El Salvador and Cuba Held the First Round of Trade Agreement Negotiations

2011-03-17

Representatives from El Salvador and Cuba held the first round of trade agreement negotiations on bilateral issues from March 7 to 10, 2011. Negotiations focused on the El Salvadoran exporters’ products of concern that are exported to Cuba, prompting the negotiators to set up a commercial mechanism enabling a smooth, and convenient customs clearance in Cuba, and to seek more cooperation for opportunities between El Salvador and Cuba. President Funes of El Salvador raised his concern on product items traded between El Salvador and Cuba, during his visit to Cuba in October 2010. During this round of negotiations, officials from both countries discussed market access, country of origin, dispute settlement, food safety inspection, and animal and plant health inspection and quarantine issues.