The Lebanese Cuban Businessmen Council Established in Profile

Transcription

1 The Lebanese Cuban Businessmen Council Established in 2015 Profile

2 The first Cuban Lebanese Economic Forum (CLEF 2015) will be held on October 15, 2015, in Beirut, Lebanon.

3 CLEF 2015 is being hosted by the Lebanese Cuban Businessmen Council (LCBC). The forum will serve as a world-class platform to further promote investment opportunities on the island. It will bring together industry leaders, economists, high-level businessmen, officials, members of the press and movers & shakers from various industries This document will present the background on Cuba, as well as information on the CLEF 2015.

4 CUBA ON THE RISE In light of recent global political and economic shifts, Cuba s status as a hub for foreign investment and untapped developmental opportunities has reached international acclaim. The Cuban government acknowledges the role played by foreign investment flows in contributing to the economic sustainable development of the country. Experts have pointed to national shifts and the introduction of new laws, which have attributed to renewed opportunities for international investors. Namely, with the passing of Law No. 118 and its complementary norms, a favorable business climate has been set up in Cuba. Other advantages are added to tax incentives and these invite foreign investors to choose Cuba as investment territory. The interest in Cuba has never been more prevalent. As such, The LCBC believes that Cuba is one of the few markets around with extensive untapped potential, positioning ready for economic takeoff.

5 A BIT ABOUT CUBA Official name: Republic of Cuba Area: 109,884 km2 Capital: Havana Official Language: Spanish Time zone: GMT -5 Cuba, officially known as the Republic of Cuba, is an island country located in the Caribbean. It is comprised of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud and several archipelagos. Havana is the capital of Cuba and its largest city. The secondlargest city is Santiago de Cuba. To the North of Cuba lies the United States (150 km / 93 mi away), the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are to the Northeast, Mexico is to the West (210 km / 130 mi away), the Cayman Islands and Jamaica are to the South and Haiti and the Dominican Republic are to the Southeast. Its strategic location makes it optimal as an economic hub. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, and with over 11 million inhabitants, it is the second-most populous after Hispaniola, albeit with a much lower population density for the region. It is a multiethnic country whose people, culture and customs hail from diverse origins. Cuba is probably most notably known for its cigar industry, one that has put the country on the global map.

6 ATTRACTING INVESTMENTS The advantages of Investing in Cuba are numerous. Recently, with the passing of Law No. 118 and its complementary norms, a favorable business climate has been set up in Cuba. Other advantages include: Formulation of sectorial policies for identifying investment opportunities with foreign capital that permits access to the Cuban market and its consumers. Secure and transparent legal framework. Political, social and legal stability. Geographical location in the center of an expanding market. Climate of safety for foreign personnel. High indicators for education, social security and health of the population.

7 Highly qualified workforce. International agreements signed by Cuba with the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR), the European Union (EU), the World Trade Organization (WTO). Governmental policy that prioritizes research and technological innovation. Promotional institutions at the service of investors with qualified personnel. Basic infrastructure throughout the country: communications networks; over 20 airports; ports admitting deep-draft vessels; over 95% of national territory with electrical power; rail and highway communication. Lebanon is among the countries that has signed an agreement with Cuba to avoid double taxation.

8 FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN CUBA Today, numerous companies have begun confidently investing in Cuba. Cuba s government has taken numerous strides to open up the country to foreign capital and investments, to create a favorable business climate. However, doing business in Cuba requires a slightly different approach, when compared to other markets across the globe. Already underway are numerous business ventures by global firms. In terms of the telecommunication market, Orange SA, the French telecom company active across Europe and Africa, recently signed a deal to help Cuba s telephone system. Agricultural opportunities are also being tapped into, attributed to the rich soil and a highly educated workforce of the country. American firms have expressed their interest in this field, as stated by Devry Boughner Vorwerk, Vice- President of legal affairs at Cargill, Inc.,the agricultural giant, which is heading the U.S. Agricultural Coalition for Cuba.

9 Historically Cuba has mainly focused on growing sugar, however the country has limited farm equipment. Conceivably, Cuba is poised to become a major exporter of fruits and vegetables to the U.S. Brazil has already begun to invest in agriculture on the island. Cuba also has reserves in gold, silver, copper and other metals, as well as oil and gas. Cuba is not an isolated island. Rather, it is one of the few markets around with a sense of untapped potential, making it an optimal hub to invest in.

