``We believe it is time to open a new chapter in relations between the people of the United States and the people of Cuba,'' Thomas Donohue said in a speech at the University of Havana. ``The U.S. Chamber of Commerce stands ready to assist in that process.''
Donohue said his organization opposes U.S. trade sanctions imposed at the height of the Cold War in 1962, but also disagrees with many aspects of Cuba's political, economic and human rights policies.
Both the sanctions placed outside and the lack of free enterprise inside the country have slowed Cuba's economic progress, he said.
``It is a tragedy that during one of the most exciting and dynamic periods of economic expansion and technological innovation, the Cuban people have been left out,'' he said. ``It is the lack of private enterprise more than any other factor that has played the greatest role in holding Cuba back.''
He added that even China and Vietnam, with political systems that closely resemble Cuba's, have moved toward establishing market economies.
``Why? Because it works, bringing the greatest good to the greatest number,'' he said. ``Cuba, as well, can lift itself out of economic misery when it moves to the right side of history and embraces free enterprise.''
Cuba's communist government has repeatedly rejected suggestions it transform its centrally planned economy into a market-based one.
During the height of an economic crisis caused by the collapse of the former Soviet Union, Cuba adopted a handful of modest economic reforms: the legalization of the use of dollars by all Cubans as well as approval for some small independent businesses.
But Cuban officials have said that is about as far as they are willing to go.
``We have indicated to the government of Cuba that we are willing to work with the new and small independent sector in Cuba, to help it to grow and to prosper,'' said Donohue.
``We will explore the formation of a working group of independent Cuban entrepreneurs -- through which the U.S. Chamber would provide training and development programs to help Cuban business people succeed.''
Donohue arrived Tuesday in Cuba. Before returning Thursday to the United States, he was to meet with President Fidel Castro as well as ministers of Foreign Commerce and Foreign Investment and other high-ranking officials.
He also was to sign an agreement of understanding between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce of Cuba.
© Copyright 1999 The Associated Press