Ryan, O'Brien among trade delegation in Cuba

YOUNGSTOWN

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, state Rep. Sean O’Brien and a group of Northeast Ohio business officials are in Cuba in an effort to open up a potential new trade market with the Communist country.

“This is a very historic moment to lead this type of delegation,” O’Brien of Bazetta, D-63rd, said today. “This is one of the first” visits by an American business delegation to Cuba since the United States officially reestablished diplomatic relations with Cuba in July. They were cut in 1961.

“The No. 1 word here is opportunity,” said Ryan of Howland, D-13th.

The itinerary includes meeting with U.S. diplomats at the American embassy, visiting an economic development zone, discussing the legalities of foreign investments, going to small businesses owned by private investors and state-owned retail shops.

The delegation will leave Cuba Sunday morning.

Read more about the trip in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.