Discuss the benefits of opening trade relations with Cuba, and why the recent administration stopped progress on opening trade relations.

Business paper due 12 november 2017

The benefits of opening trade relations with Cuba include an increase in economic growth and diversification within the Cuban economy, improved access to resources for Cubans living on the island, and new job opportunities for US citizens looking to work abroad. Additionally, open trade relations would strengthen diplomatic ties between the US and Cuba which could lead to increased cooperation in areas such as security, drug interdiction, migration management and counter-terrorism.

Recent efforts by the administration to halt progress towards opening up trade relations were largely motivated by concerns that without sufficient protections against human rights abuses or stringent enforcement of sanctions relief, increased economic engagement with Cuba would only serve to embolden its government’s authoritarian rule. The administration also sought to ensure that any potential investments made by American companies into the Cuban economy directly benefit everyday Cubans rather than just providing a windfall for its leadership. As such, they have sought more guarantees from Havana regarding these issues before agreeing to move forward with such initiatives.