Global Strategies Trading, LLC

www.gshi.com

U.S. to CUBA TRADE MISSION

November 5^th to November 10^th 2007

Dear Mission Member:

Our objective in this trade mission to Havana, Cuba is to: Negotiate CASH IN ADVANCE export contracts for U.S. exporters in the areas of 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. Alimport has stated it will award MILIONS in import/export contracts at this trade fair as they did last year.

Alimport is the Cuban buying entity that has purchased, paid cash in advance and received U.S. products totaling nearly two billion dollars CASH IN ADVANCE for U.S. exports in the last three years. This mission is a follow up to negotiate more contracts for U.S. 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 U.S. products.

The trade format in Havana will be that of a trade show, with booths, samples, company literature, etc. with all participants in a large convention center that is modern and professionally laid out. The buyers, Alimport, will proceed to each booth and individually negotiate export contracts each day of the event. Our objective will be to gain export contracts

Global will assist in getting all samples, and other client materials pre-shipped to Havana via Jacksonville, Florida and all U.S. licensing and international export documentation that will be required.

The cost of the trip, each individually priced, includes round-trip airfare from Miami, Florida to Havana, Cuban travel visas, hotel, full trip breakfast and dinners, transfers, bilingual guide and permanent bus for all program activities. Shipping samples to Havana and trade show booth costs are additional costs.

Along with all of our trade delegation members, we sincerely thank you and look forward to seeing you on this historic trade mission to Havana, Cuba.

Gregory A. Estevane, J.D.

President / Founder

INVITATION TO THE 25TH HAVANA INTERNATIONAL FAIR

NOVEMBER 5th THRU 10th, 2007

Dear friend,

Havana will be hosting its 25th annual international trade fair ("FIHAV") next November 5th thru 10th, 2007. Attended by business organizations from the world all over, this trade show is a great opportunity to take the pulse of the Cuban market, as well as its local and foreign players.

Cuba's single largest food importer and a pioneer in the resumed one-way agricultural trade with the US, is pleased to invite you and your firm to participate in this trade show in which contracts and particular agreements with States may be finalized to meet part of Cuba's food and agricultural demand in the first half of 2008.

Alimport has in the last six years contracted over $ 2,5 bn and made timely cash payments of $ 2,4 bn to American exporters. In the execution and operation of these transactions, Alimport has consistently signalled Cuba's readiness to normalize trade and travel relations with the US in an atmosphere of peace, friendship and mutual respect. Opportunities to deal are readily available in all authorized food and agricultural products as per US regulations, but if a company manages to obtain a license for a product outside this list, we stand ready to talk about it and negotiate.

In purchasing from the US companies attending the event, those companies exhibiting in stands will have an advantage over others not displaying products, provided competitive pricing, quality and terms are offered. We are also looking forward to, and hereby encourage, the participation of a large number of companies in the retail industry (supermarket products) showcasing their items in the Cuban market.

Your host Alimport and the characteristically hospitable Cuban people will welcome you warmly.

For confirmation and additional information, please contact:

Mr. Iván Hernández
Commercial Director

HAVANATUR
Mrs. Caridad Sago Rivera
Commercial Manager

My best regards,

Pedro Alvarez Borrego

Chairman Alimport

As for the Havana International Trade Show find some info on it below:

1. Dates of the Show: November 5th - 10th, 2007, opens every day from 10:00 am till 6:00 pm.

2. Attendees from all over the world include, not only the food processors and suppliers, where large participation is found, but also on other areas of business, like telecom, construction, machinery and equipment and automobiles. It is open for business representatives from Monday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday is open for general public.

3. The available booths are 9 square meters (minimum) or 12, 15, 18 or more square meters, with maximum depth of 3 mts. You decide how much space you really want or need. One 9 sq mt booth includes 2 credentials, for another 9 mts, one additional credential however; an additional credential within the same space would be 50 CUC. Equipment and items available are summarized below. If you need anything else, let us know in advance and we will see into it.

