Opportunities in Cuba? Fidel Castro's exit opens doors for Hoosier businesses.

• Author: Mills, Alan
• Position: VIEWPOINT - Fidel Castro - Viewpoint essay

FOR YEARS, THE WORLD has been watching with interest and waiting for the moment when a new Cuban leader would emerge, replacing Fidel Castro after 49 years of continuous rule. Although the United States' relationship with the Republic of Cuba has been marked by tension and opposition--with the United States still maintaining an embargo prohibiting U.S. corporations from doing business with Cuba, except for trade of agricultural and medical goods--there is indeed a very real opportunity to build bridges with the country. That includes opening the doors for many Hoosier businesses, particularly those in the agriculture industry.

In late 2006, I was fortunate to travel with the Congressional Black Caucus to Cuba on a relationship-building and fact-finding visit. During that trip, it became abundantly clear that the people of Cuba are excited about the prospect of doing business with the United States. With the end of Castro's reign, we may be closer to making this a reality

The Cuban government pressed our delegation to ease the credit prohibition of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSRA). Under TSRA, the term "payment of cash in advance" established that Cuba is not entitled to financing or credit options when purchasing U.S. agricultural goods. It also prohibits American companies from providing financing terms for authorized sale of agriculture goods to Cuba other than through advance cash payment.

The Cuban government wants trade in all areas and a termination of current limited credit options, all the while, Cuba continues to reduce exports in an effort to increase the motivation of U.S.-based companies and Congress to be more visible in their lobbying efforts for changes in U.S. policy, law and regulations.

With more than 11 million...