Brussels minister leads first official mission to Cuba in eight years

Brussels state secretary for foreign trade Cécile Jodogne (pictured) this week leads Belgium's first official mission to Cuba in eight years. The last official mission dates back to 2007, when federal minister Jaak Gabriëls visited the country.

"The Cuban economy has opened its doors, and we expect it to get a boost over the next few years thanks to restored diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States,” according to Jodogne's cabinet. “The Brussels-Capital Region has maintained strong economic ties with Cuba for the last 15 years thanks to the presence of a Belgian ambassador there."

The mission falls during this week's celebration of Belgian culture at the Havana International Fair (HIF), during which the Brussels agency for foreign trade and investment Brussels Invest & Export will run a booth along with colleagues from Flanders and Wallonia. HIF is the largest multi-sector trade fair in Cuba.