Cuba rated as “limited measure” the permission granted by Washington for island entrepreneurs to open US bank accounts through the internet to carry out financial transactions from the island.
For the Cuban Government, the new provisions of the Administration of President Joe Biden “exclude most of the population”, in addition to the fact that “they do not touch the body of the blockade (economic embargo by the United States on the island) nor do they modify the extreme measures” implemented during the presidency of Donald Trump (2017-2021).
“In case it means a real opening and not an electoral announcement, the Government of Cuba is determined not to hinder its implementation“, he stated at a press conference Johana Tabladadeputy director general of the United States of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minrex) of Cuba.
The US Treasury Department explained in a statement that as of this Tuesday it authorizes Cuban businessmen to “remotely open, maintain, and use U.S. bank accounts through an online payment platform to conduct authorized transactions” whether from the United States, Cuba or any other country in the world.
The announcement also includes self-employed workers.
Until now, islanders who visited the United States could open bank accounts in the North American country but could not use them once they returned to Cuba.
According to US sources, those companies related to Cuban Government officials and members of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC, the only legal one) sanctioned by the United States will not benefit from this measure.
US sources explained to the press that the rest of the sanctions on the island remain in force, such as the presence of Cuba on the list of States that promote terrorism.
In that sense, Tablada stressed that “It will be very difficult” apply the measures for the permanence of Havana on the list.
“It will be very difficult for a Cuban to find a bank (…) that wants to open an account”, he stressed.
In addition to facilitating access to the US banking system, the Joe Biden Administration updated the internet services it allows in Cuba, including social media platforms, video conferencing, games and maps.
It also authorized the export of software of Cuban origin from the United States to other countries.
He also lifted the blockade that weighed on transfers of funds that originate and end outside the United States, a measure that seeks to facilitate the sending of remittances to Cuba.
Source: Gestion
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