Missouri Governor Opens Business Forum in Cuba

Missouri Governor Jeremiah W. Nixon underlined today the opportunities for trade exchanges between US and Cuban companies, particularly in agriculture.

At the opening ceremony of a business forum, Nixon highlighted the importance of developing ties between Cuba and the United States for the welfare of present and future generations of both countries.

Nixon said that this event aimed at determining the real prospects of trade ties between Cuba and Missouri businessmen.

According to Nixon, Missouri could offer quality products such as rice, soybeans, beef, dairy, cotton, bio-fertilizers and animal feeds, whose transportation would benefit from geographical proximity and existing infrastructure for maritime transportation.

Nixon also said that the company Martin Rice, based in Missouri, brought to Cuba a donation of 20 tons of rice, which will be distributed for social consumption.

The director of Trade Policy for North America, Cuba Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (MINCEX), Maria de la Luz B'Hamel, thanked the donation, adding that this gesture is a symbol on the start of lasting relationships that could be strengthened with all US agricultural producers.

The US delegation to the forum is composed of more than 30 executives and senior officials that will hold a two-day forum with Cuban businessman and MINCEX representatives.

The US delegation also includes the directors of Missouri departments of agriculture and economic development Richard Fordyce and Mike Downing, respectively, who were introduced by Nixon as key people for boosting trade ties.