Cuba Working Group
Cuba Working Group
Since 2007, the AS/COA Cuba Working Group (CWG) has been at the forefront of a changing U.S.-Cuba relationship. These efforts were evident in the historic rapprochement in December 2014, which reflected our recommendations and policy outreach work in Washington. The working group continues to encourage a policy of engagement with the island.
CWG serves as both a discreet bridge between the private and public sectors in the United States and Cuba, and as an extraordinary repository of policy knowledge on bilateral relations. The group monitors Cuba’s changing economic and political landscape and U.S. ties, while also assisting the private sector in navigating the changing regulatory framework, investment opportunities, and potential areas for collaboration. Current CWG members represent a variety of sectors, including telecommunications and technology, financial services, agriculture and food production, energy, hospitality, and legal services.
The AS/COA CWG’s activities have three main components:
- High-level meetings and roundtable discussions with Cuban and U.S. government officials, leading economists and analysts, entrepreneurs (cuentapropistas), senior-level business leaders, and members of the international diplomatic community, among others.
- Business delegations to Cuba on invitation from Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment.
- Outreach work in Washington to continue to push for full normalization of bilateral relations.
Featured Event
As part of the Cuba Working Group, this of-the-record conversation will discuss private enterprise, regulations, and foreign trade.
Related
This week is dedicated to Recuerdos of concerts America Society produced in 2019 and a video of the Cuarteto de Solistas del Teatro Real from June 2024.
Extended blackouts reflect what might be the nation’s worst collapse since independence.
AS/COA will host a conversation with Cuban entrepreneurs who will share their innovative approaches to running a business in Cuba.
The Cuba Working Group will host a virtual discussion on May 18 on challenges for the island's food and agricultural sector amid the pandemic.
Join YPA for a webex conversation on April 22 with lead Economist Intelligence Unit analyst on the political and economic forecast for Cuba in light of COVID-19.
YPA will host the Cuban-American photojournalist at AS/COA for a discussion of her book documenting two women's journey to the United States.
YPA, CWG, and CET will host a panel discussion with young Cuban entrepreneurs on November 14 in New York, on building business from the ground up on the island.
Listen to a discussion on what the historic moment could mean for normalization of U.S. Cuban relations, as well as business opportunities on the island.
If oil shipments from Venezuela stop, Cuba will have to find $1.3 billion to buy the oil it needs, says researcher Jorge Piñon.
Cuba’s startup community is developing despite a lack of funding, equipment, or fast internet.
LatAm in Focus: Josefina Vidal on a Changing Cuba
LatAm in Focus: Josefina Vidal on a Changing Cuba
From legalizing SMEs to U.S. relations, Cuba’s director of foreign affairs with the United States talks progress and next steps.
Trade is good business for both the U.S. and Cuban economies, says the Arkansas Republican.
After an electric week in Cuba, the U.S.’ opening will be hard to reverse.
Expanding internet access is essential to empower the Cuban people, writes AS/COA’s Alana Tummino for CNN.com
The island has a long way to go to reach its goal of connecting 50 percent of homes by 2020.
“President Obama freed up a lot restrictions on doing business with Cuba and now it’s on the Cubans to show their willingness to work in various sectors,” comments AS/COA's Alana Tummino.
Digital freedom and access in Cuba won't happen at Sillicon Valley's breakneck pace due to major hurdles, says ASCOA's Alana Tummino.
The AS/COA Cuba Working Group makes four recommendations of measures both the Cuban and U.S. governments can take to support the island's private sector.
Stronger engagement with the island has advanced U.S. national interests and values, created opportunities for American companies, and supported the Cuban people.
AS/COA joins 17 signatories in an open letter organized by the Cuba Study Group to President-elect Donald Trump and the incoming administration.
Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis has played a critical role in managing the normalization of relations as the current charge d'affaires to Cuba.
AS/COA Cuba Working Group's long-time member will, for the first time, move money into the island from across the world.
