Categories: Americas NewsBusiness

American Chamber of Commerce delegation begins first visit to Cuba in 15 years

An American Chamber of Commerce delegation has begun its first visit to Cuba in 15 years.

Chamber president Thomas Donohue said he was in Cuba to assess the economic changes taking place under President Raul Castro.

The US imposed an embargo on the communist-run island more than 50 years ago following the triumph of the Cuban Revolution.

Members of the Cuban community in the US have criticized the visit.

American Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donohue arrived in Cuba to assess the economic changes taking place under President Raul Castro (photo AP)

They accuse Raul Castro’s government of arresting political opponents and violating basic human rights.

Cuban-American Senator Robert Menendez said political opponents continued to be arrested “without justification,” in Cuba.

“Such conditions hardly seem an attractive opportunity for any responsible business leader,” Robert Menendez told the AP news agency.

Members of the trade delegation told AP that they were in Cuba to assess the trade possibilities in a post-embargo scenario.

However, the vast and politically-active Cuban community in the US has been strongly opposed to any change to trade ties with the communist-run island.

Since Fidel Castro handed power to his brother Raul in 2006, Cuba’s communist government has introduced a number of economic reforms.

Cubans are now allowed to own small businesses and to buy and sell cars and properties.

“We are very pleased to be here. We are learning a lot about the changes taking place in Cuba,” said Thomas Donohue.

He said that Cuba is now “fundamentally different in terms of the number of people that are operating under the private system”.

In December, President Raul Castro called for “civilized relations” with the US, saying the two countries should respect their differences.

The US should drop its demand for regime change and allow both sides to continue work on improving relations, Raul Castro said.

The US Chamber of Commerce delegation was welcomed to Havana on Tuesday afternoon by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and Trade Minister Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz.

Clyde K. Valle

Clyde is a business graduate interested in writing about latest news in politics and business. He enjoys writing and is about to publish his first book. He’s a pet lover and likes to spend time with family. When the time allows he likes to go fishing waiting for the muse to come.

Recent Posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Celebrate Election Victory at UFC 309

Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…

5 days ago

White House 2024: Donald Trump Wins, Kamala Harris Calls Him to Concede Election

Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Donald Trump Declares Victory as He Addresses Jubilant Supporters in Florida

Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…

2 weeks ago

Stocks Soaring as Donald Trump Closes in on US Victory

Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Kamala Harris Cancels Election Night Party as Path to Victory Narrows

Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…

2 weeks ago

Quincy Jones Dead at 91

Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…

2 weeks ago