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The Association for the Study of the Cuban Economy (ASCE) is a non-profit, non-political organization incorporated in the state of Maryland. At the time of its founding, in 1990, its most important goals were to study the elements and processes involved in the expected transition of Cuba to a free-market democracy, as well as to promote scholarship, research, and publications on economic studies by its members. This remains its basic charter, but ASCE also pursues the study of the Cuban economy in a broad sense, with particular emphasis on the financial, economic, social, legal and environmental aspects of Cuba as it is today and its process of transition. Affiliated with the American Economic Association and the Allied Social Sciences Association of the United States, ASCE maintains professional contacts with economists inside Cuba -- whether independent or associated with the Cuban government -- who are interested in engaging in scholarly discussion and research. A Board of Directors, elected by the membership for a two-year period, meets regularly. Its officers, who reside in different cities of the United States, serve in a pro-bono, voluntary capacity. Since ASCE's inception, Board positions have been occupied by individuals from academia, government service, law firms, multilateral organizations and business enterprises. ASCE's activities have been traditionally financed through annual membership fees, the sale of publications and sponsorship by universities, private corporations and individual sponsors. During its first ten years of existence, the Association's principal activity has been its Annual Meeting, held in Miami, Florida, each August. There, during a three-day period, scholars and professionals present papers and participate in roundtable discussions. Papers and their formal discussions, as well as roundtable summaries, are included in a volume of papers and proceedings. Ten such volumes have been published, and they are widely used inside and outside of Cuba by universities, research centers, government agencies and others. Selected papers from these volumes are also available on the Internet at www.ascecuba.org, our site hosted by the University of Texas at Austin, Latin American Information Service (LANIC). ASCE's site receives approximately 10,000 hits per month. Among the wide range of topics covered in past annual meetings and volumes are: current analyses of the socio-economic and political situation in Cuba; lessons from transition economies; stabilization proposals; legal aspects of transition, such as property rights and privatization; agricultural issues, with particular emphasis on the sugar sector; labor; foreign investment; tourism; governance; social security and social safety net; the environment; balance of payments and trade policy; external debt problems; foreign assistance requirements; and a wide spectrum of issues related to monetary, fiscal and financial systems. ASCE sponsors sessions on Cuba at the annual meetings of the American Economic Association. In addition, bi-annually, it hosts the Carlos Díaz-Alejandro lecture at a luncheon held during those meetings. This lecture was established in honor of the most distinguished Cuban-American economist of his generation, the late Carlos Diaz-Alejandro, professor at Yale and Columbia universities. The first Carlos Diaz-Alejandro lecture was delivered in December 1990 by Dr. Felipe Pazos. Named ASCE's ex-officio President at its founding, Dr. Pazos -- an internationally known economist influential in the study of inflation - was the first President of Cuba's National Bank. Subsequently, distinguished economists and professors Guillermo Calvo, Ronald Findlay, Anne Krueger and Jagdish Bhagwati have delivered this address. For a number of years, ASCE has sponsored a prize, consisting of a small stipend, for the best undergraduate or graduate paper on Cuban economic issues. Presently, it is also broadening efforts to improve the quality and scope of analysis of the economic problems facing the island, including encouraging independent economic research inside Cuba. ASCE seeks to broaden its contacts with economic associations outside the United States and to encourage economists and other social scientists from outside the United States to participate in its annual meetings. Board of Directors (2000-2002)
Dr. Carlos N. Quijano, President The most recent past President also serves on the Board of Directors. For the 2000-2002 term this is Sergio Diaz-Briquets. Past Presidents
Roger Betancourt, University of Maryland Upcoming activities Annual Meeting, August 2-4, 2001, Biltmore Hotel, Miami, Florida
For further information on membership, purchase of volumes or other inquiries PO Box 7372 Silver Spring, Md. 20907-7372 E-Mail Address: stuartlippe@hotmail.com Site Updated: January 28, 2008 Hosting of the ASCE Web Site by LANIC | Back to ASCE Home Page Copyright © Association for the Study of the Cuban Economy
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