Cuban Ambassador Alan Torres to Al-Qabas: We look forward to a long-term partnership with Kuwait
Meiry Al-Sukari: Cuban Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Alan Torres, affirmed that the first round of negotiations regarding a double taxation avoidance agreement between Kuwait and Cuba represents an important step toward enhancing bilateral economic relations. He noted that both sides are working constructively to advance the negotiations and complete them with the utmost efficiency.
Torres told Al-Qabas that it is too early to set a date for the signing of the agreement or its entry into force, clarifying that this will be announced following the successful completion of technical negotiations and the agreement of both governments on the final text. He added that the agreement will provide greater legal certainty and stability for companies and investors operating between Kuwait and Cuba, and will serve as an important tool for creating the necessary conditions to achieve tangible expansion in economic and trade relations between the two countries.
Torres stated that Cuba is looking to attract sustainable, productive, and mutually beneficial investments, particularly those that create jobs, generate exports, transfer technology, and contribute to the development of the Cuban economy. He pointed out that his country recently implemented significant reforms to make foreign investment more flexible and faster, noting that in July 2026, Decree No. 153 was introduced, which amended the executive regulations of the Foreign Investment Law. This decree provided shorter and clearer procedures, simplified required documentation, and granted more flexibility in managing companies with foreign investments.
Regarding the sectors that would benefit most from the agreement, the Cuban ambassador said that opportunities exist in several fields, but tourism, renewable energy, biotechnology, pharmaceutical industries, agriculture, and services represent areas of special priority. He explained that Cuba has significant opportunities in developing hotels, tourism infrastructure, marinas, and tourism-related real estate, alongside medical, eco, and cultural tourism, as well as other forms of specialized tourism.
He added that energy, particularly renewable energy, represents a promising field for cooperation, given the need to develop sustainable energy sources and enhance infrastructure efficiency. He highlighted that biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry are among Cuba’s most prominent strengths, as the country has developed internationally recognized capabilities in vaccines, pharmaceutical products, and medical services.
Torres emphasized that agriculture and food production are a major priority, especially in light of Kuwait’s growing interest in food security. He pointed to opportunities in agricultural production, food processing, livestock, irrigation, agricultural technology, storage, and logistics and distribution services. He stated that his country welcomes direct Kuwaiti investments, as well as partnerships with Cuban entities and companies.
He added, “Our message to Kuwaiti companies is that Cuba is looking for serious and long-term partners. We are interested in investors who bring capital, technology, managerial expertise, markets, and production capabilities.”
Torres welcomed the idea of establishing a Kuwaiti-Cuban business council or a permanent economic forum between the two countries, considering that this proposal could help identify concrete projects, connect companies, follow up on investment proposals, and address practical obstacles. He said that while governmental relations between Kuwait and Cuba are important, modern economic diplomacy also requires direct and continuous communication between the business communities of both countries. He added, “I believe we should move step by step: first, sign the agreement; then, enhance Kuwaiti investors’ interest; and afterward, we can study the establishment of this mechanism.”
