国际英语新闻:Cuba to open first stage of Mariel special development zone

HAVANA, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Cuban President Raul Castro said on Saturday that the first stage development of the country's first special development zone will be inaugurated in January.

The Mariel development zone, a port area located 50 kilometers west of capital Havana, will serve as an attraction for foreign investments, and an experimentation field for modern technologies and managerial experiences, Castro said in a speech closing a session of the Cuban parliament.

He added that the inauguration of the first stage of the terminal of containers in Mariel port will be accompanied by the construction of other vital infrastructure works.

Castro stressed that the creation of special development zones is included in the 300 "guidelines" of political, economic and social program approved by the Cuba's Communist Party for bringing up to date the socialist model of the island.

He stated that the reform process will continue "without hurry but without pause."