Texans hanker to do business with Cuba after order to normalize relations

[Judi Lynn]

Texans hanker to do business with Cuba after order to normalize relations
Alfredo Corchado • January 4, 2015

When the news of the biggest political thaw in more than half a century between the U.S. and Cuba finally came, Cynthia Thomas discovered an unusual longing.

“I needed a rum and Coke, and I was happy I had nothing to do at noon that day,” she said with a laugh. “No tears, just overjoyed, just numb and shocked. So much that I needed a drink.”

For more than 14 years, Thomas faced an uphill battle in helping lay the foundation for Texas companies to do business in Cuba. President Barack Obama’s Dec. 17 executive order to normalize relations with Cuba and “cut loose the shackles of the past” ends one of the last vestiges of the Cold War and provides Texans with a new opportunity.

~ snip ~

“Cuba is not the polarizing issue in Texas as it is in Florida, and that gives us an edge,” Thomas said. “Texas is one of the best-prepared states to re-enter trade with Cuba. We have a well-educated business community, Texans who have been down to Cuba and talked deals. We have been at the forefront, and I think that sets us up to move forward in the near future.”

More:
http://progresoweekly.us/texans-hanker-business-cuba-order-normalize-relations/

[easychoice]

1. YES! --- How Ironic,GHW is fuming i bet.

The Biggie:
perhaps the biggest breakthrough means that U.S. credit and debit cards will now be permitted in Cuba, ending decades when Americans carried wads of cash, often times limiting their spending.