Izvestia newspaper reported that the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade recently confirmed that Russian businesses will be allowed to directly operate industrial plants in Cuba. This is an important change, because before that Russian investors were often hesitant due to lack of direct control over capital flows and production activities.
Being able to operate means that Russian businesses have more legal guarantees, reduce the risk of late payment and improve capital recovery capacity. This is considered the "key" to help remove long-standing bottlenecks in bilateral economic cooperation.
In fact, from the end of 2025, the two sides have started testing this model. One of the notable projects is the participation of Russian businesses in managing a 5-star hotel in Holguin.
Not only industry, the Cuban market is opening up many opportunities for Russian businesses. In the healthcare sector, the two sides signed an agreement to develop multi-value cancer vaccines, combining Cuba's strength in biological research with Russia's production capacity.
The food industry is also assessed as full of potential as dozens of Russian businesses are ready to export meat, milk and seafood to the Caribbean island nation. Meanwhile, the automobile sector is gradually being restored, with plans to assemble cars and open dealerships in Havana.
Notably, the Moscow government also plans to deploy a taxi fleet using Moskvich cars in the Cuban capital, including a part of electric cars.
Russia-Cuba cooperation does not stop at trade. In the context of Cuba facing energy difficulties due to US sanctions, Russia has supplied crude oil to support.
At the end of March, a ship carrying about 100,000 tons of oil docked at the port of Cuba, contributing to reducing fuel shortage pressure.
In the long term, Russia plans to invest more than 1 billion USD in Cuban infrastructure by 2030, including building and upgrading power plants. Previously, Russian businesses also participated in the exploitation of the Boca de Haruco oil field, helping to increase production and significantly supplement oil reserves for Havana.
Another important factor is the debt issue. In 2014, Russia wrote off up to 90% of Cuba's 31.7 billion USD debt, creating a favorable financial foundation for long-term cooperation.
Allowing Russian businesses to directly operate factories in Cuba is not only of economic significance. This is also a strategic step to help Moscow strengthen its presence in the Western Hemisphere - an area considered the "backyard" of the US.
In the context of Cuba under pressure from sanctions, diversifying partners and reducing dependence on the USD has become a priority. Transactions between the two countries are increasingly shifting to payments in domestic currencies or in the form of goods exchange.
On the Russian side, Cuba plays a gateway role to access the Latin American and Caribbean markets. When Russian businesses can directly operate production, they not only better control investment efficiency but also export technology, management models and supply chains.
