Australia is sending its first trade mission to Cuba

Australia is sending its first trade mission to Cuba
REUTERS | 23 February, 2016 07:52

Australian mining and agricultural companies will join the country's
first official trade mission to Cuba, which leaves for Havana on Wednesday.

In 2015, Australia-Cuba trade totalled only A$14.1 million ($10.20
million), less than 1 percent of Australia's total trade.

"Several countries are looking at Cuba in order to leverage new
opportunities," Special Trade Envoy Andrew Robb said in a statement,
citing opportunities in tourism and medical service sectors. "In this
regard Australia is an early mover."

Robb's office declined to name the companies joining the trade mission.

Australia does not have an embassy in Cuba. In 2008, Cuba opened one in
Canberra.

The trade mission comes in the wake of thawed ties between the United
States and Cuba. They restored diplomatic relations last year after a
54-year break, but the U.S. trade embargo remains in place.

In March, President Barack Obama will become the first U.S. leader to
visit Cuba since 1928.

($1 = 1.3829 Australian dollars)

Source: Australia is sending its first trade mission to Cuba - Times
LIVE -
http://www.timeslive.co.za/world/2016/02/23/Australia-is-sending-its-first-trade-mission-to-Cuba