled the fruitful visit paid to Laos by comrade Manuel Marrero Cruz, Prime Minister, to whom he sent affectionate greetings, as well as to the President of the National Assembly, Esteban Lazo Hernández, who last year came to Vientiane to participate together with the Lao people and its authorities in the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The Cuban leader recalled the date as a symbol of the ties between two peoples, whose friendship and collaboration dates back to the 60s and 70s of the last century, when Cuban doctors were welcomed in the caves of Viengsay to provide care to the Laotian people during their liberation struggle.
It is a friendship -he added- that was forged in the close ties created by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and the National Hero of Laos, President Kaysone Phomvihane. And it was in that relationship of friendship, of brotherhood - said Díaz-Canel - in which our generation grew up, so we are heirs to it and we will continue to be committed to that relationship.
The Head of State conveyed to Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone an affectionate greeting from his colleague, Manuel Marrero Cruz, and extended an invitation to visit Cuba when his schedule permits.
ALWAYS FRIENDS
In the afternoon, the Cuban President also held a meeting with Dr. Chaleun Ylapaoher, Vice President of the National Assembly and President of the Laos-Cuba Friendship Association, who described the Head of State's stay "as a fundamental contribution to strengthen the traditional relationship between the two Parties, the two States and the peoples of Cuba and Laos, which are growing day by day and becoming deeper".
It is a friendship -he said- that historically was consolidated by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, and now you, as main leaders of the Cuban Communist Party.
For our part - commented Ylapaoher - we are always attentive to the events in Cuba, to your difficulties, caused by the blockade you have been facing for more than 60 years, but in spite of which you have resisted, and we - he said - will continue to support the people of Cuba and will continue to stand by Cuba's side in its just struggles.
During the conversation, the parliamentary leader made a tour of the activities that the Laos-Cuba Friendship Association has developed during the last year, and asked about "what else" they can do in defense and support to the island.
After thanking "the signs of warmth, friendship, brotherhood, solidarity" received from the Laotian people since he arrived in the country, the Cuban President emphasized the uniqueness of bilateral ties, because despite the geographical distance, "between both peoples and nations we have -he said- a historical relationship based on respect, friendship, solidarity, brotherhood and mutual admiration".
In the last hours of his stay in Vientiane, the President and the Cuban official delegation paid tribute to the Lao National Hero, Kaysone Phomvihane, who played a fundamental role in the revolutionary movement of Laos, in the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and in the construction, together with Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, of the solid and unbreakable friendship and solidarity between the two countries.
While visiting the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the communist leader, it was recalled that next year will mark the 50th anniversary of his visit to Cuba, in which the closeness and friendship that existed between him and Fidel was patented, so it is a date to be celebrated by the two countries.

 

Vietnam donates $15.2 million to Cuba, reaffirming special bilateral ties

• Vietnamnet global

On the morning of September 1, after an official welcome ceremony, General Secretary To Lam held talks with First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

High-level talks between Vietnamese and Cuban leaders. 

During the meeting, the two leaders informed each other about the current situations in their respective countries and discussed measures to strengthen and advance the special traditional friendship between Vietnam and Cuba.

General Secretary To Lam emphasized the special significance of the Cuban leader’s visit, which coincides with the “Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Year” marking 65 years of diplomatic relations. The visit, he noted, is a milestone and a strong driving force for deepening and elevating the bilateral relationship.

The two leaders shared heartfelt reflections on the enduring solidarity between the two peoples, nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, Comrade Fidel Castro, and generations of leaders and citizens of both nations. They affirmed their belief in a bright future for Vietnam - Cuba relations.

A deep bond reaffirmed in a historic year

President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed his joy and emotion at returning to Vietnam after seven years. He admired the heroic history of the Vietnamese people and congratulated the nation on its remarkable achievements.

He described Vietnam’s 80-year journey as a profound source of encouragement for the Cuban people during their current challenges. The Cuban President was deeply touched by the warmth of the Vietnamese people and their generous support during Cuba’s recent fundraising campaign.

General Secretary To Lam reiterated that Vietnam closely follows every step of Cuba’s development and is pleased with the significant progress the country has made. He shared valuable insights from Vietnam’s Doi Moi (Renewal) reforms and stated that “solidarity and support for Cuba is a matter of conscience and responsibility for Vietnamese communists and the entire Vietnamese people.”

