Despite warming relations between the United States and Cuba, Congress has yet to change the embargo on most forms of trade (although restrictions on Cuban cigar and rum imports was recently eased, among some other changes). As a result, so many design projects related to tourist facilities, buildings, ports, and other infrastructure improvements have gone... Continue Reading →
Design and construction services not authorized in Cuba
The U.S. Treasury Department has amended the Cuban Assets Control Regulations as of January 27, 2016. The changes are meant to further facilitate authorized travel to Cuba by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction; certain authorized commerce; and the flow of information to, from, and within Cuba. The existing Cuba embargo remains in place—that can only... Continue Reading →
Cuban asset control regulations modified to ease transactions
On September 21st, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) amended the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) to implement additional revisions consistent with the policy changes announced by President Obama in December 2014. According to the Treasury Department, the changes “are intended to further engage and empower the Cuban people by... Continue Reading →
Design firms need to be realistic about projects in Cuba
On December 17th President Obama announced a new approach to U.S.–Cuba diplomatic relations. Many design firms well aware of the need to upgrade the island’s infrastructure, hospitality, and housing are anxious to tap the market, either through lucrative aid contracts or by working with the many U.S. commercial entities that have been planning financial investments... Continue Reading →