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The Technical Services Division of the state-owned Tiendas Caribe has called for the leasing for private individuals of one of its properties in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana.
“We invite all Non-State Economic Actors to participate in the public bidding for the leasing of properties in CARIBE Stores,” reads the announcement published on Facebook.
The call for bids for state-run businesses, a mechanism that the government presents as a means to ensure transparency and participation in commerce management, instead attempts to operate companies that the State lacks the capacity to manage.
In this case, it is the property belonging to the Basic Unit of Services for Treatment of Loss and Distribution, which includes an office space and parking, located on I Street between 1st and Calzada de Güines, San Miguel del Padrón.
Those interested in participating in the bidding must present, if they are self-employed (TCP): identity card, authorization card to work independently, certification of validation of the project approved by the Ministry of Labor, with the stamp and signature of the authority authorized to assist TCPs in the municipality or province; Unique Tax Identification (ONAT card).
Additionally, a bank account certification in MN issued by the bank, and if it is associated with a magnetic card and a banking contract; documentation for the ONAT payment update, certification of registration in the commercial register, and health license, if applicable.
In the case of MIPYMEs, the documents to be submitted are: the identity card of the partner authorized for the legal representation of the commercial entity; a public notarized deed; registration in the commercial registry; a bank account certification; a tax certification in MN issued by the bank and, if associated with a magnetic card, a banking contract; a certification of registration in the Commercial Registry; and a Commercial License.
Also, a unique tax identification number (NIT); official statistical document (ONEI Code); and health license if applicable.
The following requirements will be taken into account for the bidding document:
- To accredit the legal capacity and personality (based on the legal documentation to be presented).
- Present a project that encompasses the various market segments, ensure the quality of its products or services, provide guarantees, and comply with the current legal regulations applicable to the non-state sector.
- The proposals will be submitted in a sealed envelope, and the opening of these will take place in the presence of a Notary Public within five business days following the conclusion of the application submission process for the interested economic actors.
The submission period begins on Friday, February 27, 2026, and runs until Monday, March 16, 2026, from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Division of Technical Services, located at Calle 4 #101, between 1st and 3rd, Miramar, Playa Municipality. Phone numbers: 7204-8189, Ext 136. Legal Advisor.
Silent and forced privatization
The current bidding is not an isolated event, but rather part of a trend in which the Cuban state, instead of being transparent about its economic collapse, is transferring the operation of public venues into private hands under temporary contracts, without stable guarantees, in a market that barely promises to recover the investment.
In June of last year, for instance, the Asset Management Company S.A., affiliated with the Office of the Historian of Havana, offered spaces on the Malecón as a "unique opportunity" for entrepreneurs.
The call was met with widespread skepticism, accompanied by accusations of improvisation, urban neglect, and suspicions that private entities would be used as a free maintenance force while the State neglects its responsibilities.
Bids have gone through several state institutions: from EGREM in Santiago de Cuba to gastronomic spaces at Antonio Maceo International Airport.
In addition, there are the 300 state-run gastronomic establishments that were announced for bidding in 2022.
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