Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Rodrigo Malmierca reiterated today here that the US blockade against Cuba is the main obstacle to progress in bilateral relations.
Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Rodrigo Malmierca reiterated today here that the US blockade against Cuba is the main obstacle to progress in bilateral relations.
The elimination of the economic, commercial and financial blockade in effect for more than half a century would be positive for both countries, he said speaking at an event in the US Chamber of Commerce, where he and his accompanying delegation spoke with managers and entrepreneurs.
Malmierca gave details of the updating process of the Cuban economy, its progress and challenges in the context of the blockade.
In that regard, he mentioned the recovery of the GDP after the crisis resulting from the collapse of the socialist camp, the tourism boom and the level of quality achieved by the biotechnology and pharmaceutical products in Cuba.
Speaking of tourism, a very attractive sector for US companies, Malmierca considered that when travel restrictions on US citizens are lifted, Cuba will face a major challenge in terms of infrastructure.
He pointed out the island's efforts to maintain high the social indicators, such as those shown in education and health.
For his part, the leader of the US-Cuba Business Council (USCBC), Carlos Gutierrez, highlighted the business opportunities for both countries and how much there is to be done to promote them.
The former Secretary of Commerce during the administration of George W. Bush praised Malmierca's visit heading a delegation of Cuban officials and businessmen.
Despite the extensive international relations of this Chamber, for the first time in a while we hear a Cuban minister, and hopefully in the future we will hold more meetings like this one, he said.
Source: PL