Not legal, tax, or investment advice — and not authorization for any transaction. U.S. sanctions (the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 CFR Part 515) heavily restrict — and in most cases prohibit — dealings between U.S. persons and Cuba, including any form of investment or equity in a Cuban business. The rules are complex, fact-specific, and change; nothing on this site is a determination that any transaction is lawful. Structure anything Cuba-facing only with qualified OFAC sanctions counsel, and screen every party (names, entities, wallets) with QvaPay Sentinel.
Primary sources: OFAC Cuba Sanctions · 31 CFR Part 515 (CACR) · OFAC Cuba FAQs · Cuba Restricted List
GAESA — Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A.
aka GAESA
Cuban military business conglomerate. Controls an estimated 40–80% of the economy: ports/logistics, retail (CIMEX), tourism (Gaviota), finance (FINCIMEX), import/export. The single most important — and most legally radioactive — counterparty in Cuba.
- • Cuba Restricted List: GAESA — Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A.
- • OFAC SDN: Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S.A. (GAESA) (2020-12-21)
Assets controlled (3)
TC Mariel + ZED Mariel
Underused vs capacity; deepwater berth + logistics/warehousing expansion
ZED Mariel (Special Development Zone)
Active — food, biotech, chemicals, logistics, real estate
Port of Havana
Best positioned for cruise/tourism/ferries + waterfront redevelopment