Look who’s going to Cuba next month.
According to reports in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, it will be Georgia Gov. Sonny Purdue. He will lead his state’s trade delegation. Sure, he’s a free-market Republican, but it’s hardly commonplace for a sitting Southern governor to head to Havana. Anyone envision a Gov. Crist, McCollum or Sink making such a move? What proximity? What opportunity? What recession?
What Georgia has on its mind is obviously a trade upgrade. They want to increase their farm-product — mostly frozen chicken — exports to Cuba. Last year it was worth $42.5 million. In addition to agricultural products, U.S. law permits exports of medicines as well as medical and telecommunications equipment to Cuba.
“Georgia is strategically located to Cuba with Hartsfield Jackson International Airport and both of our ports,” explained Heidi Green, deputy commissioner for global commerce with the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Good point. Why wouldn’t Florida’s northern neighbor want to take advantage of its “strategic location?” Who, within reason, wouldn’t?