Vietnam remains resolute in advancing the legacy of Vietnam-Cuba relations by expanding and enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly to match the potential and high level of mutual trust.

High-level dialogue and strategic coordination

The leaders agreed to reinforce political trust and strategic coordination, maintaining regular high-level visits and dialogue across all channels, including the Party, State, Government, National Assembly, localities, mass organizations, and the people.

Vietnam and Cuba will continue to exchange theoretical perspectives on socialist development, share leadership experiences in socio-economic development, and prepare for their respective national Party Congresses in 2026.

They pledged to boost and deepen cooperation in economy, trade, and investment, with a strategic focus on agriculture, solar energy, and biotechnology-pharmaceuticals.

Cuba committed to creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to invest in rice production and modern agricultural development. These efforts aim to help Cuba enhance local food production and ensure food security - a critical factor in the country's sustainable development.

Vietnam delivers $15.2 million gift to the Cuban people

General Secretary To Lam and President Miguel Díaz-Canel witnessed the handover of the first installment of Vietnam’s gift to Cuba: a donation worth 385 billion VND (approximately $15.2 million USD) from the Vietnamese Party, State, and people to support the Cuban people.

The two leaders agreed to facilitate the establishment of joint ventures between the two countries in pharmaceutical production and technology transfer of bio-products and chemical drugs from Cuba. They also committed to strengthening research and development in advanced biotechnology and pharmaceuticals in Vietnam.

Recognizing shared strengths and priorities, both sides will promote cooperation in defense, security, justice, science and technology, construction, culture, sports, and people-to-people exchanges.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing coordination and mutual support in international organizations and multilateral forums. Vietnam called for the removal of all unilateral sanctions and embargoes against Cuba.

General Secretary To Lam announced the initial results of a 65-day nationwide campaign titled “65 Years of Vietnam - Cuba Solidarity,” launched to mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The campaign mobilized nearly two million participants and raised almost 400 billion VND (approximately $15.8 million USD), reflecting the deep-rooted solidarity and cooperation between the two countries.

Both leaders reaffirm determination to deepen Vietnam - Cuba ties. 

Strengthening friendship at all levels

Also on the morning of September 1, President Luong Cuong held talks with First Secretary Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.

President Luong Cuong praised the presence of Cuba’s high-level delegation at this milestone event, noting it symbolized the close, fraternal bond between the two nations and Cuba’s valuable support.

He emphasized Vietnam’s enduring gratitude for Cuba’s unwavering solidarity, both materially and spiritually, and expressed great joy at Cuba’s recent socio-economic achievements. President Luong Cuong voiced confidence that heroic Cuba would overcome its current challenges.

Both leaders affirmed that the Vietnam - Cuba relationship continues to strengthen across all areas.

President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Miguel Díaz-Canel, calling him a cherished friend of the Vietnamese people.

President Díaz-Canel, speaking on behalf of the Cuban Party and State, said he was honored to attend the National Day celebration. He emphasized that the event is not only significant for Vietnam but also serves as inspiration for global struggles for independence, freedom, and social justice, including in Cuba.

He was deeply moved by the warm reception from the Vietnamese people and appreciated the valuable solidarity and support from Vietnam, especially in strategic areas such as rice production, food security, and renewable energy.

He commended the determination and efforts of Vietnamese enterprises investing in Cuba and pledged that Cuba would provide the necessary mechanisms and conditions for these businesses to expand.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the exemplary Vietnam - Cuba relationship. They agreed to increase high-level contacts, effectively implement bilateral agreements, and leverage cooperation mechanisms between their Parties and States.

They also agreed to expand exchanges and cooperation among political and social organizations, mass organizations, businesses, and citizens of both nations. Efforts will also be made to educate the younger generations about the special friendship between Vietnam and Cuba.

Tran Thuong - Pham Hai

 Xi meets Cuban president

By XinhuaPublished: Sep 04, 2025 11:08 AM Updated: Sep 04, 2025 03:55 PM

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, meets with Miguel Diaz-Canel, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuban president, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. Diaz-Canel is in China for the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, met with Miguel Diaz-Canel, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuban president, in Beijing on Thursday.

