Cuba urges US to join Mariel Zone

Authorities of Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) encourage US companies to invest in this project despite the regulatory laws of that country, media reported today on the island.

The main ZEDM Office directive, Ana Teresa Igarza, told the Cuban press that ZEDM welcomes "Americans too" who are invited to "come to the area, but the laws of their country prevent it". 

"They have to ask permission, to see if they get it, when normal would be that they could negotiate freely," added Igarza, saying that while the embargo restrictions remain, the ZEDM continue "working with American companies, some of which they risk" and ask "permission" to OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States).

So far, governors, senators and mayors of American country have visited the area with representatives of major corporations such as Caterpillar, General Electric, General Motors, Johnson & Johnson, Dell, Microsoft, among others.