New businesses could open at Cuban Special Zone

HAVANA, Cuba, Mar 6 (ACN) The Cuban Food Industry expects to implement two foreign-investment projects in the Special Development Zone at the western Mariel Harbor, out of some 19 initiatives which are currently under consideration.

Food Industry vice-minister Betsy Diaz told the Cuban News Agency that the announcement refers to the setting up of a brewery and a Nestle plant to produce biscuits, coffee and other products.
The Food Industry is currently considering another 19 projects based on foreign capital at a total value of over 762 million dollars. These projects prioritize production lines with shortages in the country, such as soft drinks, processed meats, pastas, dairy products, fruits and vegetable, flour and fish derivatives.
Other business opportunities point to the shrimp processing industry and rums, since the island requires more international distributors who can get the Cuban brands to the levels of the renowned Havana Club rum, the official said.
According to Velazquez most interests in Cuba come from France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Slovakia and Uruguay.
The Cuban Food Industry includes over 2800 plants grouped in different lines, under the sectors of food, agriculture, sugar and others.