After a continuous embargo put on the country since 1960, Cuba today could breathe a sigh of relieve after the United States announced removing a few trades restriction with the country. The move by President Barack Obama is the first step in improving the relationship between both countries after they have officially restored their relation last year.
According to the Reuters, there are still lots of trade banned under the economic embargo set up by the US Congress. However, Obama has been slowly lifting the non-specific banned as a way to improve the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The communist-run country is also opening its door and welcoming more investments from the United States especially to improve its public infrastructure project. Besides that, another trade that could be done by the United States is to be involved in film shooting and financing exports for a certain industry.
The tourism industry is among the heavily affected by the lift as more restriction for an American travelling to Cuba have been removed according to BBC News. The removal of film shooting restriction is also welcomed by lots of producer and Cuba has been the host for lots of TV program from the United States.
Among the famous TV shows that has been shot in Cuba after the lift is the Late Night Show with Conan O'Brien and the "House of Lies" that was shot in Havana. According to James Williams, President of Engage Cuba "I think you're going to be bombarded with movie crews in Cuba now that they are all approved on a general license."
President Raul Castro on the other has been urging more blockade to be removed from its country as there are a lack of credits for the country due to a ban on using the US dollar there. However, the US government is not expected to fully remove the embargo as there is still concern regarding human right abuse in the country.
The New York Times quoted a statement by Ned Price, a spokesperson for the National Security Council "Just as the United States is doing its part to remove impediments that have been holding Cubans back, we urge the Cuban government to make it easier for its citizens to start businesses, engage in trade and access information online."
Cuban economic is expected to slightly improve in the coming years as the embargo lift will increase new investment as US companies now are allowed to trade directly with any Cuban state-run enterprise. Although the trade is still limited in nature, the latest move will definitely help to improve the economic aspect of the Cuban citizen.
Join the Conversation