February 9, 2005

 

Gregory A. Estevane, J. D.

President

Global Strategies Trading, LLC

5666 La Jolla Blvd., Ste 316

La Jolla, CA. 92037

 

Dear Mr. Estevane:

 

As Members of the United States Congress, we support increased trade between Cuba and businesses from our state of California.  After our visit to Cuba in April 2004 and discussions with Cuban trade officials, we have already seen California businesses secure over $50 million in contracts with Cuban enterprises, legally allowed under license by the U.S. Government. 

 

It is our pleasure to personally attend and co-lead our Trade Mission to Havana, Cuba, from March 27 through April 1, 2005, with Global Strategies Trading, its President Greg Estevane and Mr. Erik Faraldo.

 

In our meetings with the Cuban Government and Alimport, we share the objective of bringing to Cuba the best California export products and contract prices.  With California as a world export leader in the areas of food and medical products, we hope for a mutually beneficial outcome to this mission, including signed export contracts that will bring cost savings and new quality California products to Cuba and secure jobs and economic growth in California.

 

It is our belief that, through this and other trade missions, relationships will be established that will prove of economic benefit to the peoples of Cuba and California.

 

                                                            Sincerely,

 

Linda Sánchez                                                                          Loretta Sánchez

U. S. Congressperson                                                            U. S. Congressperson

 

Historic California to Havana, Cuba Trade Mission 

March 28th – April 4th   2005

 

       

 

Trade Mission Leader

U.S. Congressperson Linda Sanchez

 

 

Organizer and Trade Mission Co-Leader

Global Strategies Trading, LLC

www.gshi.com

 

Negotiate California Export CASH IN ADVANCE contracts to Cuba

Agriculture, Food, Growers, Packers, Branded Foods, Commodities, Pharmaceuticals, Over The Counter, Raw Material, and Medical Devices as allowed by the U.S. Department of Commerce

 

Dear Mission Member:

 

Alimport is the Cuban buying entity that has purchased nearly one billion dollars CASH IN ADVANCE for U.S. exports in the last three years. Global Strategies and Congressperson Linda Sanchez have obtained over 20 million dollars in Cuban Government agreements for imports of California products, which have all been filled. Cuba has indicated they are willing to purchase tens of millions of dollars more in California products. This mission is a follow up to negotiate more contracts for California companies and products, with competitive U.S. prices and products to be negotiated with the Cuban/Alimport buyers in Havana. Our mission is to increase U.S. exports abroad and create new U.S. jobs while providing Cuba with quality California products.

 

Global Strategies is a leader in international Trade with Cuba and we are honored to have Congressperson  Linda Sanchez lead our trade mission in this historic California trade mission to Cuba.

 

Dates of travel are from Miami to Havana, leaving March 28th, 2005 and returning to the U.S. on April 4th, 2005, Havana to Miami. 

 

Package # 1- Four Nights &  Five Days     total cost, Miami to Havana and return is $2,650.00.

Package # 2- Seven Nights & Seven Days total cost, Miami to Havana and return is $3,400.00.

 

The cost of the trip includes round-trip airfare from Miami International Airport to Havana, Cuban travel visas, assistance in procuring your companies individual one year OFAC license, hotel, full trip breakfast and dinners, transfers, bilingual guide and permanent bus for all program activities.  Full payment is due by Monday March 7, 2005. Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Miami.

 

Congresswoman Sanchez, our trade delegation members and myself, sincerely look forward to seeing you on this most historic trade mission to Havana, Cuba.

 

With most kind and sincere regards,

 

Gregory A. Estevane, J.D.

President / Founder

Global Strategies Trading

 

 

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FORM

 

Please complete a separate registration form for each person. 

 

Registration:   Full payment required with registration by closing date March 7th 2005. Package includes RT air Miami to Havana, hotel, full trip breakfast and dinners, bi-lingual guide and permenant bus for all program activities, business meetings, events, Cuban visa’s, transfers, assistance with OFAC license and trip planning for this Cuba mission. Business negotiation planning, pricing, written offers, samples, Cuba contract negotiation, translation, and other personal on ground in Cuba-export contract negotiation assistance, by GS team member Gregory Estevane, prior to and in personally in Cuba.

 

Questions Contact:                Greg Estevane, J.D.

