The study of the economy of Cuba can be divided into four phases. The first phase consists of the occupation of the island by the Spanish, which led to the extinction of the aboriginals and the bringing of African slaves to work on the sugar plantations. At this point of time, Cuba provided for the highly profitable business of sugar cultivation and its exports. Sugar industry was the crux of Cuba’s economy and Cuba rose to become one of the largest producers of sugar in the world.


The second phase pertains to the years following the wars of independence against the Spanish and also the invasion of Cuba by the US. It is marked by the sweeping powers of intervention obtained by the US in 1902, with the Cuban economy being controlled by the growing investment of the US citizens in the sugar plantations of Cuba. Now, again, money and profits from the sugar plantation, sugar refineries and subsidiary sugar products such as rum went to the many American investors and a few Cuban elite. The other major industries also included tourism, tobacco, transportation, mining and the communication industry.


The third phase begins with the Cuban revolution and the beginning of Fidel Castro’s rule in the year 1959. All plantations that were more than 400 hectares became state owned and all industries including the petroleum and the telephones became nationalized. This lead to the US trade embargo towards Cuba. Cuba lost its traditional international market. However, Cuba found a trade and political ally in the USSR when the Cuban-sugar for Russian-oil package worked well. Cuba reoriented itself to the Russian and pro-Russian market and did over 80% of its international trade with them. The next 30 years saw tremendous improvement in health care, education and social welfare. Cuba boasts of a 97% literacy rate and the life expectancy increased to 76%. There was an egalitarian distribution of income and Cuba’s income inequality index became the lowest in the world.


All was well until 1989 when it became clear to Cuba that sooner or later Cuba would have to learn to do without any subsidies or trade relations with the USSR and the eastern European countries. The fourth phase begins here with the government dubbing it as the ‘Special Period in Peacetime’. The economic reforms include:


(i) the opening and gearing up of tourism as an industry

(ii) diversification of the agricultural sector by producing fruits and vegetables and rice along with live stock for local consumption that include the visiting tourists.

(iii) production of more of citrus food and less of sugar

(iv) focusing on that sector of fisheries which sent its fleets to nearby seas and exporting spiny lobsters to Japan

(v) State-owned lands have been converted to agricultural cooperatives that are managed to a certain degree by the workers. Retail outlets at a small scale have been allowed for the food market. In the field of food production, allowing the sale of excess production (which is above the state-fixed production quota) in the free market has brought down black markets, in addition to enhancing production

(vi) Foreign investments in various industries such as tourism, mining, telecommunication, construction and manufacturing sectors have been allowed

(vii) Self employment has been legalized for around 150 occupations.


Investment into biotechnology and pharmaceuticals during the third phase reaped returns when products of this industry were available for export now at the fourth phase.


The other Cuban industries include cement, steel, agricultural machinery and construction.


Fisheries, nickel and ore production, growing agricultural products such as fruits, tobacco are some areas that have shown growth in the export sector. Cuba now exports to European countries (50%), Canada and Latin America (20%), and Asia (20%).


Spain, France, and United Kingdom have invested in the tobacco and cigar production. Spain and Canada have invested in the exploration of oil off the shores of Cuba. Mexico, Canada, Australia, South-Africa, Netherlands, Brazil, and Chile are the other major countries that have invested in the various industries of Cuba.


Cuba has entered into an agreement with Venezuela whereby thousands of Cubans who are doctors, teachers and sports trainers, and engineers would move in to Venezuela to assist their development program in return for 53,000 barrels of oil per day being shipped to Cuba for the next five years.


“Energy revolution” where apart form changing the entire system of power generation and distribution, energy conservation is also aimed at, has been in vogue in Cuba for the last two years. The quality of life of the Cubans are improving with the volunteers of the government replacing on a door-to-door campaign, the existing electric stoves and lights with the ones that are more efficient and less energy consuming. Energy efficient refrigerators and television sets have been distributed and would be installed in all the thousands of housing units that the government is building. Energy efficient buses from China would soon be available for the Cuban public transport. It is just a matter of some time when power generation would take place at hundreds of units that are well synchronized, thus avoiding wastage of power while distributing it through very long distances. Generation of natural gas while exploring for oil at oil rigs is also considered.


