Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce held a breakfast seminar about the business opportunities between Finland and Cuba on 26.05.2015.
The speakers included the Cuban Ambassador to Finland, Enrique Orta González, Birgit Nevala from Finnpartnership, Tapani Järvinen from Finnish-Latin American Trade Association, and Juan Carlos Guzmán Monet of Casa Finlandesa Oy.

Ambassador González informed of changes that have been made to encourage investments in Cuba. Cuban investment law was adopted in March 2014. The reform is part of Cuba’s updated economic model. In the Mariel-area companies do not pay tax on the first eight years, and the equipment can be delivered without tax. In other parts of Cuba, the tax is 15 per cent. Food, tourism, energy, mining and transport sectors, as well as the pharmaceutical industry are the most important sectors in Cuba.
The Ambassador stressed Cuba’s excellent position. Cuba is located in the middle of emerging markets. As well it is near the North and South American markets. The level of education in Cuba is good, so finding skilled labor is not a problem.

Now the doors open up to Cuba. Many European countries are already in Cuba. Would it be Finland’s turn now?