There is no better time to invest in Cuba than now. This is the message that the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mzwandile Masina takes to the South African investors contemplating investing in the Caribbean island. Masina arrived this morning after leading a group of investors and exporters on an investment and trade mission. It was his second visit to Cuba in a week. Last week he was part of the delegation led by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“We have conducted successful interactions with the Cubans in both visits that we have undertaken to this country. I can safely say to the people of South Africa in general and the businesspeople in particular that Cuba is fast developing and the time to come and invest in this country is now. A great number of good opportunities has been identified that people across the world want to take advantage of. Our companies should not be left behind. They need to act now,” says Masina.
He adds that the fact that the number of countries and companies that are participating in the Havana International Trade Fair has increased to more than 70 and 3 000 respectively, proves that businesspeople from all over the world have taken huge interest in Cuba as an investment and trade destination.
“Everyone has realised the potential that Cuba offers as an investment destination and as a gateway to the Caribbean countries in the region. I have no doubt that the SA investors that our department took to Cuba will soon start the ball rolling and lead the way in investing in the country. We have provided them with a golden opportunity to directly interact with the Cubans and learn about all the opportunities that the Cuban economy. The onus is now on them to start entering into serious negotiations with the contacts they have made there,” says Masina.
Masina intends to extend the benefits of his visit to Cuba to other SA businesspeople by hosting a seminar where more companies can be informed about the investment and trade opportunities that he has identified in Cuba.
“We have identified a range of good opportunities in areas such as tourism, construction, infrastructure development, agro-processing, renewable energy, transportation and healthcare there. We would like to encourage and assist South African companies to take advantage of these opportunities by establishing joint-ventures and partnerships with the Cubans. The strong and cordial political relations that Cuba and SA have provide a strong basis and a conductive environment for businesspeople from both countries to operate and enhance our bilateral economic relations,” emphasises Masina.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: (012) 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
