Seacor: “Cuba Is Now a New Possibility”
The 34th edition of Havana International Fair, FIHAV 2016, has teed off and U.S. companies see the event as an opportunity to gain access to the Cuban market.
Caribbean News Digital talked to Michael Lafleur, Chief Executive Officer of SEACOR Island Lines LLC, a Florida-based company that was founded 20 years ago and offers marine transportation, drayage, stevedoring, cargo loading, agency and terminal services in the U.S. and such Caribbean nations as the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.
Mr. Lafleur said that they have come to FIHAV because it touches the company’s market. “Most of the Caribbean market is present here. As a U.S.-based company, Cuba is now a new possibility, so we’re very excited about some opportunities here. We’ve been working through the process in order to have efficient cargo service to Cuba.”
The CEO detailed that the company has been holding talks with authorities both here in Cuba and at the embassy in the U.S. “We’ve been respecting the process of doing business in Cuba and we really look forward to the opportunities. We’re currently working to open an office here, so we can have a presence in Cuba. We are hopeful to have all of this organized within six months.”
As for the impact of the thaw in relations between Cuba and the U.S., he said that the regulations change over the last year has been tremendous. “There is still a bit of uncertainty, but the improvement of relations between the United States and Cuba is a tremendous benefit for our services of bringing cargo to the island.”
Mr. Lafleur also pointed out that the Mariel Special Development Zone offers great opportunities based on its geographic location. “It’s not only about the container port, but also the warehouse, manufacturing. I think that’s a tremendous opportunity here.”
