The Renowned Vietnamese Tile Manufacturer’s Venture in Cuba: A 6-Year Journey to Admirable Success

This project is the

ViMariel Industrial Park

, the first special economic zone in Cuba invested by a Vietnamese enterprise.

Strategically located within the Mariel Development Zone, less than 50 kilometers from the capital city of Havana, the ViMariel Industrial Park covers a total area of 256 hectares and commenced construction in 2018. The project is planned for a duration of 50 years (from 2018 to 2068).

The investor behind the ViMariel Industrial Park is Viglacera Corporation, a renowned Vietnamese tile manufacturer. ViMariel is the first concession project in Cuba granted to a 100% foreign-owned enterprise. Viglacera is well-known for its extensive experience in real estate and industrial infrastructure development in Vietnam. The company has implemented this project with a professional approach, employing modern methods, and is ready to welcome investors to set up manufacturing facilities and conduct business operations.

Over the past six years (since its construction) and upon becoming operational, the

ViMariel Industrial Park has played a crucial role in meeting the demand for various goods


(including food production, construction materials, agriculture, and medical equipment) in the Cuban market

, significantly reducing the amount of foreign currency spent on imports. Additionally, the project has created numerous job opportunities for Cuban workers, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the country’s manufacturing industry.

On September 26, 2024, as part of the activities during a state visit to Cuba, General Secretary To Lam and First Secretary and President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez, visited the Mariel Development Zone (ZEDM), Cuba’s first free trade export processing zone. During this visit, the two leaders of Vietnam and Cuba directly inspected several projects, including the ViMariel Industrial Park, and presented gifts to Vietnamese workers involved in the project’s construction.

During this visit, General Secretary To Lam emphasized that Vietnam will never forget the heartfelt sentiments Cuba has shown towards Vietnam in the past. He affirmed the determination of the Vietnamese Party, State, and investors to contribute to Cuba’s nation-building and development efforts.

The ViMariel Industrial Park has become a crucial link, facilitating investors and businesses in accessing the Latin American, Caribbean, and South American markets, which hold significant growth potential in the future. Viglacera’s investment strategy is paving the way for a wave of Vietnamese enterprises to enter the Cuban market, positively impacting the economic relationship between Vietnam and Cuba, elevating it to match the strong political ties between the two nations.

The Strategic Location of the Over-250-Hectare Industrial Park Developed by a Vietnamese Enterprise in Cuba

Many investors recognize the ViMariel Industrial Park for its strategic location and prominent advantages. Being part of the Mariel Development Zone, ViMariel enjoys easy connectivity to surrounding key areas and smooth mobility. This is evident in its proximity to three major Cuban airports: Jose Marti (42 km away), De Baracoa (25 km), and San Antonio De Los Banos (25 km).

Additionally, the ViMariel Industrial Park is adjacent to the TC Mariel deep-water port, one of the five deep-water ports in the Caribbean and Central American region. As a result, ViMariel is considered the only economic zone in Cuba with the most convenient access to road, sea, rail, and air transportation, serving a market of over 400 million people, including Cuba and the Caribbean countries.

With the advantage of four modes of transportation, the ViMariel Industrial Park will help investors save time and logistics costs, streamlining all processes from production and business operations to the import and export of goods and materials, as well as providing support for workers during their employment.

The Mariel Special Zone spans an area of approximately 465 square kilometers, located at the Mariel port in six municipalities of the Artemisa province. Established in January 2013, it is Cuba’s first and only special economic zone to date.