http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2011/06/02/brazil_ex_president_silva_tours_cuba_port_project/?s_campaign=8315

June 2, 2011

HAVANA—Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has toured a Cuban port that is undergoing a multimillion-dollar overhaul to become a base for industry and oil operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Communist Party newspaper Granma says Cuban President Raul Castro accompanied Silva to the Mariel port facility, about 30 miles (45 kilometers) west of Havana, on Wednesday.

Brazil has invested $300 million in the joint project.

Granma says the leaders were given presentations on the progress of the project, which currently in its initial stages.

About 700 yards (meters) of docks will permit the port to begin operations, and accommodate ships with a draft of up to 50 feet (15 meters).