Experts and academics have described the economic reopening for Cubans residing abroad as historic and unprecedented, allowing them to invest or conduct business—now with more ease, benefits, and fewer restrictions—in the land where they were born.
Although the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (Mincex), Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, announced fundamental changes to this policy on the television program Mesa Redonda a few days ago, it is worth recalling that during the Havana International Fair last November, there was an exchange with compatriots in which they raised concerns, suggestions, and requests.
Frequent meetings have also taken place in various countries between island leaders and high-ranking officials with the Cuban community, reflecting the interest in deepening ties with those who love the country and wish to help it.
While recognizing the foreign entrepreneurs who, despite U.S. blockades and threats, have invested in the largest of the Antilles and continue to do so, justice is undoubtedly being done and principles such as unity are reaffirmed by welcoming the Fatherland’s children above political or ideological positions.
Above all, this is especially important when they are willing to contribute to its development and to improving the lives of the population amid such distressing times, due to the economic, energy, trade, and financial crisis we are currently facing, fueled by the intentions and measures of the U.S. government to overthrow the Revolution, in blatant disregard for its sovereignty.
This measure recognizes them as "an active part of the nation," with the right to participate in its economic and social development, just as Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party and President of the Republic, recently indicated in his appearance.
That is why Cuban entrepreneurship abroad will not be limited solely to small businesses, as they will also be able to engage in larger-scale projects, including those related to infrastructure and other significant economic initiatives.
Until now, only permanent residents in Cuba were allowed to invest, but this has changed with the opening of opportunities; furthermore, through companies established in other countries, they will be able to partner with Cuban private enterprises, whereas previously partnerships were only permitted with state entities.
Another facility or benefit is the right to participate in the creation of non-bank financial institutions, investment banks, and other entities, subject to licensing by the Central Bank of Cuba.
Even those who own businesses on the island will be able to open and operate foreign currency bank accounts on equal terms with any resident in the country.
In his presentation on the "Mesa Redonda" program, the First Deputy Minister also announced the establishment of funds aimed at fostering solidarity cooperation and financing development projects within Cuban territory.
Throughout this effort, priority is given to the participation of Cubans residing abroad in agricultural productions, especially at the municipal level.
Therefore, the granting of land under usufruct is planned for the development of productive projects, which would allow channeling investments and experiences toward the agricultural sector and other related areas.
Pérez-Oliva Fraga was also clear in recalling that the blockade constitutes the main obstacle to the development of all the transformations that our country is implementing in the economic sphere.
So, who doubts that those wishing to establish stronger ties with the homeland that saw them born will have to confront this criminal policy?
At the same time, the former head of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment went further by emphasizing that Cuba’s doors are open to free trade with U.S. companies.
The willingness exists; the obstacle lies in U.S. legislation.
In summary, the announced measures are part of actions aimed at expanding sources of financing, energizing the national economy, and strengthening economic ties with the Cuban community residing abroad.
