The recent normalization and restoration of U.S.-Cuban diplomatic relations has opened up potential business opportunities for U.S. companies in Cuba. To help Michigan companies learn more about the opportunities and challenges of doing business in the island nation, Automation Alley, Michigan’s largest technology business association, is hosting “Cuba: The Next Frontier” at its headquarters in Troy.
The event will be held Aug. 6, from 8-11:30 a.m., and will feature international business experts from the U.S. Department of State, the Cuban-American Chamber of Commerce and the Christman Company, who will share their firsthand insights about Cuba’s economic, political and social outlook.
The event is a precursor to Automation Alley’s exploratory trade mission to Cuba in the fall of 2016, where Michigan companies will be matched by Automation Alley with potential business opportunities. To date, Automation Alley’s highly successful trade mission program has led more than 170 companies on 24 trade missions around the globe, resulting in $472 million in export sales for those companies.
“Over the last half-century, Cuba has been largely isolated from U.S. business, but new policies are now making it easier for U.S. companies to expand and diversify their products, services and technologies into this new and emerging market,” said Noel Nevshehir, director of international business at Automation Alley. “Our goal is to provide interested small and medium-sized companies in our region with the knowledge necessary to thrive in what has largely been uncharted territory for U.S. business. This event will also help us to gauge interest among local companies in our 2016 trade mission to Cuba.”
“Cuba: The Next Frontier,” will include case studies from companies with operations in Cuba on how to overcome the common hurdles associated with trading or investing in Cuba. A key point of discussion is how foreign companies can compete with Cuban state-owned monopolies and the command structure of the country’s economy.
Speakers will include:
Noel Nevshehir, Director, International Business, Automation Alley
Mr. Alex Lee, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Dana McAllister, Executive Director, Cuban-American Chamber of Commerce
Ronald Staley, Senior Vice President, The Christman Company
The cost to attend is $20 for members with pre-registration or $30 at the door. The cost for non-members is $40 with pre-registration or $50 at the door. Admission is free for Foundation Members, but pre-registration is required. Pre-registration closes Aug. 4 at close of business. To register, visit www.automationalley.com or click here.
Source: Automation Alley