Cuba-U.S. Business Council held in Havana

Havana.— Acknowledging the fact that the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the U.S. on Cuba continues to be the main obstacle to trade with the island, the Cuba-U.S.Business Council was inaugurated in the capital.
Launched on September 25 in Washington by the U.S. and Cuban Chambers of Commerce, the Council aims to build a strategic trade relationship, promote ties in the business sector and identify trade opportunities between the two nations.
Stanley Morgan, Home Depot, Caterpillar, Boeing, American Airlines, Heinz Kraft, Fox News, The Wall Street Journal and Sprint, feature among U.S. companies looking to learn about the country and exchange with the Cuban delegation, which includes representatives from sectors such as tourism, health, heavy industries, telecommunications, banking, transport and energy and mines.
Prior to the meeting, Rodrigo Malmierca, Cuban minister of Foreign Exchange and Investment, received Myron Brilliant, executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The two officials discussed the potential of the Cuban economy and obstacles to trade caused by the blockade.
On inaugurating the Business Council, the President of Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce, Orlando Hernández Guillén, highlighted the trade and investment opportunities that will open up to U.S. businesses once the blockade is completely eliminated.
Myron Brilliant noted that the Council constitutes a step toward building trade relations, resolving persisting differences and exploring opportunities. He also acknowledged that President Obama must continue to modify blockade regulations, while only Congress has the authority to definitively end the policy.