Cuba Open to Trump Businesses Under One Condition

Cuba would permit business investments linked to United States President Donald Trump under the condition that such ventures respect the laws of the island, according to Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío. The unexpected statement comes as Havana attempts to attract foreign capital to relieve a deep economic, energy, and tourism crisis, while Trump stated on July 16 that “things will happen in Cuba” over the following months.

Cuba Outlines Conditions for Trump-Linked Business Ventures

Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío stated during an interview with The New York Times that the Cuban government does not exclude Trump or his organization from operating in the country. “We do not exclude him or his organization from doing business in Cuba, if he does it respecting Cuban laws,” the official declared. Fernández de Cossío added that if someone arrives with connections to important business figures in the United States, authorities are ready to dialogue, noting that in principle there is no reason to say no to the Trump administration.

The statements follow discussions regarding a business group from the United Arab Emirates interested in building a luxury tourism complex in Cayo Santa María. That project could be named “Trump Island” if its promoters reach an agreement with the Trump Organization, though public records contain no confirmation that the U.S. company has agreed to participate. Fernández de Cossío noted that U.S. laws represent the primary barrier to any Trump-related business dealings, stating that “what prohibits Donald Trump from investing in Cuba are U.S. laws.”

Economic Strain and International Restrictions on Trade

Havana continues seeking new partners while hotels, cruise terminals, and other assets remain underutilized across the island. Cuban authorities have offered properties and coastal land to international investors through management contracts, leases, and mixed enterprises. At the same time, Fernández de Cossío acknowledged ongoing difficulties in securing fuel, stating that the government expects “some oil to arrive from somewhere in the world” while holding Washington responsible for financial and commercial isolation.

The diplomat criticized the reach of foreign policy measures enforced by Washington against commercial partners. “The coercive arm of the U.S. has proved to be very successful,” Fernández de Cossío said, accusing Washington of pressuring European, Latin American, and Asian companies to prevent trade with Cuba. He maintained that the capacity of the U.S. to isolate Cuba and deprive countries of exporting their products cannot last indefinitely. These economic moves coincide with recent reports regarding Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of Raúl Castro, who reportedly expressed interest in negotiating with U.S. representatives while outlining a vision of exceptional prosperity for the island during conversations disclosed in July.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions has Cuba placed on investments linked to Donald Trump?
According to Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba would allow investments linked to Donald Trump provided that those businesses respect Cuban laws and operate peacefully.

What specific tourism project has been discussed in relation to the Trump Organization?
A business group from the United Arab Emirates has shown interest in building a luxury tourism complex in Cayo Santa María, which could be named “Trump Island” if promoters secure an agreement with the Trump Organization. However, public records show no confirmation that the U.S. company has agreed to participate.

What has Donald Trump said regarding future developments involving Cuba?
Donald Trump stated on July 16 that “many things” could happen in Cuba over the following two months, though he did not specify what actions or events he meant.

How might potential negotiations between international investors and Cuban authorities alter the economic landscape of the island in the coming months?