Bustos Calls for improved trade with Cuba

Bustos picCongresswoman Cheri Bustos returned to the United States last week, following a four-day trip to Cuba to promote Illinois agriculture and trade. 

The East Moline Democrat made the trip with Republican Congressman Rodney Davis of Taylorville. Both sit on the Illinois Cuba Working Group– a coalition that searches for ways to strengthen trade relations between the two entities. 

During the trip, Bustos met with a number of Cuban government and agriculture officials, as well as members of a Cuban farm cooperative. 

She tells WGIL, one of the biggest things needed in order to advance relations is finding legislation that would allow Cubans to trade on credit.

“When Cuba does business, they have to do it on a cash transaction and a pay-in-advance transaction,” Bustos says. “They do not have access to credit. One of my first orders of business will be to take a look at what legislation that we can present in a bi-partisan fashion that would address their access to credit so we can increase our trade opportunities with Cuba.”

Illinois could be at the forefront for trade with the country if all goes to plan. Bustos says she would like to open an office in Havana to specifically promote agricultural trade with the state. The Congresswoman adds that it would be a way to have an on going presence that she hopes will materialize.

Bustos has spent much of her day today travelling West-Central Illinois discussing what she learned with constituents in the 17th District.

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