Cuba Expands Foreign Trade Technology

The importation and exportation of goods to and from Cuba is about to get easier with a new software system called VUCE. Cuba is developing a new computerized system for import/export approvals which will streamline the process.

In 2019, Cuba will begin using an integrated digital platform designed to simplify foreign trade procedures for the export and import of goods.

The Single Window of Foreign Trade (VUCE) program will provide information and will enable electronic management of required approvals for the entry and exit of products.

According to Vivian Herrera, official of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, the implementation of the VUCE program will go through several phases of testing due to its complexity and will be fully operational by the end of 2019.

The establishment of the technology program responds to the trade facilitation commitment agreed to by the Cuban government before the World Trade Organization (WTO). The development of the software has the technical assistance of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

More than 30 government authorities linked to the international commercialization process and another six that require similar procedures are working together with the Cuban government in order to unify and edit the business requirements documentation. The National Software Company has assumed the contract of the development of the online project.

This is an important step forward in the import/export trade area because, up until now, a single electronic Window systems for the General Customs Office of Cuba and the Mariel Special Development Zone operations had been in use.

Streamlining foreign trade operations is essential for Cuba given the characteristics of its developing economy with a high dependence on external links for the acquisition of essential commodities such as fuel and food.

According to the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, more than 3,000 foreign companies participate in these transactions, and the goal is to continue diversifying the export/import markets. A program such as VUCE is vital for the expansion of foreign investment, exportation and importation.