Summit highlighted the historic opportunity for America to turn the page on its Cuba policy; Summit featured USDA Under Secretary Michael Scuse as the keynote speaker and a panel discussion that explored the new economic opportunities engaging with Cuba can provide for Minnesota and the United States

Klobuchar recently traveled to Cuba to discuss economic opportunities for Minnesota businesses and farmers; Klobuchar has also introduced major bipartisan legislation to lift the current embargo, which will allow more U.S. goods to be exported to Cuba

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today U.S.  Senator Amy Klobuchar convened a Summit on Modernizing U.S.-Cuba Relations to highlight the historic opportunity for America to turn the page on its Cuba policy. The Summit pulled together a wide range of agriculture, business, and community leaders to discuss ways to create new economic opportunities for Minnesota and our country by engaging with Cuba.

“Fifty years of the embargo hasn’t worked and it is time to turn the page on our Cuba policy,” Klobuchar said. “Increasing travel and commerce between our two countries will boost exports and create American jobs as we produce goods for 11 million new customers in a country just 90 miles off our shores. I am committed to continuing this conversation and working with those across the aisle to build a practical and positive relationship with Cuba that will benefit both our country and the Cuban people.”

Klobuchar recently traveled to Cuba to meet with agriculture and export officials to identify ways to open up new economic opportunities for businesses and farmers in Minnesota and across the country. Klobuchar has also introduced major bipartisan legislation to lift the current embargo, which will allow more U.S. goods to be exported to Cuba. The bill would eliminate the legal barriers to Americans doing business in Cuba, boosting job creation and exports. It does not repeal provisions of current law that address human rights in Cuba or that allow individuals and businesses to pursue claims against the Cuban government. Klobuchar is also a cosponsor of bipartisan legislation to lift the Cuba travel ban.

The Summit on Modernizing U.S.-Cuba Relations was held at the University of Minnesota College of Continuing Education in Saint Paul. The event featured USDA Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse as the keynote speaker and a panel discussion exploring ways to boost U.S. job creation and exports while also improving the lives of people in Cuba.

Panelists included:

  • Dave Frederickson, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture
  • Devry Boughner Vorwerk, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Cargill and Chair, U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba
  • Ralph Kaehler, Minnesota farmer and participant in Cuba trade missions
  • Rodolfo Gutierrez, Executive Director, Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research
  • Regina McGoff, Executive Director, Center for Global Education, Augsburg College
  • Jason Adkins, Executive Director, Minnesota Catholic Conference

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