Diaz-Canel is in China for the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

As this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba, the two sides should seize this opportunity to elevate bilateral ties to a higher level and bring more benefits to the two peoples, Xi said.

The two countries should adhere to sincere mutual assistance and systematically promote development cooperation, Xi said, adding that China stands ready to continue providing Cuba with assistance and support within its capacity.

Xi urged both sides to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative effectively and work together to better build the International Organization for Mediation to make greater contributions to world peace and development.

China will continue to firmly support Cuba's just struggle against interference and blockade, Xi said.

The two parties and two countries enjoy close relations and an unbreakable bond of friendship, Diaz-Canel said.

He emphasized that Cuba looks forward to further strengthening all-round cooperation and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and stands ready to provide a more favorable business environment for Chinese enterprises.

The two sides issued a joint statement on accelerating the building of the China-Cuba community with a shared future and signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents.

 The ALBA ship in solidarity route

It is the first trip of the commercial sea route of the ALBA-TCP countries facing the need to solve their regional maritime transportation challenge discussed during the XXIV Summit meeting of the alliance in December 2024.

Laura Mercedes Giráldez | internet@granma.cu

August 30 2025

As peace moves through the Caribbean, pure and white, despite intents of the salt to profane it. At the cabin, in the center of the ship, supervising the load, those eyes, the eyes of Chávez- through, no missiles but messages, so the world remembers that our America is not alone.

Thus as US ships and submarines point their cannons towards Venezuela, from the La guaira harbour the ship Manuel Gual, the same ship that would later receive the Special Development Zone Mariel, in an act with the presence of the members of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Party, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz and the first Secretary of the Party in Artemisa, Gladys Martínez Verdecia, and Yudi Mercedes Rodríguez Hernández, member of the Central Committee of the Party Secretariat and chief of its Customer Services Department, and the ambassador of Venezuela in our island, its excellence Mr. Orlando Maneiro.  

It is the first trip of the sea and commercial route of the ALBA-TCP countries, faced with the need of a solution to the issue of regional maritime transportation as discussed during the XXIV Summit of the mentioned alliance in December 2024.      

In the words of Carlos Luis Jorge Méndez, interim Minister of Commerce and Foreign Investment, that «brave crew» was responsible not only «for a valuable shipment of material goods, but, above all, for the sincere love of the people and government of Venezuela towards Cuba. It is a reminder, he said, that when our peoples are together they are stronger and freer (…) a commitment to the shared future, joint development and the shared dream that our nations can prosper on the basis of complementarity and unity, without depending on anyone but the strength of our own people ».

«May each ship that travels the Caribbean on this route serve to honor the memory of Fidel and Chavez and ( ) to foster the certainty that we are building together a more just, sovereign and prosperous destiny for our peoples. While others build walls, we build bridges. While some impose blockades and sanctions, we open paths of brotherhood», he said, reminding us also of Cuba’s rejection and condemnation of the deployment of U.S. military forces and means in the Caribbean and the war of disinformation and lies that they carry out, to justify an aggression against the South American nation.   

More than 6 100 tons of products, such as food for supply and animal feed, fertilizers and seeds, arrived in the containers of the Manuel Gual. With this inaugural trip of the ALBA route, the experience will become a commercial model that would allow lower logistic costs, to promote new productive niches, to amplify the market to produce and to generate direct benefits to consumers.

And yet, this becomes not only a regional tool for Independence in economic matters, as dreamed by Fidel and Chávez when they created ALBA, but also it is a demonstration of solidarity, complementarity and collaboration to confront political and social challenges as said by Orlando Maneiro.

It is an expression of commitment and political will of the chiefs of state and government of the member countries, as integration is based on equity principles and resistance to imperialism, he stated.

The ALBA ship, after this first trip, will arrive at a diversity of destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean, a way to establish the first regular maritime routes on the bases of a sovereign logistic network. Because this is, since 2014, a Peace Zone, the alliance does not sanction or threaten with ships carrying nuclear weapons, but simple materializes the shared wishes of our eternal commandants, as they were also the aspirations of Bolívar and Martí: America united from the Bravo river to Patagonia.

Translation NSCUBA (Nova Scotia)

People, the Work of Life

Despite all the needs, Rayza continues to dedicate herself to the work she believes she has been born to do: helping people to live.

