In the heart of the Caribbean, the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZED Mariel) is consolidating its position as Cuba's main industrial and logistics hub, designed to offer a strong and stable business environment with unique competitive advantages for both domestic and foreign investors.
ZED Mariel boasts high-quality infrastructure, prepared to guarantee operational continuity, even in the face of extreme events. After Hurricane Rafael struck in late 2024, the Zone demonstrated its resilience and recovery capacity, restoring all production within a month. This achievement is a testament to the strength of its facilities and the commitment of its team, ensuring that your investment is protected.
Within the framework of the 41st Havana International Fair, at the 8th Investment Forum, Ana Teresa Igarza Martínez, general director of the Mariel Special Development Zone, explained that the Zone operates with a Single Window system that offers personalized attention and accompanies the investor throughout the entire life cycle of their company: from the preparation of the initial documentation, to the resolution of any requirement during the operation.
VARIED OPPORTUNITIES AND NATIONAL PRODUCTION
The Mariel Special Development Zone's portfolio of opportunities includes 35 projects in key sectors such as:
-Food industry: Dairy products, pasta, processed meats, and agricultural crops.
-Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals: Production of oral solids, inhalers, contraceptives, and proteins, with a clear focus on export.
-General and chemical industry: Furniture manufacturing, steel processing, production of polymer-based goods, and flexible packaging.
-Logistics and transportation: With a Regional Logistics Center and three operating entities offering comprehensive supply chain services.
-Construction and real estate: Development of a business center, production of ceramics, bathroom fixtures, and metalwork.
It is crucial to highlight that everything produced and marketed in the Mariel Special Development Zone is 100% made in Cuba, which strengthens national production and offers a competitive advantage in the market.
INCENTIVES AND A RENEWED COMMITMENT
Recognizing the loyalty of the companies that have trusted the Zone since its inception, a series of financial, tax, labor, salary, and commercial measures have recently been implemented to strengthen its operations.
These measures, along with independent financial and tax regimes, aim to maximize the results and profitability of established companies.
WORLD-CLASS LOGISTICS PLATFORM
ZED Mariel is much more than just an area of Cuban territory for producing goods and services. Its deep-water port and integrated logistics platform allow companies to import components, carry out assembly, packaging, labeling, or final production processes, and redistribute their products to destinations throughout the region, taking advantage of the network of trade agreements to which Cuba is a signatory.
A PROJECT WITH A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Igarza Martínez highlighted the upcoming launch of a modern glass container production plant for the food industry, which will mark a milestone by eliminating costly imports and strengthening collaboration among producers.
This project exemplifies the Zone's strategic focus: import substitution, promoting domestic production, and creating synergies among industrial players.
The Mariel Special Development Zone offers global investors resilient infrastructure, agile governance, a diverse portfolio of projects, and a commitment to sustainable development. It is undoubtedly an ideal strategic partner for establishing and growing your business in Cuba and beyond.
WHAT DO INVESTORS THINK ABOUT THE ZONE?
For Alexei Pica Páramo, deputy general manager of the joint venture Nescor S.A., the Mariel Special Development Zone represents tangible development potential and a solid opportunity for investors. Drawing on his experience as someone already part of its ecosystem, Pica Páramo urges everyone to evaluate the project based on the realities on the ground.
“You have to trust,” but more than that, you have to know that the Zone supports the stakeholders who are here today, he affirms. “For any interested investor, the clearest path is to come, see firsthand, and seek references from the joint ventures that have been developing successful projects for years. We are the best example of the experiences and the positive results that can be achieved.”
As in any business scenario, he acknowledged, there are obstacles, but he warns about the distortion of information. In response, he proposes a simple and effective antidote: direct verification.
“The Mariel Special Development Zone offers many advantages for investing in a business that I am convinced has guaranteed growth. I have no doubt that this project will continue to expand, and those who invest in it now will position themselves in a market with great potential.”
Vi Nguyen Phuong, general director of Thai Binh—a Vietnamese company based in the Zone with six years of uninterrupted production—commented that a key factor in her experience has been the ongoing support from the Zone Office.
“From day one, the Office has supported us at every stage: from the company's legal incorporation, through the construction phase, and up to now, throughout all of production. Their support has been constant in every part of the process,” she affirmed.
The confidence generated by this solid support has been fundamental to the Vietnamese group's expansion in Cuba. “Yes, it's a reliable area,” she states with conviction. “We started with the first diaper project, but later expanded our investments with a second project. Today we have two factories in operation and a photovoltaic panel park.”
Both testimonials of growth and continued commitment serve as powerful endorsements for the Mariel Special Development Zone, demonstrating that investors who choose it not only establish themselves but also expand their businesses, finding a reliable partner for their long-term development.
