|
(Havana) Gov. Dave Heineman and an 18-member agricultural trade delegation from Nebraska arrived this afternoon in Havana, Cuba. The delegation received a warm welcome at ExpoCuba from Alimport Chairman Pedro Alvarez.
Alimport is the Cuban agency that arranges importation of the majority of the commodities that reach Cuban shores. Alvarez publicly thanked Gov. Heineman for fulfilling his pledge to return for the 2005 Havana International Fair and said Cuba also would meet its commitments.
Following Gov. Heineman’s first trip here, in August, Cuban officials signed an agreement expressing Cuba’s intent to purchase $30 million in Nebraska agricultural products over 18 months. Private contracts with private companies must be signed to meet the agreement.
On Monday, Alvarez discussed Cuba’s interest in importing more of the dry, edible beans grown in western Nebraska. He also discussed the possible importation of Nebraska wheat, corn, beef, pork and soybeans. Contract negotiations have begun in earnest.
The Governor thanked his Cuban hosts for their hospitality, expressed sympathy for the victims of Hurricane Wilma and said he looked forward to assisting the Nebraska delegation during its negotiations for new potential exports to Cuba.
“This is the second time we have had an opportunity to build relationships in this emerging market for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers,” Gov. Heineman said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to share more of our products with the Cuban people.”
The Governor arrived at La Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana this afternoon. The Nebraska delegation was then escorted to the Havana International Fair at ExpoCuba, where they met for more than an hour with Alvarez. Alvarez is hosting a dinner reception for the delegation tonight in Havana that will include face-to-face negotiations.
Nebraska Director of Agriculture Greg Ibach said of the trip, “By returning here in such short order, we have shown Cuba what many other nations know, that Nebraska is a reliable and worthy international trading partner.”
Joining the Governor and Ibach on the Nebraska Department of Agriculture trade mission are representatives of Nebraska’s bean, corn, beef, soybean and wheat producers.
|
