Cuba Welcomes Trade with New Mexico
Pedro Alvarez, president of Cuban Food Import Company (ALIMPORT), described as very positive and successful the recent signing of a letter of intent with Navajo farm businesspeople from the US state of New Mexico.

The US delegation, which visited Cuba last week, included Democrat legislator Tom Udall, representatives of the Navajo indigenous, and New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Miley Gonzalez.

Alvarez told Prensa Latina that they achieved more progress than expected, as the visit concluded with the signing of a letter of intent to study the possibility of marketing potatoes, onions, yellow corn, wheat, as well as making some progress regarding cattle.

New Mexican authorities admitted there is high unemployment in the state, so they are looking for alternative solutions in Cuba, which boasts a close, reliable market, with facilities to launch their products, added Alvarez.

Cuba, which has been under a strict US-imposed economic, financial and commercial blockade for more than forty years, began to import US food in November 2001, in the wake of the devastation caused in the Island by Hurricane Michelle.

A license awarded by the US Congress in 2000 allowed for start of US food sales to Havana, disregarding current international trade regulations, as the Island has to pay in cash in advance.

Echoing Alvarez´ criticism of US measures, US Congressman Udall said the White House´s coercive measures against Cuba make trade very, very difficult.

He added that despite the US restrictions, 35 US states have so far signed agreements worth 800 million dollars for the sale of US products to the Island.