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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman signed an amendment to the memorandum of understanding that was signed with Cuban officials last week in Havana, which increases the total amount of Nebraska agricultural products Cuban commodity importer Alimport intends to purchase over the next 18 months from $17 million to $30 million.
Last week, the Governor completed his first international trade mission to Cuba, securing a deal that resulted in the single largest agreement to purchase goods signed with an individual U.S. state.
Gov. Heineman met several times with Alimport Chairman Pedro Alvarez during the trade mission. Upon returning to Nebraska Alvarez called the Governor proposing an amendment to the original agreement.
“Chairman Alvarez indicated to me that the Cuban government was impressed with the high quality of Nebraska’s agricultural products and with our ability to deliver those products in a timely and efficient manner,” Gov. Heineman said. “He asked if we would be willing to pursue additional trade, and my answer today is a resounding yes.”
The Governor has accepted an invitation to return to Cuba the first week in November with additional Nebraska agricultural producers during Havana’s annual trade fair. The amended agreement states Cuba’s intent to execute contracts during the upcoming visit with Nebraska agricultural producers, including the possible sales of corn, wheat, soybeans, pork and beef, as well as more of the dry edible Nebraska beans sold during last week’s trade mission.
Nebraska Director of Agriculture Greg Ibach said, “This has been both a unique and productive trade mission. We look forward to working with Alimport to fulfill this agreement and foster the growth of a new market for Nebraska producers.”
Cuba has entered into agricultural trade agreements with more than 20 states since the U.S. Congress passed exceptions to the trade embargo with Cuba for the specific sales of agricultural products and medical supplies.
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