requires prior permission from the Department of Commerce and
compliance with numerous Federal export regulations; and
WHEREAS, Despite the ability to legally export, financial
restrictions limit the ability of American entities to
competitively serve the market, allowing international
competitors to capitalize from potential United States market
share; and
WHEREAS, Relaxing restrictions and prohibitions on United
States exports to Cuba will present new opportunities to grow
Pennsylvania's and our nation's agricultural sector and create
jobs in rural communities across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Cuba imports $2 billion annually in
agricultural products to feed Cuba's people, who may benefit
from Pennsylvania's agriculture industry, the leading industry
of this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Historical, cultural and commercial ties exist
between Pennsylvania and Cuba; and
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Matanzas, Cuba, are
sister cities; and
WHEREAS, Many opportunities are opening with regard to trade
with Cuba, which will benefit Pennsylvania manufacturing,
agriculture and other industries, and small businesses; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania with its world class port and close
proximity to Cuba is well positioned to ship products to the
Cuban market; and
WHEREAS, The Republic of Cuba, home to more than 11 million
consumers in close proximity to the United States, is a logical
target for expanded United States food and agricultural exports;
and
WHEREAS, Normalizing trade relations between the United
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