Georgetown: The United States rolled out a sweeping set of measures Wednesday and an expansion of remittances will be allowed, Americans will now be able to send up to US$8,000 to Cuba a year, up from the US$2,000 previously permitted, and bring US$10,000 with them when they travel to the country. They will also be able to use credit and debit cards in Cuba, according to President of the Guyana Cuba Solidarity Movement (GCSM) Haleem Khan.
He explained that the United States rolled out a sweeping set of measures to significantly ease the half-century-old embargo against Cuba, opening up the country to expanded travel, trade and financial activities.
The new regulations, Kahn noted takes effect on Friday, this will allow Americans to travel to Cuba for any of a dozen specific reasons, including family visits, education and religion, without first obtaining a special license from the U.S. government as was previously the case.
Defying hardline critics in Congress, President Barack Obama made good on a commitment he made a month ago to begin loosening some U.S. economic sanctions against the communist-ruled island as part of an effort to end decades of hostility.
The Treasury and Commerce Departments issued a package of new rules that will allow U.S. exports of telecommunications, agricultural and construction equipment, permit expanded travel to Cuba and authorize some kinds of banking relations.
It was the first tangible U.S. step to implement the changes Obama pledged on Dec. 17 when he and Cuban President Raul Castro announced plans to restore diplomatic relations between the old Cold War foes.
Though general tourism will still be banned, those U.S. travelers who do visit will be allow bring home small amounts of the Cuban cigars that are highly rated by aficionados.
The revamped rules will also make it easier for U.S. companies to export mobile phone devices and software as well as to provide Internet services in Cuba. U.S. airlines will be permitted to expand flights to the Caribbean island.
In addition, there will be a change in the definition of “cash in advance” payment required by Cuban buyers, which could help a variety of business interests, most notably U.S. agriculture, in gaining greater access to Cuban markets.
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