George Ryan, governor of Illinois, on his second trip to Cuba, met
                   with Cuban and U.S. businesspeople, with a view to promoting trade
                   in pharmaceuticals between the two countries.

                   The participants in the gathering, held at the Nacional Hotel in
                   Havana, included representatives of Cuban entities MediCuba and
                   FarmaCuba, and on the U.S. side, Illinois Medline Management, Ferris
                   Manufacturing Co., JDR International and 21st Century Healthcare
                   Management.

                   Various U.S. executives made brief explanatory statements about
                   Cuba today, especially the achievements of the national health care
                   system and the shortages experienced by that sector. They also
                   expressed appreciation for the mutual understanding emanating from
                   those contacts.

                   A week prior to Gov. Ryan’s arrival, a group of businesspeople from
                   the state of Illinois traveled to Havana with the objective of
                   identifying new markets. In Ryan’s opinion, Cuba has great potential
                   in this regard, and the visitors are looking toward the future, when
                   this type of relations is possible.

                   Ryan later announced a $1 million USD donation, to be used mostly
                   for cancer treatment in Cuba.

                   He also discussed the damages caused by Hurricane Michelle, and his
                   efforts to foster sales of food and medicines to the island.

                   He commented that it was already possible to speak of a bridge of
                   friendship between the the two peoples, and that he hopes that one
                   day it will be extended to other states. However, he said, recent
                   experience dictates caution, because no one can predict what will
                   happen in Congress.

                   Nonetheless, he gave his opinion that the balance of forces has
                   shifted in the last three years, one example being the visit of U.S.
                   students and professors a few months ago.

                   The governor, in a good mood and accompanied by his wife, referred
                   to two baseball games between the Cuban national team and the
                   Baltimore Orioles, which were absolutely nonpolitical, but which he
                   said served to pave the path of mutual friendship.

                   He added that he loves Cuba’s food and music, and that he planned
                   on enjoying them just as he did during his first stay, also at the
                   Nacional Hotel, where he said he has many good friends.