Havana, November 6 (RHC)-- The first eight foreign investment projects approved by Cuban authorities for the Special Development Zone in western Mariel were presented Thursday at Havana's International Trade Fair.

Special Zone Coordinating Director Wendy Miranda told reporters that five out of the eight projects will operate on 100% foreign capital and include the Mexican companies Richmeat, in the meat-processing, and for Devox Caribe, in the production of paint.

Another two contracts went to Belgium's BDC in the areas of logistics and technological development, and a last one for Spain's ProFood Company, in the production of food and liquors for hotels.

The remaining three projects belong to the Cuban-Brazilian joint cigarette venture Brascuba; a Cuban logistics enterprise and a management contract for the Mariel container terminal with the company Singapore PSA.

The general manager of Belgium's BDC Benoit Croonenberghs told reporters that it is a privilege for his entity to be among the first companies to operate at the Mariel Zone.

Meanwhile, the general director of the container terminal, under Singapore PSA management, Charles A. Baker said that he expects to have the first visit to Mariel of Panamax ships in December. These ships have the appropriate size to travel through the Panama Canal and are largely used for transoceanic cargo transportation.