Industry Minister Calls for Removal of Trade Barriers between Jamaica and Cuba

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, is calling for the removal of the obstacles facing trade between Jamaica and Cuba, and the strengthening of the bilateral partnership between the two countries.
Speaking during a courtesy call at his New Kingston office today by Cuban Ambassador, H.E. Bernardo Guanche Hernandez, Minister Samuda called for both sides to work toward the removal of obstacles to trade in all its forms, as well as the opening up of channels through which to advance trade.
“In moving forward, we must level the playing field”, the Minister stated, while adding that a prosperous Cuba also meant a prosperous Jamaica, as the country hoped to share in the growth of its close Caribbean neighbour.
With agreement on both sides, it was suggested that a meeting be held in the near future in order to resolve the trade barriers between Jamaica and Cuba.
The Cuban Ambassador lamented the fact that, while Jamaica and Cuba shared a very close political relationship, the level of the business and trade relations between the two countries was disappointingly low. He, therefore, suggested that the two sides work on improving that situation. In response, Minister Samuda stated that the Jamaican government was looking forward to strengthening the trading relationship, with Cuba being Jamaica’s nearest neighbour and a partner with which to mutually advance economic growth and ideas, amongst other things.
“Now, we must go one step further and enhance our relationship in cross-border trading”, the Minister declared.

The main agenda item was the planned visit to Jamaica by the Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Mrs. Ileana Nunez Mordoche in April. Among the matters slated for discussion next month are the administrative, procedural and technical issues being experienced by the Jamaican private sector in attempting to gain access to the Cuban marketplace, the Cuban embargo and its impact on Cuba’s ability to trade with and invest in third countries, practical issues relating to trade financing, as well as opportunities for the private sector, etc.
The visit will take place at a time when Cuba-US relations are at an all-time high, and with the Cuban economy poised for economic take-off. The Cuban Ambassador, however, reassured Minister Samuda that Jamaica and Cuba, having been friends and partners during the bad times, will continue to be friends and partners during the good times.

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Contact: Hugh Bembridge/Nicola Wint 968-8583/968-8586

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