Yélidis Remón Vega | internet@granma.cu

August 21, 2025

Raiza, a founding member of the Henry Reeve.  It is Sunday at 11:39.  A moment ago there was electricity, but now, it is gone.  «If the electricity plant is not working, it is very dangerous».  We get a sustained noise that wakes up babies in their mother’s tummies. Little by little, the noise unites to the echo of steps against green walls and to some painful moan, or to those «how are you feeling?», capable of finding answers in mute eyes.

Many times I listened to her asking the question, and not because much time has passed. Rayza has short nails, as if she eats them. But no. I do not know if she realizes that her left leg trembles while she reads me a clinic history. The same trembling that I noticed two times when we were speaking about death.

The unit of Intermedia Care of Hospital Salvador Allende knows nothing about largesse.  So many of the material resources it demands are lacking that there are many empty spots. In the doctor's room, a water leak splits into a metallic bucket. Rayza tells me the stories of her mission in Venezuela; the children that carry her name after successful deliveries mainly «thanks to God and everything that exists».

She was there for almost six years, mostly in a place called San Rafael de Onoto, more than five hours from Caracas. When she arrived to the Center of Integral Diagnosis (Centro de Diagnóstico Integral) just graduated and with a diploma in intensive therapy that was obtained in two months of classes, she realized that she was the only therapist and she confronted her work the best she could, comings and goings to emergencies, carrying, at times, books that weighted more than 20 stethoscopes together.

With the money from the «frozen account» she bought her home in which she lives today with her children, husband and her 80 year old mother –retired nurse–, and her twin, who has «a slight mental delay and paranoid schizophrenia», turned into organic damage.

The vocation and the certificate of Medical Doctor that she cares for so much, because it was signed directly by Fidel, «in his own handwriting»– come from her days with her mother «mami», at the Calixto García, and also from thinking that her brother would need her even more with time.

«Who knows me knows what kind of doctor I am. I get along with the doctor, the professor, the scientist; but I get even better with the orderly, the one who sweeps our floors, the one who cleans…».

In our neighbourhood «everybody» visits her when she is sick and she lets go of anything to put herself «in action for the people».  It does not matter much if she is cooking or baking the sweets she sells in a small stall she made in her home.

Now she brings a bulk of papers to cancel the contract she made with a mipyme, where she used to buy flour and sugar. All this because the prices go up with the dollar. Later she will go to the ONAT to see, even if she is not making any money does she have to pay taxes.

God will know what she thinks about on the road she takes by foot from her home to the hospital but always something moves her to walk the 2 to 3 kilometers. Once there, she tries to forget a little of her problems: that there may not be electricity or that the water may not come today -as it is not coming already for 3 days. And, even if only a few times she is successful, she knows that whatever happens, she cannot go down, because if she is afraid, if she breaks down, the people would do worse.

She says, «Cuban at the end, invents him/herself». Death does not seem to understand scarcity.  A few minutes of her day she dedicates to writing the clinical stories of all that takes place with her patients. She fills out papers saying that one has these symptoms and should have received such medicine, but she had to use another one because the one needed was not available. And this makes her ask herself: «Who protects me from my own scarcities?».

In the meantime, when we can see her walk and retrace the hospital searching for a barter, o going to the other side of the center to consult with a man who is very sick, one feels a bit of relieve, continues to believe that there will always be people like her, people who continues «struggling with what we do not have and with the little we have».

Translation NSCUBA (Nova Scotia)

 The need for a common platform of action for all economic actors.

Despite so much talk about the necessary productive linking between state enterprises and the private sector, there are underlying distortions that make it advisable to define the rules of the game clearly, that is, through contractual relations that define the role of each one...

Fidel Benito Rendón Matienzo, August, 2025

CUBA AHORA Revista Digital de Cuba

 

From the top to the left: Socialist Estate Enterprise, Non-Agricultural Coops, Agricultural Coops, Micro, Small and Medium size Enterprises, Self-Employed Workers.

