Idaho has received a license to export agricultural goods, wood products and medical supplies to Cuba, according to Jon Hanian, spokesman for Gov. C. L. “Butch” Otter.
Otter plans to lead a trade mission to Cuba April 9-14 with 34 businesspeople and state officials.
When asked which Cuban government officials the trade delegation would meet with since Cuba’s government may be in transition, Hanian said, “That’s a very sensitive issue with the Cubans right now. We’re going to meet with current government officials. I’m assuming that is Fidel Castro and El Presidenté.”
The U.S. has imposed a trade embargo against Cuba since the early 1960s. Last week plans for a trade mission might have been preliminary, Hanian said, but since then Idaho has received an export license from the federal government. The license allows Idaho to export only agricultural, wood and medical products; all other products are restricted.
Idaho could gain trade partnerships for producers of seed, beef, pork, beans, dairy products, bandages and generic drugs, Hanian said. Much of the trip will be about establishing good will, he said. Idaho medical supply companies plan to donate some medical supplies as a humanitarian gesture.
This is Otter’s fourth trip to Cuba, Hanian said. The previous three times were as a member of Congress.
“This governor is not a novice at winning friends and influencing people abroad,” Hanian said, noting the trade relationships Otter opened up for Simplot Co. and as lieutenant governor. “He brought back armloads of contracts.”
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