Cuba has also legalized the US dollars. Further, the Venezuelan inputs for domestic oil production and upgradation of existing power stations have raised the level of optimism. Cuba is also hoping to find oil off its shores. Apart from the sugar industry and its related products, there are various industries such as tourism (also called the lung of the Cuban economy), fisheries, nickel and ore production, production of tobacco, Cuban cigar, citrus fruits, pharmaceuticals, coffee, besides basic manufacturing industries which have earned Cuba foreign exchange. Cuba has learned to manage its post-USSR economic condition and is steering towards a more prosperous economy.

Visit CubaChannel.com today for breaking news, regular news articles, blog, videos, forums, and information about the land, people, history, culture, government, political conditions, travel, business, and economy of Cuba at http://www.cubachannel.com

What are some of your favorite cigar moments? Here are a few reasons to enjoy the experience, taste and aroma of premium and super-premium cigars:

1. After a wedding when the groomsmen are enjoying a moment amongst themselves, and celebrating the groom’s good fortune.
2. After the birth of a child, whether it’s your child, a niece, nephew, Godchild or the child of a colleague.
3. After the commencement ceremony for your favorite protégé or ward.
4. After purchasing your first home and evaluating the work and hope ahead of you.
5. After selling your first home for a handsome profit and remembering the rewards of work and the pleasure of work rewarded.
6. After burning the mortgage, and knowing that there will never be another payment. The place is yours, lock, stock and barrel.
7. After leaving the factory job for the last time.
8. After the best dinner you’ve ever had.
9. After the best and most complete play, concert or opera you’ve ever attended.
10. With the rest of the campers at the end of a hike in the woods or in the desert.
11. Beside the garden wall when there is a break from the labor of working with your hands in the good earth.
12. While standing and surveying the view of a field of harvest, full of the promise of work and the promise of prosperity, while remembering the planting of that field.
13. While working on a vintage automobile like a convertible Cadillac from the 1970’s.
14. After negotiating for–and getting–a vintage automobile.

As you can see, there is a wonderful tradition of celebration and the constancy connected to the smoking of a great cigar. The sentiment and sensation of cigars and pipes are part of understanding the cigar consumer. Therefore, the best way to give a cigar is by purchasing them either through reputable online stores, many of which will sell and ship them gift-wrapped, or by purchasing them through tobacconists and fine cigar and pipe stores.

Remember that quality cigars are hand-rolled and custom made. There are countless ways to find out what kind of cigars would be best suited as a gift. For example, select according to smoke time. A good cigar will have a smoke time of 20 to 60 minutes, depending on its size and style. Other factors are color and aroma.

Whatever the celebration and whatever the occasion, giving and receiving fine premium or super-premium cigars–or just enjoying them on your own–will top off the pleasure of each experience and enhance life’s special moments. The best part of the cigar experience is to discover what moments you can plan for cigar enjoyment. So start with giving and receiving premium cigars, and then let them accompany all your great life celebrations.

For access to the best Fine Cigars and Cigar accessories available check out the great deals available only on the authors website – http://www.davidoffmadison.com

The Christmas and New Year shopping crunch is finally over. It is back to work and back to normal living and… what did you say? You actually joined in the shopping crunch at the malls? You never did any online shopping? You have no idea how to go about online shops? What did you say again? Your wedding anniversary is coming up along with a few birthdays to boot? So, you are having problems figuring out what gifts to buy? Think hard no more! For once in your life, why not try online shopping. You do not have to face the hardship of walking through a crowded shopping mall. Even better, why not try online shopping at Top Buy online store?

Admittedly, online shopping does beat the crowds. However, going cyber shopping at an online store is not exactly a breeze. Here are some tips to make sure you get your value and money’s worth.

Best Price Guarantees and Bargain Prices – many people think that online shopping is more expensive. You might be surprised! Even with the shipping and handling costs, the prices are still down from the normal store prices. Digital camcorders, Nikon digital cameras, Canon digital cameras and even womens fragrances prices can be way down.  

Money Back Guarantee and the Safest Methods of Payment – good online stores offer very safe payment methods, even going out of their way to make the customer feel safe and guaranteeing that safety. Money back guarantees should be a must service at online stores like topbuy.com.au.

Wide Array of Products and Categories are always updated – it is one thing to have a lot of products, it is another matter to keep your online store well stocked and updated. A frequently updated store with new arrivals means more customers online, and again, more choices for buying.

