Chapter 4, Problem 17MESP

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

Suppose Cuba’s government collapses and the nation embarks on a path of economic transition. The ways Cuba’s experience differs from that of Russia and China.

Given information:

Cuba is communist state and ally of Soviet Union when existed. Cuba has bartered sugar for oil and other goods with their communist ally. When Soviet Union crumbled in 1989, Cuba had to sell their sugar on the open market. Whereas Cuban sugar export earned $5 billion in 1990 they just earned $400 million by 2016. Now, it remains a net importer of sugar.

Cuba opened key state industries to non-Cuban investment. As a result, joint ventures became a key plank in the effort to prop up Cuba through limited economic reforms.