New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson met with the president of the Cuban parliament, Ricardo Alarcon, and members of the chamber of commerce as part of his trade trip to the island nation.Richardson also met with Igor Montero, president of Alimport, the Cuban government agency responsible for agricultural commerce. According to the Associated Press report, Richardson released a statement saying ‘“productive discussions”’ took place that promoted the idea of exporting agricultural products like wheat, potatoes, apples, and beef from New Mexico to Cuba.
While Cuba has been under a U.S. embargo since 1962, states “are authorized to sell agricultural and certain other products to Cuba.” The provision allowing this is part of the U.S. Treasure Department Office of Foreign Assets Control. In addition to agricultural products, states can sell information technology products and medical equipment on a cash basis. According to Heath Haussamen’s article for the New Mexico Independent, “Since 2000, 42 other states have participated in similar trade missions to Cuba, with total sales of more than $3 billion.”
To read the New Mexico Independent article click here.
To read the Associated Press report click here.
Posted: 08/26/09