RATE PER SQUARE METER

180.00 CUC

INCLUDES:

1. CUSTOMS CLEARANCE AND TRANSPORTATION OF SAMPLES AND GOODS FROM THE PORT, AIRPORT TO THE FAIR VENUE.

2. DESIGN, ASSEMBLY OF PAVILION, INCLUDING NAMES AND LOGOS OF COMPANIES EXHIBITING.

3. STORAGE AND CUSTODY OF COMMERCIAL SAMPLES.

4. REGISTRATION AND PARKING LOTS.

5. LIGHTING OF BOOTHS.

ANY FURNITURE OR SPECIAL ITEM OR EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT OR ITEMS FOR DISPLAY OF SAMPLES SHOULD BE REQUESTED IN PARTICULAR BY THE COMPANY WELL IN ADVANCE FOR BOOKING PURPOSES, AS IT IS NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE RATE PER SQUARE METER GIVEN ABOVE. SUCH ADDITIONAL COSTS WILL BE ADDED ONTO THE RATE WHEN ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE CONFIRMED.

RATES FOR SUCH ITEMS AS FOLLOWS:

1. PLASTIC TABLE CUC 45.00

2. PLASTIC CHAIR CUC 15.00

3. REFRIGERATOR CUC 130.00

4. FAN CUC 25.00

5. SINGLE POWER OUTLET CUC 7.00

6. GLASS DISPLAY CUC 130.00

7. CABINET CUC 90.00

8. FREEZER CUC 300.00

9. WALL SHELVES CUC PER METER 15.00

I hope all of this information may be useful for you and look forward to your participation, once a decision has been made on your side as to the number and names of participants as well as the space needed, we would appreciate if you could let us all know.

Please, send your SAMPLES consigned to:

Feria Internacional de la Habana (FIHAV 07)

Agencia Aduanal y Transitoria Palco

Pabellón 24

ALIMPORT

Your goods must be air freighted by October 30 - November 4, 2007, or shipped by October 20-25, 2007.

Your shipping documents must be received within 48 hours before the date of arrival of related cargo.

For sample deliveries and any other information, contact:

Mr. Raciel Rodríguez Temprana

Ms. Lianet Fernández Costa

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FORM

Please complete a separate registration form for each person.

Registration: Full payment required with registration. Package includes roundtrip from Miami, Florida to Havana, Cuba, Cuban Visa’s, hotel, full trip breakfast,, bilingual guide, trip planning, business meetings, events, and transfers throughout the Cuba mission. All Business travel packages are individually priced. Booth participation and shipping samples is at an additional cost as with any ‘trade show’ event.

Contact: Gregory Estevane, J.D.

Email: greg@gshi.com

Phone: Tel: 310.728.6236

Fax: 310.728.6483

COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS, SIGNED – Faxed, or emailed

Mission Date: Cuba Trade Mission November 5 to November 10, 2007

Name: ______________________________________________

Title: ______________________________________________

Company: _______________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

City/State/Zip: _______________________________________________

Tel/Cell/Fax: _______________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________

Package: _______________________________________________

All trade mission packages individually priced

Special Packages for 2-3 day in and out trips available upon request

Consulting Services to gain ‘Competitive Advantage’ available upon request.

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

Terms and Conditions:

Full payment and the two page registration form must be completed. Payment is non refundable as airline and other payments are made upon receipt of payment. All arrangements are subject to change prior to payment. Global Strategies Trading (GS) and its official OFAC (U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Controls) 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. GS/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, airport security, or any other condition, nor are we responsible for the loss of or damage to baggage or any of the participant’s belongings.