Good Gimmick Promotions – search for things like “steal of the day”, clearance sales at slashed prices or newsletters that offer up-to-date specials. You just might find what you are looking for at rock bottom or basement prices, all because you decided to look for gift ideas with online shopping. Check out the steal for the huge 52” LCD TV’s.

Shopping Categories from A to Z – showing off products on the home page is not enough. Products must be categorized properly. The more categories, the more choices. Searching for those hard-to-find computer components? Computer parts? When you search online you might find what you cannot in the usual department stores.

To see and get more of the above, visit Australia’s premier online store for a worry-free gift idea shopping at www.topbuy.com.au.

A computer professional who works on the internet helping Topbuy increase its viewers through optimization. For world class Online shops visit us online at www.topbuy.com.au/

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/tips-for-beginners-who-have-not-tried-online-shopping-in-their-entire-life-1777458.html

Yogo DSi Pouch (Genuine Buff Leather)

As for people who are in a noble pursuit of high-quality life, details determine their success or failure. They prefer to focus on details to create a perfect appearance. Some special and unique accessories are their favorite. Here I will recommend you  perfect one to show your special and noble taste about life. Just wait and see it.

What I strongly recommend here is Yogo DSi Pouch (Genuine Buff Leather). Why I recommend it so strongly? I have my own reasons. Just see my following words.

Yogo DSi Pouch (Genuine Buff Leather) has three high light spots.

1) The materials.

Yogo DSi Pouch (Genuine Buff Leather) uses high-quality buff leather. Soft handle, delicate and sheen cortex, clear grain, high impact &shock resistance, water proof and skid proof. Its inside lining uses superfine fiber cloth. It feel soft and comfortable so that it can protect your Nintendo DSi consoles well.

2) Its special and unique design.

Yogo DSi Pouch (Genuine Buff Leather) is designed by excellent designers of China and Japan together. It is an integration of Chinese and Japanese cultures. This is why this pouch has gained a great popularity around the whole world since its born in China. Its special and unique design can show people’s special and unique taste.

3) Excellent workmanship.

Yogo DSi Pouch (Genuine Buff Leather) is pure hand made. Every detail can be recognized an incredible miracle. And that is the reason why its design can cater to people of all levels’ taste well.

Source: www.ishopvideogame.com

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/yogo-dsi-pouch-genuine-buffleather-bring-you-a-quality-life-ishopvideogame-1752256.html

There are many typical appliances we expect to find in our kitchens which usually include refrigerators, cookers and perhaps a washing machine if there is room, over the past few years though there has been another appliance that used to be thought of as a luxury timesaver, the dishwasher which has made inroads into becoming a kitchen regular.

Dishwashers can save time and if used correctly can save money on your water bills compared to repeatedly washing by hand. Choosing a dishwasher may seem like a fairly straight forward purchase as most people are not aware of the differences between each model and how they work. First of all dishwashers can come in a variety of different shapes and sizes allowing them to handle more or less dishes, pots, pans and glassware. Depending on your household you may only need a smaller or narrower dishwasher, whereas larger families may require a large model that can handle much more dirty dishes.

As with many other kitchen appliances there are constantly new developments and leaps forward in technology that make them more convenient and flexible such as added functionality or best green credentials. Many newer dishwashers now have economy or “ECO” modes that can get the same cleaning effect from less water, something dishwashers get a lot of heat over; using too much water.

Many green groups have supported the use of dishwashers in this way but a dishwasher is only effective when it has a full load, washing the maximum load uses less water than you would if you had washed your dishes by hand as people will typically use more water filling the sink a few times or leave the taps running.

Some people have shied away from using dishwashers as they can sometimes cause damage especially to delicate glass wear. Some dishwashers have wash cycles specifically for glass wear which are less vigorous and gentle with glasses such as wine glasses, champagne flutes and other more delicate objects.

Likewise there are settings for pots and pans which may require much more power to remove burnt on food and remains that have stuck to the pans. It is worth considering what objects you’ll want to clean in your dishwasher and if it can be helped could you wash the few awkward items by hand, as you should have time now the rest of your dishes and cutlery are being washed in the machine.

Dishwashers are a common feature in most kitchens these days, as well as washing machines and refrigerators which can be expensive so make sure you have done your research before committing to any particular model

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/make-your-life-in-the-kitchen-easier-with-dishwashers-1749234.html

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