Cuba! Are We Friends Now? Is it Really Open for Business?

Havana, Cuba: One bitter holdover of the Cold War slipped into the history books at 12:01 a.m. Monday (July 20, 2015), when the United States and Cuba re-established diplomatic relations. For the first time since severing ties in 1961, they reopened embassies in each other's capitals. However, is Cuba really open for business?

So many questions, so few answers. What does this mean for international trade? What is next and will our relations continue to improve?

The WMWTA, West Michigan World Trade Association, will host a panelist discussion devoted to Cuba and international trade to discuss this hot topic.

Panelists will include:

Judy Kruger, Senior VP of International Sales for PRA Global.

David DeAvila, Vice President of International Development for Global Envy, Inc.: A Cuban American and former MEDC Latin American Specialist.

and, Andrew Schlewitz, GVSU Professor of Latin American Studies.

The discussion will be pertinent to businesses interested in expanding into Cuba, describing the steps that should be taken to ensure future success.

The event will be Tuesday, November 17,  at the Grand Valley State University Eberhard Center (301 Fulton W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504). Registration opens at 5:30 pm, along with networking and snacks. The Panel Discussion will begin at 6:15 pm followed by Q&A and closing remarks.

Space is limited. To reserve your place, please contact Rebecca Climie at manager@wmwta.org or (616) 301-0032. You can also register online at www.wmwta.org. The fee is $15 for WMWTA members and $20 for the general public. Special rates are available for students and corporate groups of six or more persons.