Disclosures:

Global Strategies Trading, LLC (“GS”) is acting as the mission organizer and is not acting as a travel agency. All flight, hotel, transportation, and meals may be booked through a traditional travel agency, and/or a U.S. Dept. Of Treasury (DOT) licensed TSP (OFAC authorized travel service provider), with OFAC rights to make and pay for such accommodations for this event. GS/TSP are not responsible for any delays or changes of flights, personal, chattel, baggage or other losses, to and from the U.S or Mexico to Cuba.
Each traveler is or may be responsible for paying the $50 airport exit tax to leave the U.S. and the $25 airport exit tax to leave Havana. If leaving via Mexico other airport taxes may apply.

Travelers are responsible for their own luggage and personal effects. GS is not responsible for the loss of any luggage or personal effects due to airport security, theft, lost baggage or other reasons.

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

There is total a baggage weight limit of 44 pounds, if using a direct US flight and or severe security limitations on any carry on. Any charge for overweight baggage is the traveler’s responsibility to pay.
At no time has GS 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. Export contracts are the objective of GS.

7. OFAC licensing is required for this trip. 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.

GS acts solely as a mission organizer, with Cuba travel arranged by OFAC TSP or other travel agencies as needed. The TSP and GS 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.

All Business travel packages are individually priced. Booth participation and shipment of samples is at an additional cost as with any ‘trade show’ event.

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

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

Global Strategies Trading, LLC

2619 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90057

Tel: 310.728.6236 * Fax: 310.728.6483

greg@gshi.com

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. The Cuban Government buying entities (Alimport and Medicuba) purchases in excess of two billion dollars a year in the food, medicine, and medical devices sectors. Under current U.S. law these above purchase sectors are allowable and legal to export from the U.S. to Cuba. To date Cuba has purchased nearly two billion dollars in food products from U.S. companies, with shipments leaving the U.S. to Cuba and the U.S. exporters being paid in cash. This is the export market stream that we intend to further develop. Products that fall under the categories of agriculture, branded food, medicine (both prescription and over the counter), medical/surgical supplies, medical 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. At the same time, this is 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), but also by the two million foreign tourists that visit Cuba annually. Once travel is normalized between Cuban and the U.S., an additional two 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. Cuba is an untapped and highly profitable new export market for the U.S.

Because Cuba purchases goods in cash, and because some products will be completely new to the Cuban consumer, initial orders are often 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. Those clients who have patience, perseverance, and 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 this trade mission for participants as we have learned it necessary to understand the market, the society and the culture, as well as initiate those important relationships. During this trade mission participants will meet many key buyers for the entire country!

· Typical turnaround time for our clients from introduction to Cuba prior to the mission to shipment of goods is three to six months depending on which products.

· The most common ports for shipping are 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.

· Note: air weight allowance for sample, IF ALLOWED AT ALL, on U.S. chartered flights to Cuba is 44lbs for all luggage and samples combined. It is recommended to pre-ship all samples. (We can arrange for the shipment of additional samples ahead of time.) Foreign flights to Cuba allow more weight for fees.

· 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, or a Letter of Credit (LC) releases funds to your account. Wiring from Cuba to your account is via a third country bank (usually France), and funds are then wired to your account. OFAC also allows LC’s.

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

· A list of the necessary export documents will be provided by the importer, Alimport, and the U.S. shipper. Some additional documents are often required when goods are actually shipped for sale. Global Strategies will assist with this type of documentation through it’s alliance partner Vanik International..

· 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. Many who participate for one full year may see quantities grow rapidly. High-priority items are often asked to be shipped immediately; others are based on certain purchasing seasons. Cuba’s buying year is divided into 4 purchasing quarters.

Global Strategies Trading, LLC

2619 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90057

Tel: 310.728.6236 * Fax: 310.728.6483

greg@gshi.com

Travel Itinerary

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

Carry on Samples depends on current Airport Security regulations: Total Weight allowed, including samples, is 44 pounds for U.S. based departing flights IF ALLOWED. Please be sure that your samples are labeled, are accompanied by a phytosanitary lab analysis, as well as have DOC health, FDA and all other health certificates required for customs entry into foreign countries. You will also need a DOC BIS Export License. You will need U.S. and or State 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’ under a twenty U.S. dollar value. We would advise pre-shipping samples.