10 ATTRACTIVE INVESTMENT SECTORS The portfolio covers eleven sectors available for foreign investment both in the special economic zone of Mariel as well as the rest of the country, presenting a total of 246 business opportunities ranging across various domains. The Cuban government is keen to provide protection, legal safeguards and the possibility of holding agreements with those willing to invest in the new sectors available to foreign capital (with the exception of education, health and the armed forces) including but not limited to the following: Sector Mariel Location Rest of the Country Total Quantity Agro-food Sugar Industry 4 4 Biotechnology & Medicine Wholesale Business 1 1 Construction 6 6 Renewable Energy Industry Mining Oil Transportation 3 3 Tourism Total

11 FORUM OBJECTIVES The objectives of the CLEF 2015 are numerous. They include: To position Cuba as a hub for investments and promote investment opportunities on the island. To bridge and enhance Lebanese-Cuban business relations. To shed light on the facilities and privileges granted to initial investors through their classification as ambassadors of Cuba. To provide participants with a portfolio of investment projects in a country that is beginning to witness a great economic shift towards a free market economy. To generate opportunities for and facilitate meetings between Lebanese businessmen and economic decisionmakers in Cuba. To aid Cuba in dialogues with Lebanese experts in numerous areas.

12 PRE-FORUM PREPARATIONS LCBC has bridged the initial groundwork with the Cuban Ministry of Commerce and Foreign Investment, as well as the Cuban Chambre of Commerce, generated a lengthy list of investment opportunities in Cuba. It has gathered a delegation of Arab investors who have visited Cuba and met with the specific authorities and potential areas of investments. In addition, personal invitations have been extended to high-level businessmen across the region, to visit Cuba and its explore its potential, first-handedly. The official office of the LCBC has been established in Havana and is headed by Edgar Mercado. Activities include the establishment of a thriving network of professionals and businesses, as well as the logistical preparations for any interested investor. A public relations and press campaign has already been deployed, and will be sustained, to position Cuba as an investment and economic hub, on the global map.

13 SPEAKERS & SPONSORS The lineup of speakers is set to include: Cuban Ambassador to Lebanon Cuban Minister of Foreign Investment Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade President of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce and Industry President of the Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon (CCIA-BML) President of the LCBC A leading economist Reputable business people from various realms Official sponsors for CLEF 2015 Lebanese Ministry of Economy and Trade Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investments (MINCEX - Cuba) Embassy of Cuba in Lebanon Cuban Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon

14 FORUM AGENDA Opening ceremony Inaugural remarks by the guest of honor A presentation of Cuba and its history, its people, and the opportunities that exist therein Cuba s political vision and economic plans Introduction of the LCBC and its vision Panel discussion on investing in Cuba Networking lunch Success stories of foreign companies that have invested in Cuba Award and recognition ceremony Concluding remarks and closing ceremony Investment opportunities in Cuba, highlighting different sectors

15 The CLEF 2015, will include diversified discussions and seminars, in the presence of Cuban officials responsible for the passing of Law 118 as well as heads of businesses. The following sectors will be tackled: Tourism sector Infrastructure Real estate development Manufacturing Agro-foods sector Energy sector Sugar industry Foods industry Industrial sector Renewable energy sources Light industry Mining Transportation sector Drug and biotechnical industry sector Business sector Construction sector

16 PROMOTING THE FORUM The CLEF 2015 will be actively promoted across numerous levels, which include: Pre Forum A trilingual website, with the details on the forum Press relations (interviews, press releases, opinion pieces etc.) promoting Cuba as an investment haven. An extensive advertising campaign on the forum. The generation of an extensive and impressive speaker list and program for the forum via personal engagements. Digital marketing campaign Creating a networking platform to generate business opportunities and enhance communication between various parties. One-on-one meetings with key movers & shakers across the region, to ensure attendance, in addition to high-level networking activities.

17 FORUM GIFT CONCEPTS During and Post-Forum Live telecast of the Forum. Press relations highlighting the occurrences and outcomes of the Forum. A cultural event, to promote the Republic of Cuba from an artistic standpoint. Website updates Cigar Box Cigars Pins Award Pens Pins Digital marketing campaign Cigar Box Pins To be presented during the award and recognition ceremony. Pens

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