The News Star - Abraham: Trade Possibilities With Cuba Unlimited

News Article

By Greg Hilburn

Fifth District U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, who returned from a trade mission to Cuba Saturday, said Louisiana farmers could experience a boon when decades-long restrictions are finally lifted.

"For us the possibilities are unlimited," said Abraham, R-Alto, who coordinated the trip with Arkansas Congressman Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, and producers from both states.

Cubans especially crave Louisiana rice, and Acadiana rice farmer Richard Fontenot believes the island nation could buy as much as half of the state's crop when the trade embargo is eventually lifted.

But Abraham, who met with the country's minister of finance, minister of commerce and agriculture officials, said all Louisiana commodities could benefit after normalization.

"They very much want our products," Abraham said. "There's definitely a renewed excitement among the Cuban people about the benefits of trade with the United States."

State Sen. Francis Thompson, D-Delhi, was also on the trade mission.

"There's such great potential," said Thompson, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. "All of the pieces and parts fit together from our products to the logistics to the Cubans' desire for our commodities.

"My sense was they understand the benefits of future collaboration both for us and for them."

Abraham said the group had no travel restrictions while on the island.

"They were honest, open and forthcoming about their abilities and lack of abilities at this point," Abraham said.

Abraham said he believes the embargo could be eliminated as soon as this year, but more likely next year after the presidential election.

"My sense on the House side is a majority of representatives are already on board," he said.

That's why Abraham said he wanted to make a first impression with the Cubans.

"Once the embargo is lifted we want to be the first out of the gate," he said. "I want them to know us and know what we bring to the table."

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