Email:                                      greg@gshi.com

Phone:                                     Tel: (619) 954-5297     Fax:  310-274-9225

COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORM, SIGNED, MAILED or Faxed:  310-274-9225:

Global Strategies Trading, LLC  264 S. La Cienega Blvd., Suite 1124, Beverly Hills, CA90211

 

Trade Mission Date:  March 28th to April 4th, 2005

Name:             ______________________________________________

Title:                 ______________________________________________

Company:        _______________________________________________

Address:           _______________________________________________

City/State/Zip: _______________________________________________

Tel/Cell/Fax:   _______________________________________________

Email:              _______________________________________________

Package:         _______________________________________________

                       

 Package # 1 – Four Nights and Five Days:     Payment of $2,650 - Returning April 1st, 2005

 Package # 2 – Seven Nights and Seven Days: Payment of $3,400 - Returning April 4th, 2005

 

Payment by direct deposit, wire trasnsfer or money order to: Global Strategies Trading, LLC.  We do not accept Credit Cards. Receipt of payment shall act as acceptance of all terms, conditions and disclaimers listed in pages one through sixteen of this document.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Full payment and signed two page registration form must be completed by closing date March 7th 2005. Payment is non refundable as airline and other payments are made upon receipt of payment. All arrangements are subject to change with notice. GS and its offical OFAC Licensed-US to Cuba Travel Service Provider (TSP), acts solely as selling agents or suppliers and/or their agents only in the capacity as agents, in all matters relating to Cuba hotel accommodations and transportation to Cuba by air, Hotel bus ground transportation and meals. GST/TSP, and as agents, hold ourselves free from any responsibility for any damage, harm or loss occasioned from any cause whatsoever. GS/TSP and their agents will not be responsible for damage, expense or inconvenience caused by late buses or planes, changes in departures or schedules, strikes or any other condition, nor are we responsible for the loss of or damage to baggage or any of the participant’s belongings. 

DISCLAIMERS

 

  1. Global Strategies Trading, LLC (“GST”) is acting as the mission organizer and is not acting as a travel agency. All flight, hotel, transportation and meals, were booked through a U.S. Dept. Of Treasury licensed TSP (OFAC authorized travel service provider), with exclusive OFAC rights to make and pay for such accommodations for this event. GST/TSP are not responsible for any delays or changes of flights or baggage loss, to and from Cuba to and from Cuba
  2. Each traveler is responsible for paying the $50 airport exit tax to leave the U.S. and the $25 airport exit tax to leave Havana. 
  1. Travelers are responsible for their own luggage and personal effects. GST is not responsible for the loss of any luggage or personal effects due to theft, lost baggage or other reasons.  Carry on luggage is always suggested.

4.   For those interested in obtaining travel insurance, you can get coverage through Gateway International, their toll free number is 1.800.282.4495 or www.gatewayplans.com or any other company of your choosing.

  1. There is total a baggage weight limit of 44 pounds, if using a direct US flight.  Any charge, for overweight baggage, is the traveler’s responsibility to pay. Carry on baggage including samples is recomended.
  2. At no time has GST promised export contracts are, were, or will be guaranteed, during or after this trade mission. However GS will use its very best efforts in obtaining export contracts for our partnered clients.

7.   OFAC licensing is required for this trip, GS will assist traveler in applying and obtaining OFAC licensing, however only OFAC is the ultimate decision maker on all OFAC licensing issues. Each licensed traveler is hereby informed of his/her responsibilities under the regulations and OFAC’s Travel Restrictions per 31 CFR 515.560(c) also found at www.treas.gov/ofac

 

GST acts solely as a mission organizer, with all Cuba travel arranged by OFAC TSP. The TSP and GST acts for suppliers and/or their agents only in the capacity as agents for the participation in all matters concerning hotel accommodations and transportation, whether by air, bus, motor car, or by any other means, and as agents, hold themselves free from responsibility for any damage, harm or loss occasioned from any cause whatsoever.

 

Receipt and deposit of payment shall act as acceptance of all terms, conditions and disclaimers listed in pages one through sixteen in this document, for this listed mission.

