Companies from 36 countries interested in investing in Cuban special economic zone

A total 36 countries have sent inquiries to invest in the special development zone in the western Cuban port of Mariel, which was opened nearly a year ago.

The director of the zone, Ana Teresita Igarza, said that companies from Spain, Italy, Vietnam, China, Russia, France, Brazil, Mexico, Holland and Canada have sent the largest number of inquiries to set up business in the zone, located only 45 kilometers from the capital Havana.

The approval of the projects and their implementation could take place before the year´s end or in early 2015, as Cuban authorities are considering the most advanced business requests.

Igarza told reporters that the projects include sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, biotechnology, food and light industries.