Arrive in Havana, Cuba

Cuba Itinerary and Information:

Arrive: Jose Marti International Airport, Havana, Cuba. (Cuba is 3 hours ahead from PST) Proceed through Immigration where you will present your Cuban Visa (provided by GS) 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, and Medical Services: 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 has multiple restaurants and associated amenities. The Hotel has normal US electrical outlets and EU outlets. Other hotels may be substituted depending on the event, availability and our hosts Alimport.

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). Unpaid Hotel expenses are a serious issue in Cuba and can effect your exist of the country at the airport, if bills are unpaid, thus pay all room additional expenses you incur.

Phone Calls: Guests can make and receive calls, faxes, and 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.

Currency: It is necessary, prior to arriving in Cuba, to exchange U.S. (US) currency into Canadian dollars or Euros, which are then exchanged into Convertible Cuban Pesos (CCPs) in Cuba. US dollars are NOT accepted and used in Cuba; a ten percent conversion fee in Cuba is used to convert U.S. dollars into CCPs (NOT on a one to one U.S. dollar ratio). Cubans convert Canadian dollars or Euros at a much reduced conversion rate at the Cuban airport, hotels, or Cuban banks. There is no conversion cost to re-convert unused Cuban currency back into non- Cuban currency prior to leaving Cuba. Per Diem daily spending amounts are posted on US Dept. Of Treasury 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 consistent 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 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 personal property unattended. Never take with you more money than you need.

Tipping: Tips do not follow US standards. Two CCPs for a twenty CCP meal is good if service was exceptional. The food and drink will be excellent, as we know the best spots in Havana.

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 argumentative 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, Miami or other departure points, and $25 airport tax to leave Havana airport. Participants are responsible for cab fare 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 or items are at each person’s own expense.

Attire: Only one formal jacket and tie outfit for men and one formal outfit for women in case we meet with top leadership. All business meetings are business casual, nice slacks, polo or other business casual shirts and comfortable slip on shoes (no jackets, this is the Caribbean). Off time: shorts, sandals, casual wear and bathing suits. Pack light, you won’t need a lot. The Hotel has world-class stores, on the premises for almost anything you may have forgotten.

Global Strategies Trading, LLC

2619 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90057

Tel: 310.728.6236 * Fax: 310.728.6483

greg@gshi.com

Work Schedule

For U.S. Trade Delegation in Cuba

Day 1

Depart U.S. Arrive at Jose Marti International Airport Havana, Cuba. Check into Hotel.

Confirm sample shipment arrived and being processed. Dinner at one of Havana’s finest restaurants, Welcome Cultural Event, Dinner.

Day 2

Welcome briefing.

Lunch
Negotiate and meet interested buyers.

Dinner

Day 3

Breakout negotiations with individual buyers for each product.

Visit to individual matching Cuban companies/optional.

Dinner at one of Havana’s finest restaurants. Cultural Event.

Day 4

International Trade Center negotiations all day

Dinner and an evening event tentatively scheduled by Cuban hosts.

Day 5

Meet Cuban buyers and continue to finalize detailed contract negotiations.

Lunch

Afternoon educational tour events, return to Hotel

Day 5

International Trade Center negotiations all day

Diplomat event with Cuban Govt., NGO’s , Cuban buyers

Dinner and an evening event tentatively scheduled by Cuban hosts.

Day

Finalize export contract negotiations with Buyers of Food, Medicines and medical devices

Tour of facilities optional. Lunch.

Goodbye Diplomat Cocktail event with NGO’s, Cuban Govt. and Cuban buyers

Dinner and an evening event tentatively scheduled by Cuban hosts.

Day

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

Global Strategies Trading, LLC

2619 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90057

Tel: 310.728.6236 * Fax: 310.728.6483

greg@gshi.com

California to Cuba 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

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.

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

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