COMMUNICATIONS
Establish a national communications data base
and network of companies, organizations, and others interested in
participating in projects and activities related to the goals of the
U.S.-Cuba Trade Association
An
e-mail alert system will provide members with information
on activities in Congress, in the Administration, and in Cuba which
would have an impact on business with Cuba so that members can know
when and how to express their opinions on such votes, initiatives,
and issues;
The Association web site will include links to other
organizations and groups involved in this issue; postings of letters
and other documents dealing with U.S. political efforts, actions,
and activities; latest administration rulings and actions related
to business in Cuba; and amendments and bills in Congress.
A news digest will provide members
press reports on business and other activities related to business
in and with Cuba as well as political actions in the United States;
Members will receive a monthly newsletter on business
and political events related to Cuba. The Cuba
Trade and Investment News will be mailed to each member
as part of membership;
As part
of its ongoing Media Relations, the Association will
provide accurate and timely information to the press and serve as
spokesman for the U.S. business point of view through statements on
current events, op-ed pieces, press alerts, and important information
on business relations with Cuba.
LOBBYING
Monitor actions by the Administration which would
have an impact on current trade and future trade;
USCTA
continues to follow closely all actions by the Administration such
as the actions to define “pay in advance” to mean payment
before shipping and will advise members as to appropriate actions
to take.
Monitor
legislative initiatives in Congress on a regular basis and
provide information on such activities to members through the e-mail
alert system as described above.
With
the change in control of Congress, a number of initiatives can be
expected to be introduced regarding Cuba. The new Chairmen of many
of the most important key committess in both the House and the Senate
have all solid voting records in favor of previous Cuba bills and
amendments that have been introduced over the last few years to
change the current policy.
As these are introduced in early 2007, the Association will make
all information about Congressional activities available here on
its website as well as alert members as to potential for expressions
of support.
Tie
in with other organizations and efforts to provide information
to Congressional offices;
Provide testimony and other input to the legislative
process consistent with the USCTA position of advocating for the interest
of those firms conducting current business with Cuba and for full
normalization of commercial relations between the United States and
Cuba;
Act to mobilize the members of USCTA to support initiatives
and actions of other organizations supporting the goals of USCTA.
BUILD
MEMBERSHIP and
RECRUIT SUPPORTERS
Broaden the base of support for USCTA goals by building
a membership – beyond the food, agriculture, and medical sectors
- of any and all companies, organizations, and individuals who support
the goals of USCTA;
Conduct business seminars and conferences to educate the
wider business community and recruit new support and members;
Beginning
in 2007, the U.S.-Cuba Trade Association will hold a series of seminars
for business firms about the current legislative and administration
issues and actions regarding trade with Cuba, process of doing business
in Cuba, the experience thus far and the potential ahead.
UNDERSTANDING
THE CUBAN BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
The
Association was a co-sponsor of the U.S.-Cuba Energy Summit in February,
2006 (www.uscubasummit.org)
held in Cancun, December 1-3, 2005. This gathering brought U.S. energy
executives together with their Cuban counterparts for the first time.
Other Summits on biotechnology, IT, and travel.
Teleconferences with Cuban officials in Havana are
under consideration to allow members to ask questions directly to
these officials to obtain up-to-date information. These occured in
Washinton, D.C., Louisiana, Florida, and Texas and invloved senior
Cuban officials from Alimport, Ministry of Foreign Trade, Ministry
of Basic Industry, CUPET, and Ministry of Foreign Relations.
Invitations to make visits to Cuba to members who
have their own individual licenses will be issued to facilitate conducting
business for those companies which sell agricultural and medical products.
These visits will include interaction with high level Cuban officials
who are responsible for the financial and business aspects of the
current legal trade with Cuba.
