The cooperation between Turkey and Cuba in the field of maritime will be developed, which will pave the way for Turkey’s ship exports to Cuba. With the approval of the bill passed by the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, the legal framework of maritime investments between the two countries will be determined and economic and commercial activities are expected to gain momentum.
According to the news in the world, Deputy Foreign Minister Yavuz Selim Kıran, who gave information about the Law Proposal Concerning the Approval of the Maritime Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Republic of Cuba, at the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, noted that the agreement was signed on November 12, 2020.
Kıran stated that while the political relations with Cuba are progressing at a very good level, the economic relations are not yet at the desired level, but they have an important potential, and the development of cooperation with Cuba in the field of maritime will make a significant contribution to the advancement of economic and commercial relations in general.
Expressing that with the agreement, a solid legal basis will be provided for the investments in the maritime sector in Cuba, Kıran said:
“In 2018, a Turkish investor won the tender for the Cruise Port Management in Havana Port of Cuba. With this agreement, which also includes cooperation in port construction and operation, we will reveal a framework that will accelerate investments in the maritime sector. On the other hand, Cuba is interested in the ships built in our country, especially tugs, and they are in contact with some of our shipyards on this subject. According to Cuban legislation, a text is required to form a basis for them to buy ships from our country, the maritime agreement will provide this legal basis. With the entry into force of the agreement, we will also pave the way for our ship exports to Cuba.”
Customs procedures will be easier
Noting that the agreement also provides mutual recognition of the certificates of seafarers, Kıran said, “Seafarers will have the right of visa-free entry or transit within the framework stipulated in the agreement, and administrative, customs and health procedures at the ports will be facilitated mutually. This will reduce the costs of our ship-operating importer and exporter companies and accelerate bilateral maritime transport and trade. We will also take encouraging steps to protect the marine and coastal environment. We consider that all these issues will contribute to our maritime sector. We have signed similar maritime agreements with Venezuela and Panama in the Latin American region. “Cuba has completed the domestic law ratification process of the agreement.”