 

Signature __________________________________ Date____________

 

Printed Name_______________________________

 

Address/Phone/Cell/Fax/Email/ Number___________________________________

 

___________________________________________________________________

The purpose of this trip is to travel to Cuba to negotiate export contracts in compliance with OFAC, DOC, TSRA and other U.S. laws regarding travel and trade with Cuba.  Each licensed traveler is hereby informed of his/her responsibilities OFAC’s Travel Restrictions per 31 CFR 515.560(c) also found at www.treas.gov/ofac

 

 

Samples Hand Carried on Flight: 

 

 

Please be sure that your samples are labeled using both metric weight system and if possible in Spanish, are accompanied by a phytosanitary lab analysis, and as well have DOC health and FDA health certificates. As well you will need a DOC BIS Export License.  You will need phyoto and all Alimport required health materials for Cuban Customs as well as to expedite the shipping portion of any potential contract process. In addition you should have a one page itemization, bill of lading with the declarable value such as ‘samples’ at a twenty-dollar sample value. 

 

Samples Air or Sea Shipped: 

 

There are ongoing if not daily airshipping of samples via Miami.  Please work directly with the shippers, Alimport and Crowley representative listed below.  Supply shipper with a DOC BIS license to ship US products to Cuba. 

 

Ms. Kathy Stafford:

Crowley Shipping

1-800-969.3457

 

Welcome to the Crowley Logistics family , per our e-mail conversations here is the documentation needed it to fly the sample and to sail the load to Cuba.

 

Commercial Invoices (original for Ocean)

Export license to Cuba (GS has the License for this per above)

Shipper and consignee.

FDA cert

Certificate of origin

 

Cargo can be delivery to our warehouse as follow:

 

CLI warehouse

8600 NW 81st Rd suite 1

Medley, Fl 33168

Tel: 305-863-7100

Ctc: Juan Giraud

 

 

Airfreight quote as follows:

 

This quote is based on estimated weights and dimensions, any changes in shipment weight and dims will affect these figure accordingly.  All work will be performed in accordance with our standard terms and conditions, which are available upon request.

 

 Airport transfer from CLI Miami to MIA Intl Airport…………… $35.00 for the minimum  .04 per pound.

Airfreight Mia to Hav @ 4.68 per pound & $100 for the minimum..….

Service Fee………………………………………………………………$50.00

 

No Insurance Included.  Rates available upon Written request.

                                                                                               

*  Manifest must be supplied by client, and are subject to client's accuracy.  Initial loading of all equipment must be matched directly with manifest.

*  No provision has been made for the shipment of dangerous goods, as defined, e.g. pyrotechnics, compressed gases, etc. Nor for the shipment of any restricted articles.

* Crowley Logistics, Inc. expressly does *not* guarantee the performance of the designated air, ocean and/or surface carriers.

  

Any questions please call

 

Juan Giraud, CLI

Tel: 904-727-4068

Fax: 904-805-1627

 

Written Offers to Cuba FOB Cash U.S. Port: 

 

 

Attire While in Cuba:  Please prepare for tropical weather:  hot, humid, and subject to brief but heavy rainstorms.  Consult the day-to-day itinerary for daily activities. Wear comfortable clothes, good shoes for walking, shorts, comfortable shirts, bring swim wear, sun block, good sunglasses. Night: Dress in casual eveningwear:  nice slacks, skirts, dresses, comfortable shirt (short sleeve okay), slip on shoes, etc. Business Days:  Business Casual (men should bring one sports coat and one tie in case). Farewell reception:  we may have one formal night, however, where sport coats or suits and ties, or similar clothes for women, are recommended, but not required. 

Currency: It is necessary to exchange currency.  US dollars are NOT accepted and used in Cuba, a ten percent conversion fee in Cuba is used to convert U.S. dollars into convertible (one to one U.S. dollar ratio).  Cubans convert Euro’s at a much reduced conversion rate at the Cuban airport, hotels or Cuban banks.  There is no converson cost to re-convert unused non U.S. currency back into U.S. currency prior to leaving Cuba. 

Per Diem dalily spending amounts are posted on US Dept. Of Treaury site www.treas.gov/ofac per US law. US citizens are only allowed to use cash. No U.S credit or debit cards, or traveler’s checks will be accepted in Cuba: CASH (NON-U.S domination) ONLY. With that said, additional funds may be spent when the activities are related to sales and marketing or other activities consistant with obtaining export contracts. NO CUBAN GOODS ARE ALLOWED BACK INTO THE U.S. EXCEPT: art, music and literature that you can return with.  Please remember to save $25 in cash for the airport tax to leave Havana. It is recommended that travelers have extra cash on hand for emergencies. The hotel rooms have combination lock wall safes for your convenience in storing money and other valuables for a charge to you of $3 per day. 