In August 2024 or a year ago, during a new Roundtable transmitted by Cuban radio and television, Joaquín Alonso Vázquez, Cuban Minister of Economy and Planification (MEP), explained that Cuban economy private actors were still not effectively inserted in the Cuban economy. That  productive linkages between state enterprises and the private sector are still pending. The Minister shared that the Cuban state monopoly of commerce had moved but often out of state control, and not always legally, by the commercial-import dynamic of non-governmental entities. Moreover, provincial governments have not always applied their authority and autonomy to manage economic and social development in their territories.  

 

He recognized the efforts Cuba made in overcoming the mentioned challenges. He pointed out that despite such efforts distortions still persist and this is the reason behind government projects applying the needed transformations during the second semester of 2025. The goal is improving state enterprises systems and applying methodological guides that regulate contractual relations among economic actors. Private sector participation increases, particularly around the provision of services and demands as Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz  highlighted last July in Parliament, and so does the impact of its management formats.  In Cuba, 496.535 people are self-employed today; we have approved 11.745 cooperatives and “Mipymes” or micro, small and medium size enterprises -these last with the main goal of increasing production. Of these 878 private Mipymes of which 43 have reported losses for a second year in a row.  

 

According to the Minister a methodological guide has been completed with the goal of facilitating relations among different economic actors -private and non-private. Cuba has moved forward in reorganizing the social objectives of private Mipymes and cooperatives, as well as in ensuring much needed coherence between main and secondary activities.

 

 Administrative restrictions still persist.

 

Within the governmental program focused on the correction of distortions and the reanimation of our economy, objective 4 has a specific focus on the need to resize and develop socialist governmental enterprises, together with other economic actors. Enterprises have gained institutionality in term of increased faculties. During the 9^th Congress of the National Association of Economist and Accountants of Cuba (ANEC), however, it pointed out that administrative restrictions persist in regards to their autonomy, selection of providers, price determination and other indicators. Given the need for transformation, ANEC proposed to simplify the mechanism to create enterprises, regulate and promote competitiveness among offering enterprises as a form of self-regulation and stimulus to enterprise competition, and the revision of activities currently prohibited to the private sector.  ANEC suggested also, to establish a clear distinction between different types of enterprises according to their peculiarities and their role in our economy.

 

Opportunities in the formation of alliances with the state.

 

Oniel Diaz, General Manager of Auge, has, like many entrepreneurs, his own perspective. Auge provides corporate services, it organizes an event in Havana every year, Quorum. February 2025 Quorum 4th edition brought together 150 business leaders to discuss challenges the private sector will face in 2025 and the eventual application of new regulatory rules in Cuba.

 

In the current context most private sector incentives have disappeared, Diaz explained, for example in 2024 Mipymes’ partners were exempted from paying anything for the revenues obtained during their first year in operations. It is also difficult for new businesses to access bank credits because they cannot comply with the rigorous warranties expected from the bank.

 

“This does not mean that we are expecting private enterprises to go back or disappear in 2025. Simply we are facing a new scenario confronting private enterprises and we will have to deal with it”, said Díaz to the local media. He believes that “private initiatives that are already working are here to stay: they provide services to government enterprises and count with thousands of workers (they employ approximately 35 % of the Cuban labor force) and contribute to the Cuban economy a 15% of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product).”

 

Daniel Torralbas, economist and analyst of AUGE, one of Quorum's opponents, explains that the main challenges the private sector faces this year is to resist. “First, the economic situation of our country is still complicated, and then there are macroeconomic distortions. On the other hand, there are new opportunities thanks to new formats of alliances with our state.”

 

As experts say, a model based on markets and price regulation planned strategically and directed with policies of incentives, would allow for a functioning platform common to all the economic actors involved. 

Translation NSCUBA (Nova Scotia)

 Fidel, the root of the tree

Raúl and Díaz-Canel presided over the political and cultural event honoring the Commander-in-Chief's 99th bi

rthday. This day marked the beginning of the program commemorating Fidel's centenary

Author: Yudy Castro Morales | internet@granma.cuaugust 14, 2025 08:08:19

La Colmenita company captured the very essence of the Commander-in-Chief: human and sublime, alive and present. Photo: Estudios Revolución 

