In light of the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in several provinces in eastern Cuba and the outpouring of international solidarity, the competent authorities have provided information on the procedures established for receiving and managing donations from abroad in the context of the current emergency situation.
On this topic, Granma spoke with William Díaz Menéndez, director general of International Cooperation, and Zoe Hernández Portales, director of ProCuba, both executives from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment, who explained that in these cases, the emergency procedure provided for in Decree Law No. 16 applies, which establishes that the approval of specific donation offers from international cooperation corresponds to the Head of Mincex.
It was specified that all entities with legal personality in the country can manage and receive international donations. The resources can come from various sources: multilateral, bilateral, governmental, private, and individuals, including Cuban citizens residing abroad.
Mincex conducts this process through its International Aid Group, and all State bodies and entities are required to report any offers of cooperation they are aware of to the Ministry for evaluation, coordination, approval, and control.
CUSTOMS AND FINANCIAL PROCEDURES
With regard to donations in kind, it is reported that their importation goes through an expedited procedure, once approved by Mincex, although the designated importing company must complete the procedures established for each type of product.
For financial donations, accounts have been set up in three Cuban banks, in coordination with the agency:
-Banco Popular de Ahorro (BPA): DONATIONS account, No. 1299731002599738, SWIFT: BPAHCUHHXXX.
-Banco Financiero Internacional (BFI): DONATIVOS POR EMERGENCIA account, No. 0300000005336242, SWIFT: BFICCUHHXXX.
-Banco Internacional de Comercio (BICSA): DONATIONS-CUBA account, No. 0407610081870041, SWIFT: BIDCCUHHXXX.
ACCEPTED ITEMS
It was clarified that there are no limitations on the receipt of donations, except for those resources that, due to their characteristics, have restrictions, and a preliminary list of resources has been sent to Cuban missions abroad to conduct the process of offers.
Both authorities reiterated that, as a matter of policy, Cuba does not request aid, but it appreciates and facilitates the channels for solidarity that are spontaneously offered to the Cuban people in these difficult times.
