He Russian bank Novikombankbelonging to the state corporation Rostec, became this Thursday the Pioneer branch to open a store in Cubaexactly in Havana, as part of the economic project agreed upon between both governments.
According to the EFE agency, the entity will focus on financially support the work of Russian companies present in the country in areas such as the construction of airplanes, engines and automobiles, oil extraction and radio electronics industry.
The entity also intends to guarantee the stability of payments between Russia and Cubaand banking support for economic-commercial relations and investments.
The Spanish media added that Novikombank is confident that The opening of the office will expand interaction with banks and Cuban clientsboth existing and potential.
Yelena Georgieva, president of the institution, explained that this fact “is not only a new stage for the bank, but also an important step in Russian-Cuban relations.”
Although only its citizens can use themIt is worth remembering that Russia activated access to MIR bank cards, the Russian alternative to Visa and Mastercard, in payment terminals in Cuba last December.
In fact, the Cuban regime reported that – until the first week of May – more than 67,000 transactions with the MIR. Managed by the Russian National Card Payment System (NSPK), the payment system has become an essential tool for Russian visitors, facilitating access to a variety of services and products in Cuban territory.
The Cuban government estimates that this year more than 200,000 Russian tourists will arrive in the country. “The influx of travelers currently exceeds record numbers dating back to 2019, with more than 184,000 visitors,” said Juan Carlos García Granda, minister of tourism, during the International Tourism Fair (MITT), in Moscow.
In the middle of a serious economic and social crisisthe administration of the ruler Miguel Diaz-Canel tries to attract tourism from the Eurasian nation with packages that include excursions, especially nautical ones, which are among the favorites of tourists from that land. Since 2023, Russia is considered the third country that sends visitors to Cuba.
