-DATE-
19770421
-YEAR-
1977
-DOCUMENT_TYPE-
REMARKS
-AUTHOR-
F.CASTRO
-HEADLINE-
POSSIBLE U.S. TRADE AFTER EMBARGO LIFTED
-PLACE-
HAVANA
-SOURCE-
PARIS AFP IN FRENCH
-REPORT_NBR-
FBIS
-REPORT_DATE-
19770422
-TEXT-
CASTRO COMMENTS ON POSSIBLE U.S. TRADE AFTER EMBARGO LIFTED

Paris AFP in French 1118 GMT 21 Apr 77 PA

[Text] Havana, 11 Apr--Fidel Castro said Wednesday evening in Havana that
his government is willing to facilitate U.S. tourism to Cuba.  While
talking to a group of businessmen from Minneapolis who are visiting Havana,
Castro explained that since President Carter has lifted the ban on travel
to Cuba it would be improper for his government to create obstacles.  The
Cuban leader [word indistinct] that tourist trips would be facilitated.

Castro added:  "Our conviction is that there are interesting prospects for
developing U.S.-Cuban trade.  If solid and stable bases are established
after the lifting of the embargo, we could change the orientation of our
agricultural policy and our production plans with a view toward obtaining
technology, equipment, raw materials and other products from the United
States."

Castro personally visited the American businessmen at their hotel, 30
minutes away from Havana.  In an unprecedented move for this type of
meeting, foreign correspondents accredited to Havana were authorized to
attend.
-END-