Business & Economy

Periodic shortages in Cuba of home and personal hygiene products marketed in stores selling in both regular pesos and hard currency will remain for the remainder of 2014, reported the official press on Thursday.

The Central Bank of Cuba (BCC) announced measures this week to minimize the entry of illicit capital through transactions resulting from the opening of the island to foreign capital under the recently adopted Foreign Investment Law.

On Saturday August 30th the Puentes Grandes Shopping Plaza opens its doors in the Cuban capital. The government administered stores are located in a restored building in the municipality of Cerro and will charge in both Cuban currencies.

Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo became the latest multi-millionaire from the island by signing a $72 million contract on Friday with the Boston Red Sox, the highest amount awarded thus far to a player from the island.

Internet giant Google announced Wednesday that its Chrome browser can now be downloaded in Cuba. The change comes as part of an easing of some US sanctions against the island, although the half century embargo remains in place.

The Central Bank of Cuba plans to issue in the near future new banknotes for regular Cuban pesos (CUP) with new security measures, according to official sources.

The Brazilian Ministry of Health launched this month in Havana a training program for a group of Cuban doctors on call to serve under contract in the South American country.