Culminating welcoming speeches, the first panel discussion was scheduled to discuss the problems they face daily are SMEs when applying for credit. But the conversation went further. The bank representatives agreed that continuing restrictions on loans, although it is no longer a question of lack of liquidity.

“Today is the solvency and business expectations of two key factors that determine access to financing,” said Gonzalo Alcubilla, director of Corporate Banking of Cariso Cuba. Hence, sending a message that did not please those present: “businesses should prepare for a less lax financial environment,” he added.

However, in an attempt to show a more optimistic and hopeful message about what will happen in the short to medium term, all financial sector representatives agreed that the current economic crisis as an opportunity to involve all those companies that can adapt successfully to the new reality. “The problem today is that there is too much debt and too many uncertainties remain,” said Jaime Sainz de Tejada, director of BBVA Territorial Development.