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(Havana) Gov. Dave Heineman and a 10-member agricultural trade delegation arrived in Havana, Cuba, today. The Nebraska delegation received a warm welcome from Alimport Chairman Pedro Alvarez and Cuban commodity purchasers.
Alimport is the Cuban agency that arranges importation of the majority of the commodities that reach Cuban shores. Alvarez welcomed Gov. Heineman at Jose Marti International Airport with assurances that the Nebraska trade mission could prove fruitful.
Alvarez discussed Cuba’s sincere interest in importing dry, edible beans grown in western Nebraska. He also discussed the possibility of importing corn, wheat, and soybeans, explaining that Nebraska had indeed found a willing trade partner.
The Governor thanked his Cuban hosts for their hospitality and said he looked forward to pursuing expedited negotiations on potential bean exports to Cuba and also to any talks involving future trade in Nebraska agricultural products and medical supplies.
“I am pleased to be able to bring together a group of people who value the best interests of Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers,” Gov. Heineman said. “Cuba is clearly an emerging market, and we are grateful for the opportunity to sell our high-quality products here.”
The Governor arrived at La Hotel Nacional de Cuba this afternoon, and was given a tour of the grounds. After a brief break, he and the Nebraska delegation were escorted to the hotel’s conference center, where he was briefed on the framework for trade.
Delegates and the Governor are attending a reception hosted by Cuban officials this evening in Havana, after a short period of initial negotiations on potential purchases.
Nebraska Director of Agriculture Greg Ibach, whose department organized the trip, called the first day a success, saying, “This appears to be the opportunity we had hoped it might be. I am hopeful that Cuba can grow quickly into a market for Nebraska products.”
Joining the Governor and Ibach on the Nebraska trade mission to Cuba are representatives of Nebraska’s bean, corn and wheat producers, as well as representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the University of Nebraska.
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