 

Electricity: The entire island and major hotels are both 110 and 220 watts in order to accommodate both European and American travelers. 

 

Water:  As for drinking the water, the water system in Havana is good. There is also plenty of very good bottled water everywhere you go in Havana. 

 

Safety:  Havana is a relatively safe city, especially for tourists.  However, travelers should take normal precautions as they would in any city.  There is some property crime, so guard your billfolds, cameras, purses and never leave unattended.  Never take with you more money than you need. 

 

Tipping:  Tips do not follow US standards, two dollars for a twenty dollar meal is good if service was exceptional.

 

Interacting with Cubans:  Cubans are warm, highly intelligent and welcoming people. 

However, participants should understand that US-Cuban relations are HIGHLY SENSITIVE, thus, it is recommended that argumentive personal views regarding political differences and historical occurrences be kept to a minimum.  Despite personal feelings as to their method of governance, we are guests in their country and should act as such. 

 

Taxes and extra expenses:   Additional funds are needed for the following:  $50 airport tax to leave LA, and Miami and other US departure points, and $25 airport tax to leave Havana.  Participants are responsible for the return trip to the hotel, as guests will want to leave at different times, thus cab fare is necessary; also, for free days (time reserved for individual meetings) participants are responsible for cab fare to and from meetings, or anywhere else they wish to go on their own time.  Cab fare in the center of the city will be nominal as most desirable sites and offices are close to the hotel. Alcohol and optional events are at each person’s own expense.  

    

 

Doing Business in Cuba

 

·        ·        Typical turnaround time for our clients from introduction to Cuba prior to the mission to shipment of goods is three months

·        ·        Most used port for shipping is Jacksonville Florida and Gulfport, Miss.  We will advise you on which port is most common for your product based on feedback from Cuba.  California ports will open in the very near future.

·        ·        Responsibility for your product ends at the U.S. port.  We will provide you with the contact information at the applicable port; you will be responsible for inquiring about additional charges such as container transfer fees and independent surveyors.  Average additional costs are about $500 per shipment.  Cuba pays for shipment/insurance from the U.S. port to Cuba. 

·        ·        Typically, the amount of samples needed to bring can be hand carried.  Note: air weight allowance on chartered flights to Cuba is 44lbs for all luggage and samples combined weight allowed: 44 pounds.  It is recommended to take all samples as carry on.

·        ·        Payment for goods by Cuba is made based on Cash Against Documents.  When your shipping documents are received and the goods inspected at the port, Cuba is informed and begins to make payment.  Funds are wired from Cuba to a third country bank (usually France), and funds are then wired to your account.  ONLY WHEN YOU INFORM THE SHIPPER THAT FUNDS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, then Cuba can take possession of the goods.

·        ·        Payment, on signed export contracts, has been made by Cuba to U.S. companies 100% of the time.

·        ·        A list of the necessary export documents will be provided by Global Strategies.  Some additional documents are often required when goods are actually shipped for sale.  Global Strategies will assist with this type of documentation.

·        ·        Participants should embark on the trade mission seriously; with most applicable documents in hand, samples, health certificates, knowledge of shipping and port charges, and ready to negotiate bottom-line prices and quantities. 

·        ·        Most often, negotiations will continue after departure from Cuba.  Sometimes, contracts are completed within the one-week mission. Often times Cuba will ask participants to return for the signing of the contract at a trade event or show.  These trade missions are often very exciting opportunities, and allow U.S. companies to share experiences with others already established in the Cuban market, and be aware of the future potential of their product.  Based on past experience, first shipments are often small, especially in regards to new products. Those who actively participate for one full year usually see quantities grow rapidly. High-priority items are often asked to be shipped immediately; others are based on certain purchasing seasons. Cuba’s year is divided into 4 purchasing quarters. 

·        ·        Participants will leave the one-week mission with a true sense of the potential along with all the necessary contacts and assistance from Global to potentially turn those leads into contracts. 

