Global
Strategies Trading, LLC
www.gshi.com
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U.S. to CUBA TRADE MISSION
October 30th to November 4th 2006
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 up to $150 million 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. Dates of travel are October 30th 2006 and returning to
the U.S. on November 6th
2006.
The
cost of the trip, each individually priced, includes round-trip airfare from
Cancun, Mexico 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. Dr.
Armando J. Islas
President / Founder Chief Executive Officer
OFFICIAL
REGISTRATION FORM
Please complete a
separate registration form for each person.
Registration: Full payment required with registration.
Package includes roundtrip from Cancun, Mexico to Havana, Cuba, hotel, full
trip breakfast and dinners, bilingual guide, Cuban visas, trip planning, and a
dedicated bus for all program activities, 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. Dr.
Armando J. Islas
Email: greg@gshi.com drislas@gshi.com
Phone: Tel: (619) 954-5297 Tel: (626) 893-4225
COMPLETED
REGISTRATION FORMS, SIGNED - Scanned and emailed to above
persons.
Mission Date: Cuba Trade Mission
October 30th to November 4th,
2006
Company: _______________________________________________
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.
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.
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
CUBA TRADE MISSION
October 30th to November 4th 2006
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 one 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 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. ONLY WHEN YOU INFORM THE SHIPPER THAT FUNDS
HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, then Cuba can take possession of the goods. As of March
2005 OFAC has further defined payment by Cuba to the U.S. exporter to mean that
payment in full must be made to the U.S. exporter, prior to any goods leaving a
U.S. Port (that is good for U.S. exporters). 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.
·
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.
www.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, 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’ 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: One 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).
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.
CUBA TRADE MISSION
October 30th to November 4th 2006
www.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 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
6 |
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 7 |
Check
out of Hotel, proceed to Airport and
Return to U.S. |
|
|
|
CUBA TRADE MISSION
October 30th to November 4th 2006
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 |
|
|
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.
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U.S. businesses announce $10 million trade pact with Cuba
Copyright © 2003, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
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