Havana:The Cuban government has expanded foreign companies' access to its wholesale market and allowed their local commercial offices to hire workers directly. This move outlines new rules aimed at boosting foreign investment and trade.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the rules, published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba, are part of government reforms intended to increase supplies of materials and other inputs for domestic production. With these changes, branches of foreign companies established in Cuba can import, export, and distribute goods wholesale within the country.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Deborah Rivas, highlighted that these changes would provide foreign suppliers with more direct access to the Cuban market and reduce the number of intermediaries. Eliminating intermediaries in the distribution chain is expected to lead to lower prices. Previously, foreign companies had to rely on Cuban importers to handle customs clearance, transportation, and distribution, but the new rules allow them to manage wholesale distribution independently.

Additionally, the new hiring regulations build on Decree-Law 128, which amended Foreign Investment Law 118, allowing businesses with foreign capital the option to hire workers directly or through employment agencies. The latest provisions extend this option to foreign commercial representative offices, which operate under separate regulations.

Cuban legal entities now have the ability to apply directly for authorization to import and export using the Foreign Trade Single Window, an online platform. A separate Foreign Investment Single Window remains available and has received inquiries from prospective investors in several countries. Moreover, Cubans living abroad can participate in foreign investment projects and contribute capital from inside or outside Cuba on equal terms with other economic actors.

These measures continue the initiatives announced by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment to stimulate the sector and support Cuba's economic recovery. "Cuba is an open door to the world when it comes to foreign investment," Rivas stated.