The foreign trade and development cooperation minister of the Netherlands, Lilianne Ploumen, recently returned from leading a trade mission to Cuba.

The trip was planned in mid-2015 in coordination with Cuba’s minister of foreign affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.

As one of its main European trading partners, the Netherlands already has strong economic ties with Cuba. Ploumen foresees further opportunities for Dutch companies, particularly in regard to agriculture, port development, logistics, tourism, and renewable energy. “Cuba’s economy is really on the move,” she said. “The time is ripe for the Netherlands to mature its trade relationship with Cuba and open doors that up to now have been closed.”

Economic change in Cuba is also opening up opportunities for the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Their geographical proximity makes it easier to do business, and there are opportunities in the field of energy, agriculture, and medical science, according to Ploumen. “The Netherlands and Cuba are neighbors in the Caribbean, and good neighbors trade with each other,” she added.

During a meeting with Rodríguez, Ploumen announced that she will be making more Dutch trade support available to Cuba. This means, among other things, that Dutch companies can receive guidance when they start exporting to Cuba. The Netherlands and Cuba are also working together in the field of education.

“The political reforms in Cuba are creating scope for improving economic relations,” said Ploumen. “Dutch enterprises have a range of opportunities for doing business with Cuban partners. This is good for our business community and for the people of Cuba.”