Gov. Hutchinson - "Momentum in Cuba relations"

Gov. Hutchinson: "Momentum in Cuba relations"
Daniel Grossman, KTHV 10:44 p.m. CDT October 2, 2015

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) – On Friday, Governor Asa Hutchinson spoke with
the media for the first time since returning from his trip to Cuba.

In a detailed press conference, he spoke about political relations and
how future engagements now rest on Cuba's shoulders. Cuba and the U.S.
have been in a diplomatic standstill for more than 50 years. With
shifting public opinion, Gov. Hutchinson says there's momentum in
relations going forward, but how we proceed depends on how Cuba evolves
politically.

"They've got a ways to go," Hutchinson said. "I think you're going to
see continued pressure [on them]."

Gov. Hutchinson's trip to Cuba gives Arkansas and the United States new
eyes into a country long considered off limits. Dated in its technology
and lagging in its government, the Governor says, if diplomacy hopes to
move forward, Cuba will have to progress its thinking.

"Cuba is still stuck in time in terms of we still want to maintain a
centralized government," he continued.

The Governor's trip to Cuba sets an important precedent. It's the first
time any U.S. Governor has visited the country following a 54-year
diplomatic break. While he says he's optimistic and this is important,
now the key is to follow up.

"We need to see a response from the Cuban government in terms of
lessening their stranglehold on free enterprise and foreign investment,"
the Governor continued.

Two major movements would be extending credit and increasing travel.
Currently, we can trade with Cuba, but only through cash transactions.
The governor says with Arkansas' rice production, it would be a viable
source of income for the state.

"It is important that they not only hear from us, but they actually see
what we have in terms of our production and quality of our rice and
everything we offer in this state," Gov. Hutchinson explained.

No word on when that will come, but with patience the Governor says the
current momentum will carry forward and create new business
opportunities. He is adamant about getting Cuban officials here to
Arkansas, and is hopeful that relations will continue to improve.

Source: Gov. Hutchinson: "Momentum in Cuba relations" -
http://www.thv11.com/story/news/2015/10/02/gov-hutchinson-momentum-in-cuba-relations/73261890/