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Public Procurement in Cuba

Public procurement in Cuba operates within a centrally coordinated economic and administrative framework, where state institutions play a dominant role in the acquisition of goods, works, and services. Government purchasing supports national development objectives, public service delivery, and the functioning of state-owned entities across key economic sectors.

Procurement activities in Cuba are primarily regulated through statutory contracting rules administered by central authorities. While the market structure differs from liberalized procurement systems, public contracts remain a critical channel for suppliers and service providers engaging with government institutions.

For domestic suppliers and approved international partners, understanding public procurement in Cuba requires familiarity with the legal framework, responsible institutions, and procedural practices that govern state contracting.

Country & Economic Overview

Public Procurement Governance Framework

Public procurement oversight in Cuba is administered at the central government level. The primary authority responsible for public procurement policy and financial oversight is the Ministerio de Finanzas y Precios, which regulates contracting practices across public institutions.

Procurement responsibilities are exercised by contracting entities operating under ministerial supervision, with centralized financial control mechanisms applied to public expenditures.

Legal & Regulatory Framework

Public procurement in Cuba is governed by a national contracting law that establishes the legal basis for public sector contracts. The legislation defines contractual obligations, institutional responsibilities, and the legal validity of procurement agreements.

The legal framework regulates public contracts executed by state institutions and establishes standardized contractual practices applicable across government entities.

Procurement Procedures & Thresholds

Procurement procedures in Cuba are conducted through administrative contracting processes aligned with state planning and budgetary controls. Contracting authorities follow prescribed internal procedures when sourcing goods, works, and services.

• Contracting is conducted by authorized public entities
• Procurement decisions are linked to approved public budgets
• Contracts are executed in accordance with national contracting law

E-Procurement System Overview

Public procurement in Cuba is not currently characterized by a centralized national electronic procurement platform. Procurement processes are administered through institutional mechanisms managed by contracting authorities.

Procurement documentation and supplier engagement are handled through administrative channels defined by public institutions.

Procurement Market Characteristics

The Cuban public procurement market is dominated by state institutions and state-owned enterprises. Procurement activities focus on supporting public services, infrastructure maintenance, and essential economic operations.

• Goods procurement supports public service delivery
• Works contracts relate to infrastructure and public facilities
• Services procurement supports administrative and technical functions

Transparency, Complaints & Oversight

Procurement oversight in Cuba is exercised through governmental financial and administrative controls. Contract execution and compliance are monitored internally by public authorities responsible for financial supervision.

Oversight mechanisms are embedded within the public administration framework governing state contracts.

Sustainability & Green Public Procurement

Public procurement in Cuba does not currently operate under a formal green public procurement framework. Environmental considerations may be addressed through sector-specific regulations and project-level requirements.

Sustainability practices in procurement are applied through administrative decisions rather than a dedicated national green procurement policy.

Social & Ethical Procurement Considerations

Public procurement in Cuba is aligned with national labor and employment regulations applicable to state contracting. Ethical considerations in procurement are governed through general public sector rules and contractual obligations.

Procurement contracts are executed within the broader framework of national labor and social policies.

Key Challenges & Practical Insights for Bidders

Suppliers engaging in government tenders in Cuba should consider the centralized nature of procurement decision-making and the importance of compliance with national contracting rules.

• Engage with authorized contracting entities
• Ensure compliance with national legal requirements
• Understand administrative approval processes
• Align offers with public sector priorities

A structured understanding of Cuba’s procurement environment supports responsible participation and effective engagement with public institutions.