The U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched the U.S.-Cuba Business Council (USCBC) late last week, a commitment from the U.S. business community to build a strong and strategic commercial relationship with Cuba.
"For too long, the U.S.-Cuban relationship has been defined by its differences and burdened by its past, while lacking a clear path forward," Jodi Bond, the U.S. Chamber's vice president of the Americas, said. "The launch of the business council serves as another step toward the opening of a new chapter in relations between our countries."
The USCBC plans to work with the U.S. Congress, public and private sectors, and other key stakeholders to eradicate barriers to trade, as well as create jobs, growth and prosperity in both countries. The USCBC also will urge the Cuban government to continue making policy changes to lessen government control or ownership of Cuban businesses.
"We're facing a historic opportunity to support a vital and growing Cuban private sector, one that is defined by entrepreneurs whose expanding efforts show that the spirit of free enterprise is already taking hold in the country," Tom Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO, said. "This council will work tirelessly to ensure that both countries can take advantage of the new avenues for trade, investment and economic cooperation in the bilateral relationship."
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