 

 

The Cuban Market

 

The Cuban market is virtually untapped and Cuba is literally in need of a vast quantity and large variety of U.S. goods.  Products that fall under the categories of agriculture, branded food, medicine (both prescription and over the counter), medical and surgical supplies and equipment, as well as raw materials used in food and medicinal production are eligible under U.S. law and purchased regularly by Cuba.

 

Cuba, however, does have high-priority needs.  This is a market in need of the most basic items first, and U.S. companies should think of this as a market ripe for consumption of staple items, and goods in the medium quality range.  This is also a market for upgraded, gourmet, or luxury items, which are not only purchased by over twenty percent of the eleven million Cubans (two million customers with money) buy by the two million foreign tourists that visit Cuba annually.  Once travel is normalized, between Cuban and the U.S., an additional three million American tourists, will travel to Cuba annually.  These American tourists will expect quality American products thus assuring exporters proportionately huge market sales potential for the very near future.

 

Because Cuba purchases goods in cash, and because some products will be completely new to the Cuban consumer, many times initial orders are in conservative quantities, with the exception being those products of large-scale use and of great need.  In addition, those items that are not available or not competitive in other countries will have an extra advantage.  However, other goods will take time to build a market for, and those clients who have patience, perseverance, as well as a true interest in Cuba and look at this, as an opportunity to build a long-term relationship will do well in the long run.

We strongly recommend the full-week for first-time participants as we have learned it necessary to understand the market, the society and the culture, as well as initiate those important relationships. 

 

In one week participants will meet many applicable buyers for the entire country! 

We look forward in sharing this unique and historic business experience with you,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tentative Travel Itinerary

 

Check into Departing City Airport two hours prior to departure to Cuba

 

Carry on Samples:  Total Weight allowed, including samples, 44 pounds. Please be sure that your samples are labeled, are accompanied by a phytosanitary lab analysis, as well as have DOC health and FDA health certificates. As well you will need a DOC BIS Export License, which should be in your packet. You will need U.S. and or California phytosanitary/health documentation for Cuban Customs as well as to expedite the shipping portion of any future contract process. In addition you must have a one page itemization, bill of lading with declarable value as ‘samples’ twenty-dollar value. 

 

Depart U.S. to Havana, Cuba

 

Cuba Tentative Itinerary:

 

Arrive. Jose Marti International Airport, Havana, Cuba.  (Cuba is 3 hours ahead from PST) Proceed through Immigration where you will present your Cuban Business Visa and return ticket (which they will return to you) telling Immigration you are staying at the Hotel Nacional and attending the Alimport Event. Make sure they DO stamp your passport as you have traveled legally to Cuba (it’s a wonderful memento).

 

Retrieve our luggage and leave airport in modern air-conditioned bus to Hotel Nacional and check in. 

 

Hotel Information:  Hotel Nacional De Cuba http://www.hotelnacionaldecuba.com Telephone 011-537-8733564.  Hotel Business Center Phones, Fax, Email, Medical Serivces:  The Nacional Hotel is a true 5 Star Hotel with all 5 star facilities for staying in touch with the U.S. whether by direct phone, email or other.  Medical services are first class in Cuba and the Hotel. The Hotel is a five star hotel with multiple restaurants and associated amenities.  The Hotel has normal US electrical outlets and EU outlets.

 

Room Expenses:  Your Hotel room, which includes breakfast every morning, has already been paid for during your entire stay in Cuba  All other Hotel expenses, other than the room and breakfast,  are solely the responsibility of the guest(s).

 

Phone Calls: Guests can make and receive calls, faxes, email to and from the US from the hotel.  Calls are very expensive, approximately $8 per minute.  Calling from the US is about $3 per minute, unless the caller has Cuba on one of their reduced long distance plans.  US citizens cannot charge phone calls, charges must be paid in cash or collect to the US (incurring additional charges).  We recommend that if you plan to call the US often, that cell phone service is purchased. Cell phones can be rented at the airport or Hotel.  The cost for the phone and service is $10 per day, plus the cost of calls to be paid at the end of the trip.  The cost of calls to the US is $3.40 per minute.  Receiving calls from the US costs 70 cents per minute (on the cell phone, not for the US caller). 

