Between the 18th and 22nd of this month, several state officials from the United States agricultural sector meet in Havana. The objective is none other than to evaluate new commercial possibilities and draw up business strategies with their Cuban counterparts.
According to Diario de Cuba, the American delegation, of thirteen people, is led by Ted McKinney, executive director of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). This organization revealed in a published statement that other members of NASDA, as well as a guest from the industrial sector, participate in the bilateral meetings.
The information issued by NASDA explains that the visit aims to “identify and address trade barriers for American agricultural products. Likewise, it seeks to obtain a better understanding of the commercial rules and regulations, as well as the political and economic environment to strengthen the commercial relationship.”
United States-Cuba trade opportunities
Next Wednesday the expert visitors will offer a press conference at the Grand Aston Hotel in Havana. Various bilateral business opportunities in the agricultural sector will be discussed there, as well as other challenges for mutual trade. On the Cuban side, directors of companies and industries on the Island and heads of private businesses participate in these meetings.
NASDA represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries, and directors of departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. It is also a non-profit organization.
The Secretary of Agriculture of Delaware, Michael Scuse, commented on United States-Cuba trade relations. “Normalizing trade relations would generate mutual benefit, since not only the United States could sell grain, corn or legumes in the Cuban market. The island would find in its American counterpart a wide niche for its tropical fruits and organic products.”
Official data reveal that exports of food and agricultural products from the United States grew last year compared to 2022. The total amount was $342,607,027 dollars.
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