The Tribune

STRONGER trade links with Cuba are being promoted in Freeport.

Cuba has a nominal GDP rate of $71.3 billion. Total exports in 2010 were $3.1 billion, whilst imports totalled $9.6 billion and Freeport aims to become a transportation provider for the nation.

This and other matters formed the basis of discussions as executives of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) warmly welcomed Ernesto Soberon Guzman, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, during an official visit to Grand Bahama.

Along with tourism, other important industries in Cuba’s economy are sugar, petroleum, tobacco, construction, nickel and steel.

“Economic reforms are evolving with changes in key areas, therefore we are very favourable to concrete and real possibilities of us doing business together,” said GBPA chairman Ian Fair.

Ambassador Guzman was similarly disposed. “Prior to the 1980s Cuba enjoyed a very special relationship with the Soviet Union which was very helpful to us.

“Now we are changing and looking to diversify,” he said. “We are trying to adapt our system to the world because we are not isolated in this world.”

Cognisant of the historical relationship between the countries, the group was eager to discuss potential areas for future growth such as agriculture, construction, natural medicine products, and other commodities.

A GBPA delegation is expected to visit Cuba’s international trade fair, slated to be held in November, to explore additional opportunities.

According to GBPA preside Ian Rolle, they look forward to further dialogue and an exchange of ideas on various matters.

“Freeport as a location probably has more opportunity to do business with Cuba than anywhere else in the Bahamas,” he said. “We enjoy diplomatic relations and will diligently work together for the mutual benefit of both countries.”