Tentative Work Schedule
Of Congresssionperson Linda Sanchez  & U.S. Trade Delegation

 

Day 1

 

Depart U.S. Arrive at  Jose Marti International Airport Havana, Cuba.  Check in Hotel Nacional. Walking Tour of Historic Old City and return to Hotel. Afternoon free time Tour of City

Dinner at one of Havana’s finest restaurants, Welcome Cultural Event

Day 2

 

Welcome briefing by Ministry of Foreign Trade, Contract Negotiations begin.

Afternoon museum Tour of Havana’s rarely seen antiquities

Briefing by Cuban buyers

Day 2

Breakout negotiations with individual buyers for each California product.

Visit to individual matching Cuban companies, Dinner at one of Havana’s finest restaurants. Optional Cultural Event

 

Day 3

Meetings with Ministry of Foreign Trade: Presentation, Q & A
Meetings with Ministry of Commerce: Presentation, Q & A

Contract negotiations. Free Afternoon. Dinner and gala cultural event  Diplomat

cocktail/dinner event with Cuban Govt/Buyers

Day 4

Some Travelers Pkg # 1 Depart back to U.S.

Day 4

Continuing Travelers Pkg #2 Transfer from Havana to Pinar Del Rio, check in Hotel

Meet Cuban buyers and Lunch

Cocktail event for NGO’s and Cuban buyers

Cultural event

Day 5

Meetings with Buyers of Food,  Medicines and medical devices

Tour of facilities

Cocktail event for NGO’s and Cuban buyers

Cultural event

Day 6

Final export contract negotiations with Buyers of  Medicines and medical devices

Tour of facilities

Cocktail event for NGO’s and Cuban buyers

Cultural event

Day 7

Check out of Hote, proceed to Airport  and Return to U.S.

 

California Delegation Headed by Gregory Estevane, President of GS

Fri Aug 29 ,2003  Havana Cuba

 

From Left to Right: Global Strategies President Gregory Estevane, Alimport Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Pedro Alvarez Borrego, & Vice Chairman of Business Development for the World Trade Center Association of Los Angeles- Long Beach kick off the Cal-Cuba Trade Mission, August 22-29 2003 in Havana.  $10,000,000.00 trade agreeement signed.

Announcing Success

Gregory Estevane, left, President of Global Strategies Trading and Barry Sedlik vice chairman of the World Trade Center Association of Los Angeles-Long Beach are seen during a news conference Friday Aug. 29, 2003 in Havana, Cuba. The World Trade Center Association announced Friday that Cuba has agreed to buy up to US$10 million worth of food, medical and agricultural products from companies in Southern California. Cuba represents a potential annual US$2 billion food and medicine export market for California, said Gregory Estevane, president of Global Strategies Trading, the association's trading partner. (AP Photo/Jose Goitia)

Fri Aug 29,2003 7:13 PM Havana, Cuba


Gregory Estevane, left, President of Global Strategies Trading and Barry Sedlik vice chairman of the World Trade Center Association of Los Angeles-Long Beach are seen during a news conference Friday Aug. 29, 2003 in Havana, Cuba. The World Trade Center Association announced Friday that Cuba has agreed to buy up to US$10 million worth of food, medical and agricultural products from companies in Southern California. Cuba represents a potential annual US$2 billion food and medicine export market for California, said Gregory Estevane, president of Global Strategies Trading, the association's trading partner. (AP Photo/Jose Goitia)

California Enters The Cuban Market

World Trade Center Association of Los Angeles – Long Beach, with its trading partner Global Strategies Trading, L.L.C. of California, announces successful trade mission to Cuba. First California-led delegation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

California businesses announce $10 million trade pact with Cuba

Last Update: 8/29/2003 11:36:57 PM

HAVANA (Associated Press) - A U.S. business association announced Friday that Cuba has agreed to buy up to $10 million worth of food, medical and agricultural products from companies in Southern California.

The agreement with the World Trade Center Association of Los Angeles-Long Beach is among numerous business pacts reached between U.S.-based companies and the communist island since Congress passed an exception to four-decade-old trade sanctions in 2000.

The exception allows sales of American food and other farm goods to Cuba as long as transactions are done in cash or financed by a third country. Under earlier legislation, certain sales of medical supplies and products are also allowed.

