In Cuba, it's business as usual for Canadians

[Robbien]

Despite Castro's transfer of power and uncertain prospects, Canadian companies don't expect big changes in the near future

TAVIA GRANT

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

Canadian companies are keeping a close eye on the temporary power shift in Cuba, but experts say little will change in the short term and U.S. policy is likely to have a greater impact in the long run than a new leader.

Canada is the Caribbean country's fourth-largest trading partner, and businesses from travel agencies to meat exporters will be monitoring any developments after an ailing Fidel Castro transferred his duties to his younger brother Raul on Monday night.

Canadians are by far Cuba's most numerous visitors -- more than 600,000 flocked to its beaches last year. Trade between the countries is worth about $1-billion, according to Statistics Canada, with Canada exporting machinery, vegetables and newsprint and importing nickel, fish and, of course, cigars.

"For us, it's business as usual," said Michael Minnes, spokesman for Sherritt International Corp., a natural resources company that's the largest foreign investor in the country. "We see Cuba as having a competent and capable government in place and we believe that they're doing what they need to do to manage the situation."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060802.wxrcuba02/BNStory/Business/

[pooja]

1. I am a little wary of the bush co. team planning democracy for

cuba. they fuck up everything they touch.