Cuba’s renewed diplomatic relations to spur commerce, growth for Guyana

- GCSM President

January 15, 2015 | By KNews | Filed Under News, Source - Kaieteur News

Banking on improved diplomatic and economic relations with the United States to pull it out of years of stagnation, Cuba is attracting investors that are more eager to get in before the Americans, according to President of the Guyana Cuba Solidarity Movement (GCSM) Haleem Khan.

On December 17, last, President Barack Obama announced that the United States will re-establish normal diplomatic relations with Cuba and that certain economic sanctions will be eased, most likely in measured steps.

He explained that creditors will have a bit more confidence and at every business negotiation Cuba is now in a stronger position. With the results of renewed diplomatic relations there will be increased investment and revenues.

Khan said that the opening trade with Cuba not only provides U.S. businesses a new market where telecommunication, construction, agriculture and tourism firms could flourish, but it also will improve U.S. trade with the rest of Latin America, which would view the move favorably.

“Cuba has been in the background for decades and that will change in weeks ahead.”

He said, “This will send a favourable signal to the international community about the future of the economy stimulates demand through tourism and increases remittances flowing to private businesses and individuals”.

He said Cuba has announced that its economy will grow a healthy four percent in 2015. “Cubans are good people, concerned about the same things that concern us having safe cities and good schools and making life better for the children.”

Acknowledging improvements in Cuba market access, Khan said, allows for US farmers, ranchers and food companies to serve a nearby market and the Cuban people gain improved access to healthy and affordable food and feed.

“The country will begin to be normal. The easing of travel restrictions will reconnect families, create economic and educational opportunities and encourage those Cubans who do leave the island nation to go back.”

Khan noted that Guyana’s amicable relations with Cuba will grow even stronger as Guyanese see a lot of themselves in the people of Cuba: the same love of music, especially jazz, indigenous foods, dance and literature.

Cuba attended the first Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA) in Guyana in 1972 and played a role in the creation of the Guyana School of Dance. The close relations between the two peoples have given rise to enduring personal friendships and a deepening of the understanding between the two countries.