November 19 ,2007
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
Recently, representatives of Nebraska’s wheat, corn, soybean, and pork industries joined me on a trade mission to Cuba. The one-day visit was planned to coincide with the opening of the 25th annual Havana International Trade Fair. While it was a short trade mission, we seized the opportunity to promote and sell Nebraska products.
Our diligence in maintaining an export relationship with Cuba continues to pay dividends for producers in our state. On this last trade mission, we signed a contract for the purchase of more than $10 million in Nebraska wheat. It is scheduled for shipment to Cuba in the spring.
During the past two years we have signed two trade agreements worth $30 million each. After each trade agreement, Nebraska companies negotiated actual sales contracts and then executed those contracts. This time we signed a contract without first having a preliminary agreement in place first. That is a welcome sign of our expanded relationship with Cuba.
As Governor, I have worked with Nebraskans to expand export opportunities. Cuba has proved to be a productive investment of time and effort. With this latest visit, Nebraska has now sold more than $70 million in agricultural products to Cuba.
In addition to key meetings and the signing ceremony with Alimport officials, we explored the Havana International Trade Fair. Several Nebraska companies joined businesses and producers from around the U.S. and the world as exhibitors.
We also had an important meeting with Cuba’s minister of foreign trade, Mr. Raul de la Nuez Ramirez.
Minister Ramirez shared that previously Cuba chose to import certain products rather than produce them domestically, due to low food prices. As an example, until recently it was more economical to import chickens then to raise them in Cuba. Information like this helps us know what Nebraska goods will be best to promote and most profitable to export.
We also talked about the future of biofuels and the growing interest in energy efficiency. I talked about the current expansion taking place in Nebraska’s ethanol industry and the interest in pursuing other opportunities in renewable energy. Nebraska is diversifying our energy portfolio, with investments ranging from biodiesel production to wind-generated energy. Cuban officials have been diligently pursuing energy reduction measures in recent years. They are also exploring the production of biofuels, including ethanol and biodiesel. Sharing information in a forum like this may lead to future opportunities for our state.
These conversations, along with discussions we’ve had with Alimport officials, are a part of our continuing and expanding relationship with Cuba. We are developing a good relationship which is important to securing future opportunities for Nebraska.
I want to end by acknowledging the hard work of the staff of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the companies and agriculture groups that have participated in these trade missions. Their interest in exploring trade opportunities with other countries is critical in helping Nebraska expand into new international markets.
