Cuba's progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the main challenges for its fulfillment are reflected in the National Voluntary Report on the subject, presented for the first time to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

According to a statement published on the website of the Cuban Ministry of Economy and Planning, the preparation of the document was led by the National Group for the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda, an institutional mechanism for the follow-up of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.

In response to the demand of international travelers to access goods and services in facilities which only accept payment by means of magnetic cards, the Bank of Credit and Commerce (BANDEC) has designed prepaid cards, available for the time being in authorized CADECA offices located in the tourist resorts of Varadero and Coco Key.

These cards are initially aimed at international travelers not residing in the country, will be for exclusive use in the national territory and will be valid for two years. According to a note issued by CADECA (Casas de Cambio), the new product will allow the payment of goods and services in the commercial network in foreign currency, through POS (Point of Sale Terminal).

The minister-president of the Central Bank of Cuba (BCC), Marta Sabina Wilson González during her appearance  on the radio T.V. program Mesa Redonda, explained the reason for the temporary suspension of bank deposits in cash of U.S. dollars.

 "Given the obstacles imposed by the U.S. economic blockade so that the national banking system cannot deposit abroad the cash in U.S. dollars that are collected in the country, the decision has been made to halt the acceptance of bills of that currency in the Cuban banking and financial system," the BCC press release stated.