Sebelius signs trade pact with Cuba
By Scott Rothschild, Journal-World
Sunday, January 11, 2004
Topeka — Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has signed a joint communique with Cuba's largest food importer, hoping to increase trade between Kansas companies and the island country.
Under the deal, the Empresa Comercializadora de Alimentos, also known as Alimport, will spend $10 million on Kansas agricultural products.
In return, Kansas state government will try to promote business opportunities in the Cuban market and encourage normalization of trade relations between the United States and Cuba.
The communique is nonbinding, but signals an intent by both sides to do business, said Patty Clark, director of the agricultural marketing division of the Kansas Department of Commerce.
The accord could have been made without Sebelius' participation, but the governor wanted to sign it "to add weight and influence to the negotiation process on behalf of Kansas companies," Clark said.
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http://www.ljworld.com/section/stateregional/story/157682
Gov. SibeliusThe Kansas Legislature would have completed its resolution last year to end the embargo on Cuba, but the effort was hijacked by Wichita Republican Cuban "exile" Rep. Mario Goico.
That resolution will be passed, nonetheless.