11-06-08, 1:33 pm

HAVANA, Cuba, Nov 6 (acn) Michael Mauricio, president of the Florida Produce company from the US, participating in Havana's International Trade Fair (FIHAV 2008), said he was in favor of an improvement of trade relations between Cuba and his country.

'I want the American economic blockade against Cuba to be lifted,' said Mauricio, who is the grandson of a Cuban and one of the 200 businesspeople from the United States showcasing their products in the Cuban international fair.

In statements to ACN at the Expocuba showground, Mauricio said he is very satisfied with this year's Fair. 'I have already signed three deals to supply grapes, pears and raisins to Cuba,' he said.

Negotiations between Florida Produce and Alimport, in charge of food imports to Cuba, started right after the first breach in trade between the US and the island was opened at the end of 2001. One year later, the first shipment of onions was sent to Cuba by the American company. Other products that have been sold to Cuba by Florida Produce are fresh and dried fruits.

With the participation of 1,420 firms from 56 countries, FIHAV 2008, running until November 8, has become the biggest on the history of the event, in term of participation and space of the show ground.

From the Cuban News Agency