"We look forward to the day when the travel ban is rescinded by the U.S. government and ... open trade between the two nations can proceed to its natural potential," said Barry Sedlik, the association's vice chairman of business development. "Expanded trade has proven throughout history to be one of the best methods to increase mutual understanding between countries."

Under the framework agreement, Cuban import companies Alimport and Medicuba have issued letters of intent to formalize specific purchases with California food, medical and agricultural companies that offer competitive prices and are eligible to do business in Cuba.  The agreement was announced at the end of a weeklong trade mission comprising 10 California businesses that have pledged to return to the West Coast with the message "that business with Cuba is real, it's now and it's ultimately profitable," Sedlik said.

Cuba represents a potential annual $2 billion food and medicine export market for California, said Gregory Estevane, president of Global Strategies Trading, the association's trading partner.

©2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

 

 

 

EMPRESAS DE CALIFORNIA
VENDERAN ALIMENTOS Y EQUIPOS MEDICOS A CUBA

EFE
La Opinión
California
USA
La Nueva Cuba
August 31, 2003

Empresarios de California y de Cuba firmaron ayer en La Habana un convenio que permitirá próximamente la venta a la isla de productos alimenticios y de equipos médicos por valor de 10 millones de dólares.

El documento fue suscrito por Barry Sedlik, presidente de World Trade Center Association-Los Angeles-Long Beach y Pedro Alvarez, director de la empresa cubana Alimport.

"Estamos enfocados especialmente en el aumento paulatino de nuestros intercambios mutuos con Cuba", dijo Sedlik en una conferencia de prensa. Alimport es la encargada de las operaciones comerciales con empresas de EU desde que en diciembre de 2001 llegaron a Cuba los primeros embarques de productos agroalimentarios cuyas ventas fueron autorizadas por el gobierno estadounidense. Sin embargo, se mantiene vigente el embargo económico decretado por Washington contra el gobierno de la isla desde hace más de 40 años.

Uno de los requisitos impuestos por Washington para permitir estas exportaciones de productos es que La Habana los pague en efectivo.

"El libre comercio y no los embargos unilaterales es lo que necesitan los ciudadanos de nuestros dos países", dijo Gregory Stevane, presidente de Global Strategies.

Recordó que el año pasado las empresas californianas vendieron a la isla sus vegetales, carnes, vinos y frutas, entre otros productos.

Destacó que en noviembre próximo representantes de diversas empresas californianas viajarán a la isla para continuar las negociaciones comerciales.

  Súmanse empresarios de California al comercio con nuestro país

por diego Rodríguez Molina, del diario Granma

Un acuerdo comercial firmado con empresarios de California por un monto de 10 millones de dólares, permitirá a Cuba adquirir por un año alimentos, medicinas y otros productos, que comenzarán a llegar próximamente, según aseguró la parte norteamericana.

 

 

  U.S. businesses announce $10 million trade pact with Cuba

 Copyright © 2003, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

 Florida | Naples Daily NewsPrint this story.    Search for related stories.   

California businesses announce $10 million trade pact with Cuba

Saturday, August 30, 2003

Posted on Fri, Aug. 29, 2003

California businesses announce $10 million trade pact with Cuba

 CALIFORNIA BUSINESSES
ANNOUNCE $10 MILLION TRADE PACT WITH CUBA

Havana, The Associated Press
The Ledger
Florida, USA
La Nueva Cuba
August 31, 2003

International News

 CUBA: ACCORDO COMMERCIALE CON IMPRESE CALIFORNIANE

(ANSA) - L'AVANA, 30 AGO - Responsabili di imprese cubane e rappresentanti di societa' della California hanno raggiunto un accordo ieri a L'Avana, in base al quale L'Avana potra' acquistare nello stato americano medicine ed alimenti per un'ammontare di dieci milioni di dollari. Nel corso di una conferenza stampa, Gregory Estevane (Global Strategies Trading) e Barry Sedlik (vice-presidente del World Trade Center di Los Angeles) hanno spiegato che le imprese cubane Alimport e Medicuba potranno acquistare nel 2004 prodotti da societa' statunitense da loro rappresentate. L'accordo, notano i media cubani, e' stato raggiunto nonostante l'esistenza di un embargo unilaterale degli Stati uniti contro Cuba che dura da oltre 40 anni. (ANSA).
2003-08-30 - 05:50:00

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