Díaz-Canel calls for "creativity and courage" to sustain the Cuban economy

President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez stated this Monday that “holding a fair in the current conditions is an expression of our resilience and our concept of creative resistance,” in remarks made to the press during the International Fair of Havana (FIHAV 2025).

According to a post by the Presidency of Cuba on its Facebook profile, the leader stated that the regime's aim is not only to withstand the United States embargo but to do so “with creativity, with development, with alliances, with science and innovation.”

Díaz-Canel affirmed that the country aims to "overcome the adversity and the circumstances imposed by the blockade" and that the fair represents an opportunity to "showcase Cuba's potential and embrace the capacities of others" in order to promote joint projects.

"We need to form productive and business alliances that contribute to the development of the country. Failing to do so would condemn both the future and the present," the leader insisted, calling on everyone "not to be intimidated either by hurricanes or by intensified blockades."

During his statements, Díaz-Canel also acknowledged the financial debacle of the country and the existence of debts with foreign entrepreneurs, although he asserted that "despite this, they remain in Cuba, out of commitment and respect."

The Cuban leader thanked the investors who, he said, “have bet on Cuba and made it part of their lives and businesses in the country,” expressing confidence that “better times will come.”

Although the Cuban leader speaks of "trust," a few days ago the regime blocked the foreign currency accounts of all foreign companies and the diplomatic missions on the island.

According to EFE, the government of Díaz-Canel has communicated to foreign companies that they will not be able to withdraw or transfer abroad the foreign currency currently deposited in banks within the country, which represents a silent freeze on investments for foreign investors.

At the same time, the regime offers these companies the possibility of opening a type of "real" accounts that would be funded with foreign currency from abroad, in exchange for which they could be used for transfers abroad and cash withdrawals.