Cuban tip beneficial for Cuba’s economy, trade
March 8, 2016
United States relations with Cuba have been frozen since the cold war. Mainly the ascension of Fidel Castro and the following actions, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, are the reason the U.S. cut relations with Cuba. The results of which left the Cuban economy devastated, as it relied largely on trade with the U.S.
Recently, it was announced that Obama will be making a trip to Cuba, after formally reopening ties with Havana in 2014. Obama’s trip will be beneficial for both the U.S. and Cuba by helping to advance the U.S. relationship with Cuba, promote human rights, and promote the beginning of trade and later tourism in Cuba.
No Presidential trip to Cuba has been made since Calvin Coolidge. Some would say this is for good reason and should remain that way. Cuba still has a dictator, Raul Castro, in place, which goes against U.S. ideals of freedom and human rights.
However, the U.S. embassy in Cuba has been reopened, and it has been removed from the list of states that sponsor Terrorism.
Obama’s visit will initiate the friendly outlook the U.S. has towards Cuba now and help begin a new peaceful era.
In addition, according to Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Adviser, the trip could be a chance for promotion of human rights with in Cuba. The President will be able to make an impact on the people living there and stand up for the U.S.’s stance on human rights.
Furthermore, Obama hopes to enlarge the amount of touristing business Cuba gets from the U.S., potentially creating a large surge in the Cuban economy.
The Presidential trip could be just the spur to interest tourists in going to Cuba for vacations and trips for U.S. citizens in the future.
“We want to open up more opportunities for U.S. businesses and travelers to engage with Cuba, and we want the Cuban government to open up more opportunities for its people to benefit from that engagement.” said Rhodes.
Obama traveling to Cuba will be beneficial for both the United States and Cuba, it will allow the U.S. to further develop a relationship with Cuba, promote human rights, and attract more business, through trade and tourism, to Cuba in the future.