The Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stated before the Eurasian Economic Intergovernmental Council that the Cuban government maintains a "strong commitment" to
The proposal includes studies that, according to the official, would demonstrate mutual benefits through more competitive prices and faster operations, as well as fostering in Cuba an industrial capacity to process Eurasian raw materials and transform them into higher value-added goods.
While participating virtually in the Eurasian Economic Intergovernmental Council, Marrero emphasized that sectors such as metallurgy, chemicals, fertilizers, food production, transportation, energy, health, and biotechnology would be the most benefited.
In this context, he announced the creation of a bilateral logistics committee between the Chamber of Commerce of Cuba and the Business Council of the EAEU.
Moreover, he announced that this year the fourth joint commission will be held between Havana and the Eurasian Economic Union, where a collaboration plan for 2025-2030 in trade, investment, and cooperation is expected to be approved.
The official also called on companies in the bloc to participate in the upcoming International Fair of Havana, from November 24 to 29.
In his speech, the head of the Cuban government once again blamed the U.S. embargo for the economic crisis, describing it as the "main obstacle" to the country's development, and expressed gratitude to the UEE states for supporting the demand to lift those sanctions.
Marrero portrayed Cuba as a willing partner ready to "build bridges," yet in practice, he reinforces its dependence on external political and economic alliances, without presenting a clear plan to address the serious internal situation the island is facing.
At the end of June, the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel proposed creating a logistics center in Cuba to distribute goods from member countries of the EEU to Latin America and the Caribbean.
During the plenary session of the IV Eurasian Economic Forum, held in Minsk, Belarus, on June 26 and 27, Díaz-Canel suggested leveraging the capabilities of a special economic zone west of Havana as a foundation for this project.
In this regard, he stated that the Cuban capital could become a point of connection for the transit of goods between Eurasia and Latin America.
As part of the Cuban ruler's visit to Belarus, it was revealed that a tractor factory has pledged to supply at least 50 units of agricultural machinery to Cuba for the remainder of 2025, amid the severe economic crisis the island is facing and the challenges in the agricultural sector to ensure basic food supplies.
The EAEU is made up of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Along with Uzbekistan, Cuba has participated as an observer state since December 11, 2020.
Also, at the end of June, it was reported that Russia and Cuba are making progress on a new strategic alliance to establish a joint logistics center in the Special Development Zone of Mariel (ZEDM), located 45 kilometers west of Havana.
The enclave that could place the island at the center of Russian trade with Latin America, but which also raises questions about sovereignty, dependency, and the real benefits for the Cuban population.
The announcement was confirmed by official Russian media following the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025).
According to Tatyana Mashkova, president of the National Committee for Economic Cooperation between Russia and Latin America, both parties are already working "in parallel" to establish this center in Cuba's most important deep-water port.
The ZEDM, strategically located at the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico, already has modern infrastructure: a container terminal, a free trade zone, and rail connections. Additionally, it offers tax exemptions that have attracted several Russian companies, even amid the U.S. embargo.
The project's stated intention is to streamline trade flows between Moscow and Latin America, using Cuba as a regional bridge. Mashkova indicated that avenues are also being explored to enhance financial cooperation, with the support of the Russian Export Center, which could reduce logistical barriers and facilitate bilateral operations.
Moreover, the Cuban government has offered 50 hectares within the ZEDM for the establishment of an industrial park intended for the UEE. The land would be leased for 50 years, with the possibility of extension.
The project in the ZEDM is promoted as a driving force for development, but for most Cubans, the real question is whether it will deliver anything more than official speeches: poorly paid jobs, unaffordable prices, and empty promises.
There is also growing concern about Russia's increasing influence in the island's economy and politics, which reinforces the external dependence of a regime that has fewer financial supporters and no answers to the internal crisis.
Frequently asked questions about Cuba's attempt to become a logistics hub for the EEU
What is Cuba's intention in wanting to become a logistics hub for the EU?
The intention of Cuba is to establish itself as a logistics hub for the goods of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) with the aim of distributing products to Latin America and the Caribbean. This is presented as an opportunity to streamline trade flows and promote investments on the island.
Which sectors would benefit the most from the establishment of the logistics center in Cuba?
According to Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, the sectors that would benefit the most are metallurgy, chemicals, fertilizers, food production, transportation, energy, health, and biotechnology. These sectors could experience improvements in pricing and faster operations.
What criticisms is the Cuban government facing regarding this logistics center project?
The Cuban government is facing criticism for its reliance on external political and economic alliances, without presenting a clear plan to address the serious internal situation of the island. The population wonders whether these agreements will lead to real benefits such as decent jobs and affordable prices.
How does the U.S. embargo affect the plans of the Cuban government?
The Cuban government considers the U.S. embargo to be the "main obstacle" to the country's development. This situation complicates financial transactions and increases logistical costs, impacting Cuba's plans to develop its economy.
What implications does the logistics project in the Mariel Special Development Zone have?
The project in the Mariel Special Development Zone aims to streamline trade flows between Russia and Latin America, using Cuba as a regional bridge. However, it raises questions about the country's sovereignty and dependence on external allies like Russia.
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