After more than fifty years of estrangement, Cuba and the United States have now re-established diplomatic relations. Although trade sanctions have yet to be lifted, this marks an important milestone on the path towards greater engagement between the two countries. Because of ties of history, the importance of the Cuban immigrant community, and Cuba’s proximity to the United States, this country has a significance that is out of size with its economy.Without discounting the importance of remaining disagreements – on topics such as Cuba’s human rights record, travel restrictions, and Guantànamo – the prospects for trade and investment between the countries have brightened considerably. However, the economic system of Cuba remains unique – dominated by subsidized state enterprises, a dual currency system, and hostility towards markets. These circumstances, together with the long-standing restrictions on travel to Cuba, add to the importance of developing a better understanding of the Cuban economic and political system.

In light of this, the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business CIBER is leading a faculty development program to Cuba in May 2018. The goal of the program is to enable participants to develop a better understanding of the working of the Cuban economy within its broader historical, political and cultural context, to get a sense of the changes that are underway both domestically and in the context of the evolving US-Cuba relationship, and to appreciate the business prospects that have opened up. The program will also enable participants to develop connections with counterparts at Cuban universities.  

Through business visits and speaking engagements with professionals, government representatives, and the higher education community in Cuba, the FDIB will explore topics of high current relevance, including:

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