In Birán, fertile land of men who shape the future, Cuba celebrated the 99th birthday of the Commander-in-Chief on Wednesday, as it did throughout the country, a tribute that marked the beginning of a greater celebration: the commemorative program for Fidel's centenary, which is, as the poet would say, “the root of the tree.”
The celebration in the historic complex, sheltered by a leafy carob tree and the cedars that almost a century ago sheltered the birth of a symbol, was presided over by another extraordinary son of that Holguín land, the most loyal Fidel supporter among Cubans, his brother in blood and ideas, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader at the forefront of the Cuban Revolution.
Alongside Raúl, at that site which was the starting point in the history of the homeland, were First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez; as well as other members of the Political Bureau, leaders of the Party, the State and the Government, the Union of Young Communists, mass organizations, the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, and a representation of young people from the provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín.
And in a special way, the youth solidarity brigade from several countries around the world participated in this day of remembrance, reaffirming that Cuba is not alone.
With the certainty that Fidel is a country and, rather than evoking him, it is time to bring him into the present and continue his legacy with deeds, Roberto Morales Ojeda, Member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of Organization of the Party's Central Committee, reviewed the Commander's fruitful life, which began in the batey of Birán and changed the course of history forever.
In his words, he assured that his proven sense of justice and Cuban identity germinated precisely in Birán, “where he was born to be a light in dark times, to be the voice of those who had none and the hope of those who, in the face of adversity, could only aspire to a better world. His birth marked the beginning of a life devoted to the tireless struggle for the freedom and emancipation of Cuba.”
He spoke of the brilliant statesman, the sincere friend, his universal stature, the feelings of solidarity he fostered in our people, his defense of peace and all just causes, the spirit of resistance and victory he instilled in us, and his deep conviction that safeguarding unity was the only way to achieve victory.
A transcendental moment in his speech was the announcement of the commemorative program for the centenary of Fidel's birth, approved at the 10th Plenary Session of the Party's Central Committee, which took place last July.
Morales Ojeda said that this is a celebration of respect and commitment, with the participation of the entire people and a prominent role for young people, and that its deepest essence is to promote the study of his work, the investigation of his thinking, and the promotion of his convictions and ideals. It is about “turning his teaching that ‘indeed, we can’ into concrete actions.”
The tribute, according to the party leader, will emerge in every timely and supportive action we undertake, in every advance in science, in every cultural work of decolonization, every sporting feat or contribution to production; it will be in our ability to “embody, with a critical and creative spirit, his transformative spirit.”
Honoring him, he said, “is also doing things right, banishing apathy, facing one's own mistakes, always alongside the people and the humble for whom this Revolution was made.”
And there, in the land that saw the birth of the vigorous child who later became a paradigm for all time, the tribute continued with a beautiful performance by La Colmenita company, which went to the very essence of the leader, human and sublime, alive and present.
The children retraced, through the language of music and poetry, the life of Fidel, seed of Revolution and triumph, dream of victory fulfilled.
Through excerpts from the book Todo el tiempo de los cedros (All the Time of the Cedars) by writer Katiuska Blanco, the beekeepers used words to describe several births: the birth of love between Ángel and Lina, and that of their extraordinary children, destined to conquer Cuba's definitive freedom.
The work highlighted the stern yet sensitive spirit of Don Ángel, the whirlwind that was Lina, her fortitude, and Fidel's childhood among humble people, those with whom another Cuban, also of universal stature, had previously sworn to share his fate.
Fidel, said the children, is greatness, inexhaustible intelligence, the conquest of all impossibilities, optimism in the face of adversity, the accompaniment, courage, and resistance of a people, the impulse to always do good.
The staging was also a confirmation of those words of Che, which the Army General endorsed with depth: “If we are here today and the Cuban Revolution is here, it is simply because Fidel entered the Moncada first; because he was the first to disembark from the Granma; because he was the first in the Sierra; because he went to Playa Girón in a tank (...) because he has, like no one else in Cuba, the moral authority to ask for any sacrifice in the name of the Revolution.”
After loud applause and exclamations that brought all the voices together in a “I am Fidel!”, the Army General and President Díaz-Canel went up on stage to thank the children “for such a revolutionary, beautiful, and charming show.” A hug to everyone, said Raúl.
On August 13, a country that is home to all celebrated its birthday, and its children sang to Fidel, aware that the best tribute is to defend Cuba, to which he dedicated all his energies; it is to love it well, it is for each person to do their part; it is to sustain and continue the Revolution; it is to never give up.
The best tribute to Fidel is to win.