At a meeting of the joint commission for cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) and the Government of Cuba, held in Havana, a project was presented to create a large logistics center on the island with preferential conditions for companies from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). In essence, this is an attempt to build a dedicated “bridge” for the Union into Latin America and the Caribbean.
The new hub is expected to become an entry point for Russian, Belarusian and other Eurasian goods to the markets of the region. Cuba is a logical choice for such a platform: the country has a favorable geographic location at the crossroads of sea routes, port infrastructure, and long experience operating under various restrictions, including the U.S. embargo. Analysts do not rule out that the project may be based on the development of existing facilities, such as the Mariel Special Development Zone, although this has not been officially confirmed yet.
What can this hub actually offer EAEU companies in practice?
Project promoters speak of “preferential conditions”, and this usually covers a whole package of support measures:
- relief in taxes and customs duties;
- simplified procedures for cargo clearance and transit;
- creation of warehouse and cold storage facilities for long supply chains;
- a “one-stop shop” service for exporters and importers.
For Russia and Belarus, which are under severe sanctions, a logistics center in Cuba may become yet another tool for diversifying foreign trade. The European direction is largely closed or has become much more expensive, while demand for EAEU products – from fertilizers and petrochemicals to food and machinery – exists in Latin American and Caribbean countries and continues to grow.
If the project is implemented, the beneficiaries will not be limited to Moscow and Minsk. Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan would also gain a potential pathway into new markets without having to build complex ocean-crossing infrastructure on their own. At the same time, there are obvious risks: Cuba’s unstable economic situation, possible pressure from the United States, and the need for substantial investment in port and logistics modernization. Nevertheless, the very fact that such a hub is being discussed shows that the EAEU is increasingly turning toward the Global South and seeking long-term, rather than situational, solutions to bypass transport and financial barriers.