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The Cuban regime has once again promised to “green” its ailing light industry through a new joint venture with Chinese capital focused on the production of footwear, leather goods, and plastics.
This is DuoNex S.A., a partnership between the state-owned Industrias Nexus S.A. and Hangzhou Iunke Industrial Development Co., Ltd., created with the goal of integrating and reorganizing various production lines under a single business structure.
According to Cubadebate, the initiative will begin with the production of national footwear, in five categories: protective boots, sports shoes, executive shoes, dress shoes, and slippers, with the declared goal of reaching up to three pairs per person as a production target.
The proposal aims to impact various economic sectors, such as tourism, communications, agriculture, and the non-state sector, in addition to supplying the population.
It is even projected that sales will occur through physical stores and e-commerce platforms, which presents logistical and supply challenges that have not been clearly explained.
The production of shoes will only be the first step, as the regime claimed that the project also includes the manufacturing of leather goods (belts, wallets), plastic molds for footwear, and in the future, other products such as paint buckets or hygiene items.
The Cuban side will provide facilities, such as the Aracelio Iglesias factory in Regla, while the Chinese partners will contribute designs, technology, molds, and financing, as well as ensure logistics for possible exports, supported by the Picla platform, which connects China with Latin America and the Caribbean.
The regime insists that DuoNex will promote productive linkages with Cuban state-owned companies, ranging from tanneries to packaging factories.
The use of solar panels imported from China is also planned, with the intention of achieving energy self-sufficiency.
Although the project aims to establish itself as a symbol of economic revitalization, the reality is that the Cuban light industry has been abandoned for decades, failing to even supply the national market with basic products such as shoes or school supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Light Industry in Cuba and the Joint Venture with China
What is DuoNex S.A. and what is its main objective?
DuoNex S.A. is a joint venture between Cuba and China, specifically between Industrias Nexus S.A. and Hangzhou Iunke Industrial Development Co., Ltd. Its main objective is to revitalize the Cuban light industry through the production and marketing of footwear, leather goods, and plastic products, for both the domestic market and export.
How does the Cuban regime plan to address the logistical challenges of the DuoNex project?
The Cuban regime has mentioned that Chinese partners will provide support in the logistical area, especially in potential exports, using the Picla platform that connects China with Latin America and the Caribbean. However, no clear details have been offered on how internal logistical challenges will be overcome to supply the domestic market.
What impact could DuoNex S.A. have on the Cuban economy?
The creation of DuoNex S.A. aims to stimulate the Cuban economy through the strengthening of the light industry, which could benefit sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and communications. Additionally, it is expected that the national production of footwear and other products will reduce the reliance on imports, although it remains to be seen whether the project will fulfill its promises in a challenging economic context.
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