Cuba will allow overseas侨民 to invest and own businesses in the country Trump: First Iran, then Cuba

Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Pérez Ovalle, told a U.S. NBC News interview that Cuban nationals living in places like Miami will be allowed to invest and own their own businesses in Cuba's private sector.

Pérez Ovalle, a 70s-born individual, is the grandson of Angela Castro, the elder sister of the Castro brothers, former leaders of Cuba. Observers note that Pérez Ovalle, who was appointed as vice prime minister in October last year and is an electronic engineer by profession, is a rising star in Cuban politics.

In an interview with NBC, Pérez Ovalle said that the U.S. "blockade" has hindered these efforts, and Cuba is trying to deal with an energy crisis, rare violent protests, and open pressure from the Trump administration.

Before announcing this news to Cuba on Monday night, Pérez Ovalle said during an interview in Havana, "Cuba is willing to establish smooth commercial relations with American companies," and "is also willing to establish (commercial relations) with Cubans and their descendants living in the United States."

This is Pérez Ovalle's first interview. He is trying to revitalize Cuba's weak economy through a series of economic reforms, aiming to create what he calls a "vibrant business environment." These reforms aim to revitalize multiple industries, including tourism, mining, and the repair and upgrade of old power grids.

Pérez Ovalle added, "This is not limited to the business sector, but also applies to investment - not only small investments, but also large investments, especially in infrastructure."

The Miami Herald quoted an anonymous source on Friday, reporting that this investment news was expected. However, Pérez Ovalle stated, "The U.S. blockade and hostile policies are undoubtedly one of the factors affecting these transformations," referring to Cuba's efforts to develop economic ties with the United States.

Pérez Ovalle said, "The blockade has deprived us of opportunities to obtain financing, technology, and markets. In recent years, it has particularly targeted cutting off our country's fuel supply."

Cuban authorities stated that no oil shipments have arrived in the country for the past three months. On Friday the 13th, the Cuban government confirmed for the first time that it is holding talks with the Trump administration in the United States. Trump had warned the Cuban authorities that they might face a fate similar to that of Venezuelan President Maduro.

The First Secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee and President of Cuba, Díaz-Canel, stated on Friday that no oil shipments have arrived in the country for the past three months, leading to an energy crisis across the island, causing power outages, and forcing hospitals to delay surgeries.

According to official newspapers, this triggered violent protests, which are extremely rare in this one-party state. On Saturday, a peaceful demonstration in the central city of Morón turned into a violent event, with protesters throwing stones at the party committee building and setting fires on the streets.

Díaz-Canel also pointed out on Friday that Cuba has started dialogue with the United States. In a video broadcast on national television, he said, "These talks aim to seek solutions to the differences between the two countries through dialogue." Díaz-Canel expressed hope that the negotiations would enable these long-term rivals to "get out of confrontation."

In Washington, Trump said on Sunday that the United States may soon reach an agreement with Cuba or take other actions, indicating that the long-standing tense situation between the U.S. and Cuba could quickly change.

Trump told reporters on Air Force One, "Cuba also wants to reach an agreement, I think we will soon reach an agreement, or take any necessary measures. We are negotiating with Cuba, but we will first deal with Iran, and then Cuba."

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859841602417676/

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