Russia is looking to strengthen its trade ties with Latin America through a strategic partnership with Cuba. The two nations are collaborating to establish a joint logistics hub at Cuba’s Port of Mariel, a deep-water port located at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico. This move aims to streamline trade flows between Moscow and Latin America, according to a report by RIA Novosti.
The project was confirmed on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025), which took place last week. Tatyana Mashkova, head of Russia’s National Committee for Economic Cooperation with Latin American Countries, revealed that both sides are working together to set up the hub. Port of Mariel features a container terminal, free-trade zone, modern warehousing, and rail links, making it an attractive location for investment and local production. Several Russian companies have already established a presence at the site.
Mashkova emphasized that the joint logistics hub would enable Russian companies to deliver their goods more efficiently across Central America and the Caribbean. She also mentioned that Russian and Cuban business representatives are discussing ways to enhance financial cooperation, with support from the Russian Export Center. The goal is to facilitate bilateral trade and reduce logistical barriers.
In addition to the joint logistics hub, Cuba has offered to host an industrial park for the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) within the Mariel special economic zone. The proposed 50-hectare site would be leased to the bloc for 50 years, with an option to extend. This would allow EAEU members to localize production, invest directly, and expand their access to Latin American markets.
The EAEU comprises five post-Soviet nations: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Cuba has been cooperating with the bloc for several years and became an official observer in 2020. This partnership is expected to further strengthen trade relations between Russia and Latin America, with Cuba’s strategic location playing a key role in facilitating trade flows. As the project progresses, it will be interesting to see how this collaboration benefits both nations and the wider region.
