In order for Louisiana to trade with Cuba, the state must cultivate a relationship with the island nation, identify businesses that can be developed there and start requesting licenses to do business in the country, the state Department of Agriculture says.
“We have a better understanding of what the country’s needs are—and how Louisiana can fulfill those needs—by visiting places such as an organic farm, tobacco and corn farm, farmers market, grocery store and the port in Mariel,” says Mike Strain, the state’s commissioner of agriculture and forestry.
Strain recently led a 94-person delegation to Cuba, promoting economic development, tourism and agriculture trade.
During the trip, the delegation—which included cattle ranchers, rice, soybean and sugarcane farmers—opened a dialogue with Cuban officials about doing business together, says Strain, adding that a Memorandum of Understanding also was presented to Cuban government officials for consideration.
Cuba has largely been off limits to U.S. businesses because of a federal trade embargo that could be lifted in the near future. The Obama administration has been working to normalize relations with the island nation.
“It is critical to establish these important business relationships now in order to gain access to new market opportunities for our Louisiana agricultural producers when it does,” Strain says.
The agriculture department says Louisiana officials have a better understanding of what Cuba needs, but the island nation’s lack of cash remains a major obstacle to trade.
Still, Louisiana officials are forging ahead with efforts to export commodities such as rice to Cuba. Recently, the Port of South Louisiana announced that it will sign an MOU with the National Port Administration of Cuba to exchange ideas, data and knowledge.
“We are in a prime position to export agricultural products, petrochemicals and the cruise industry,” says Joe Accardo, the port association’s executive director.
Strain and Gov. John Bel Edwards also plan to travel to Cuba in October to continue developing trade agreements, the agriculture department says.
