March 01, 2008

A View of the Cuban Economy: Updated

In an exhaustive, surprisingly objective, report in Businessweek, Geri Thomas summarizes the state of the Cuban economy and its potential for growth. The report hits many notes, not all financial. Kudos to the author for touching on the oppression Cubans feel, as well as the inequities of the system. The economic analysis is interesting as well, raising the dilemma of how they're going to refine their hypothetical oil, and the customer service problems in the tourist industry. Be sure to follow the link to the debate on lifting the embargo. It would benefit from the opinions of people who know what they're talking about.

Update: Alas this article was followed by another by Geri Smith, this one with a decided anti-embargo bent. After all we trade with China and Vietnam, don't ya know? And who is the go to person for a quote? None other than Charlie Rangel. Geez. Read it here.

H/T Penultimos Dias

My previous post on the subject of business and Cuba was ambiguous as to perspective. When the ban on the sale of foodstuffs to Cuba was lifted in response to a hurricane disaster, it seemed a humanitarian gesture. It was actually the head of a very large camel inching its way into the American tent, unleashing a wave of greed that threatens foreign policy. The clamor to do business with the regime smacks of opportunism. (I'm indebted to Alberto for the word.) In any case, there is the little problem of the approximately 2 billion in American assets seized without compensation.

Exiles and Cuban Americans have been maligned in the press as waiting to exploit Cuba should the regime fall. So perhaps I'm a bit hypersensitive about those who are already speculating in Cuba futures, so to speak. Aside from the unseemliness of it all, their voices will join those who advocate lifting the embargo. There's nothing like self-interest to fuel political views. For what it's worth.

Posted by rsnlk at March 1, 2008 12:29 PM



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Comments

Why wasn't I consulted on this? I also don't appreciate being called "Voz de Pito." Look at me now. I am the world's leading authority on the Cuban economy! The Miami Herald cited me last week. That shows how important I am. Businessweek is nothing in comparison to the Herald, that's why they didn't call me. They just don't like the idea that I promote the Chinese economic model for Cuba. I know what's best for Cuba's economy. Just read any of my award-winning books.

Posted by: Carmelo Meca-Gado [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 1, 2008 01:45 PM

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