Cuba

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General Overview

Population: 11,382,820 (July 2006 est.)
GDP (purchasing power parity): US$39.17 billion (2005 est.)
GDP per capita: US$3,500 (2005 est.)
GDP (real growth rate): 8% (2005 est.)
Industries: sugar, petroleum, tobacco, construction, nickel, steel, cement, agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals
Imports: US$6.916 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Import commodities: petroleum, food, machinery and equipment, chemicals
Exports: US$2.388 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Export commodities: sugar, nickel, tobacco, fish, medical products, citrus, coffee
Alberta's export to Cuba: CDN$78 million (2005)
Alberta's main exports to Cuba: sulfur, wheat, dairy products and machinery and electrical parts and appliances
Canada's main exports to Cuba: machinery and electrical parts and appliances, textiles(clothing) sulfur, copper wire, peas and dairy products

For detailed information about Cuba, the following websites provide economic, political and historical information:

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Export Statistics

For detailed information on Alberta and Canadian exports to Cuba, consult the following statistical publications and databases:

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Alberta-Cuba Relations

Alberta companies have capitalized on the unbroken official relationship between Canada and Cuba existing since 1946. Alberta's private sector has established strong trade and investment ties with Cuba in the areas of agriculture, mining, manufacturing and educational services.

  • World Relations
    Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations summary of Alberta's relationship with Cuba.

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Sector Opportunities

  • Alberta International Marketing Strategy (AIMS)

    Ensures the Alberta government's trade promotion and investment attraction activities are focused on key international markets.

    According to AIMS, Cuba is a priority market for education and training. Alberta Advanced Education and Alberta Education are collaborating with key stakeholders in the development of an International Education Action Plan.

  • Building Products

    The tourism industry continues to expand in Cuba and, as a result, the demand for tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants has led to significant foreign investment and development in this sector. Canada has also participated in a number of related projects in areas such as airport improvements and infrastructure projects.

  • Environmental Goods & Services

    Cuba has adequate water resources but the water distribution and sewer systems are not in good condition. Major work is required to upgrade the system. The environment current issues are: air and water pollution; biodiversity loss, deforestation.

  • Industrial Machinery

    The current problems are largely due to a lack of spare parts and fuel. Expertise in "flexible manufacturing" could find application in this environment, especially considering the need to supply both domestic and export markets and to expand as the market grows. This is also an emerging market for retrofitted industrial automation and environmental controls as well as used equipment. The leading industries are textiles and apparel, iron and steel, chemicals, furniture, plastics and ceramics, as well as soups, detergents and cosmetics.

  • Mining Equipment & Services

    Canadian mining companies such as Sherritt International are very active in Cuba. Cuban exports of nickel and cobalt, much of which is refined in Alberta, is an important source of foreign currency earning for Cuba. In recent years, there has been considerable exploration activity being carried out by foreign firms looking for copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc and chrome; low commodity prices have led to sharp decline in exploration activity. There are opportunities for exploration and mining joint ventures as well as mining services ventures.

  • Oil & Gas Equipment and Services

    Recent discoveries have shown that Cuba may be able to produce as much as 18.3 million barrels of oil per year. Cuba has opened an 112,000sq.km area in the Gulf of Mexico for deep-water oil exploration by foreign companies.

    New oil and natural gas extraction technology has resulted in increased production from operations along the northwest coast of the Republic of Cuba where Toronto-based Sherritt International Corporation, in partnership with Republic of Cuba government-operated Cuba Petróleo (Cupet), is active. Comercial Cupet S.A. is responsible for developing and entering into contracts with foreign investors and with services companies, and is actively searching for exploration companies with the capacity to enter into investment/equity sharing agreements.

For additional information on business opportunities and resources for market intelligence, visit:

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Exporting Your Products - Services for Exporters

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Other Resources

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Alberta International, Intergovernmental & Aboriginal Relations Contacts

For customized export facilitation, contact our sector officers for Cuba:

Other Contacts:

Date Updated: Sep 30, 2008
RDP-810