Feedback from Texas Delegates

We are still waiting on some finalized agreements between Texas seller and Cuba's importers. In the meantime, some of the delegates who accompanied me to Cuba returned with renewed optimism about trade between Texas and Cuba.

Patrick Wallesen with WestStar Food Co. in Corpus Christi says he considers the trip a success because Alimport is now aware that many Texas companies are eager to do business with them.

"I had productive conversations with some of the new buyers at Alimport and the buyers for the grocery stores. I am glad they are willing to let us offer packaged products like beans, peas, lentils and chick peas to them on a monthly basis," he says.

"This is really the type of business I seek, rather then the large shipments to Alimport we've done in the past, which have been months or even years apart."

Frank Walker with Walker Ltd. says he is also looking forward to making trade agreements with Cuban importers.

Photos from Cuban Trade Mission

Enjoy some photos we took while on our trade mission to Cuba:

Back From Cuba, Photos from the Trip

El Capitolio in Havana now houses government offices

The visit to Cuba surpassed our expectations. Face to face discussions are leading to tangible business opportunities and we are anxious for the buyers and sellers to finalize agreements. An announcement will be made once the negotiations are concluded and we have a complete layout of the results of the delegation’s efforts. Based on the final outcomes of this visit, it is entirely possible to see a variety of expanded trading opportunities that will develop over time.

Texas trade mission delegation members at the airport

Members of the delegation represented Texas well. Our Cuban partners, while differing in governmental philosophy, share what I sense is the desire of most Texans: to expand relationships, to have business opportunities that benefit both parties, and to get along with your neighbors.Conducting trade for food, making our word good and delivering quality products can only lead to a beneficial long-lasting relationship that advance both countries. Better business relationships can only lead to an even greater desire for diplomatic obstacles to be overcome, recognizing there is a distance to be bridged.

Talking with Alimport Advisor, Alberto Betancourt. Betancourt worked with us throughout the week.

Our goals for the visit were to generate business referrals for purchases of Texas products later in the year, gain a better understanding of the Cuban market and needs, and provide one on one contact leading to beneficial relationships. Texans should be proud of the men and women who represented our state and exceeded these goals.

Learning more about the market for food in Cuba during a visit to a local supermarket in Havana.

While the Cubans are fiercely independent and highlighted our political differences, it is clear they see the mutual benefit of doing business with Texas and are open to expanding the opportunities that exist.

Checking out Cuban produce at a local farmer's market

Check back later today, I hope to upload an album with more photos from the trip.