O'Brien, Ryan headed to Cuba for trade mission

State Rep. Sean J. O’Brien (D–Bazetta) and U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan (D- OH 13) will travel to Cuba this month to meet with Cuban officials and study ways to strengthen Ohio’s economic ties with the island nation. Joining O’Brien and Ryan on the research mission will be Atty. Luis M. Alcalde of Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter and Vista Trade Group, and several northeastern Ohio business leaders.

“This research mission allows us to develop mutually beneficial relationships that will grow our economy,” said O’Brien. “Ohio can provide the infrastructure, agriculture and technology development that Cuba needs, while our state can benefit from Cuba’s proficiency in healthcare. This trip will build a strong foundation for Ohio enterprise within Cuba and open doors of opportunity for trade both under current regulations and once the trade embargo is fully lifted.”

In addition to economic and legal research, the Ohio delegation will explore the Mariel Special Development Zone to explore Cuba’s state-run economy and foreign investment law. The mission group will also research Cuba’s private sector economy and meet with U.S. Embassy officials in Havana.

“This mission trip is nothing short of historic,” O’Brien noted. “In entering into economic and legal discussions, we are positioning Ohio far ahead of the national curve. As talks continue and relations begin to normalize, Ohio will be in a tremendous position to build upon an important economic relationship with an emerging actor in the global economy.”

This mission marks the first time in at least 55 years that a group of Ohioans will discuss trade with Cuban officials, and is one of the first trips of its kind in the country to be undertaken since the recent “thaw” in U.S.-Cuba relations.