The Associated Press

HAVANA -- A U.S. business association announced Friday that Cuba has agreed to buy up to $10 million worth of food, medical and
agricultural products from companies in Southern California.

The agreement with the World Trade Center Association of Los Angeles-Long Beach is among numerous business pacts reached between U.S.-based companies
and the communist island since Congress passed an exception to four-decade-old trade sanctions in 2000.

The exception allows sales of American food and other farm goods to Cuba as long as transactions are done in cash or financed by a third country. Under earlier
legislation, certain sales of medical supplies and products are also allowed.

``We look forward to the day when the travel ban is rescinded by the U.S. government and ... open trade between the two nations can proceed to its natural
potential,'' said Barry Sedlik, the association's vice chairman of business development. ``Expanded trade has proven throughout history to be one of the best
methods to increase mutual understanding between countries.''

Under the framework agreement, Cuban import companies Alimport and Medicuba have issued letters of intent to formalize specific purchases with California food,
medical and agricultural companies that offer competitive prices and are eligible to do business in Cuba.

The agreement was announced at the end of a weeklong trade mission comprising 10 California businesses that have pledged to return to the West Coast with the
message ``that business with Cuba is real, it's now and it's ultimately profitable,'' Sedlik said.

Cuba represents a potential annual $2 billion food and medicine export market for California, said Gregory Estevane, president of Global Strategies Trading, the
association's trading partner.

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