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President of the U.S. Chamber
of Commerce speaks at the University of Havana
During a lecture, given May 30, at the University of
Havana’s Great Hall, attended by students, academics
and authorities, Thomas J. Donohue, President of the
Chamber of Commerce of the United States, praised
the updating of Cuba’s economic model currently
underway and advocated for better relations between
the two countries.
“There are some very good businesses on the island
worth investing in,” he said.
In a
statement posted on the Chamber’s website, Donohue
wrote that the “trip will provide us with a
first-hand look at changes in Cuba’s economic
policies and whether or not they are affecting the
ability to do business there. We want to learn more
about these reforms,” Donohue stated.
Asked how much longer the U.S. blockade of Cuba
might last - a failed policy opposed by the vast
majority of the world’s countries - he answered, “It
depends on how well we can communicate with one
another.”
“It is time to begin a new chapter in U.S.-Cuba
relations,” he added, emphasizing that the Chamber
of Commerce thinks it's time to eliminate the
long-standing political barriers and work to “clear
up differences,” since “attitudes are changing
towards the embargo in the United States.”
Donohue said the organization was pleased that
Cuban-Americans with close family members on the
island can now travel more freely to Cuba, adding
that he hopes other U.S. citizens will soon be able
to do the same, since “Cuba is a great place to
visit.” He said that such travel would contribute to
greater understanding between the two countries and
an appreciation of what could be accomplished
working together.
Donohue commented on the changes underway in the
country’s economic model, noting in particular the
450,000 self-employed workers; the 400,000 small
farmers who have been awarded land to work in
usufruct; the new foreign investment law; and the
opening of the Mariel Special Development Zone.
During the final leg of the visit, the delegation
visited the Mariel Special Development Zone and met
with members of non-agricultural cooperatives, as
well as workers employed by non-state entities, in
addition to holding meetings with Bruno Rodríguez
Parrilla, Cuban minister of Foreign Relations, and
Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, minister of Foreign Trade
and Investment
During his talk at the University of Havana, Donohue
said, “We will report our findings to lawmakers, our
members, and the American business community,” (Granma
International news staff).
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