WASHINGTON D.C. — TechFreedom has joined Engage Cuba, a coalition of companies, trade associations and civil society organizations working to end the travel and trade embargo on Cuba.
Engage Cuba works at both the state and national level to encourage support for policies that open up U.S. relations with Cuba. A policy of engagement would speed up current developments in Cuba, particularly increases in Internet access. The number of both mobile phones and Wi-Fi hotspots in Cuba has grown considerably over the last few years, providing Cubans with new economic opportunities and more communication with the outside world, despite longstanding limitations and censorship.
“Normalizing relations with Cuba is a win-win, especially for technology,” said Tom Struble, Policy Counsel at TechFreedom. “Lifting the embargo opens a new market for American companies, and Cubans will gain access to online services that provide jobs, foster free speech, and enable more cultural diffusion. On-demand platforms like AirBnB are already helping Cubans earn extra income and capitalize on the increase in visitors. Travel is essential to the Cuban tech sector, as U.S. companies and experts need the freedom to help spur startups and accelerate broadband deployment on the Island. Ending the embargo means further exposing Cubans to the freedoms that allowed technology to flourish in the U.S. We look forward to working with Engage Cuba to ensure that Cubans enjoy similar opportunities going forward.”
“We’re thrilled to have TechFreedom as part of our coalition,” said President of Engage Cuba, James Williams. “Improving technology on the island is one of the best ways to stimulate economic growth. Almost 40% of the Cuban workforce is now employed by the private sector, and those emerging entrepreneurs need access to the internet, mobile phones, and other digital devices. With partners like TechFreedom who see the benefits of working with Cuba, we can demonstrate to Congress that there is growing interest across sectors in ending 50 years of failed, isolationist policies.”
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We can be reached for comment at media@techfreedom.org.
About TechFreedom:
TechFreedom is a non-profit, non-partisan technology policy think tank. We work to chart a path forward for policymakers towards a bright future where technology enhances freedom, and freedom enhances technology.
About Engage Cuba:
Engage Cuba is a 501©(4) public policy organization dedicated to coalescing and mobilizing American businesses, non-profit groups and citizens, for the purpose of supporting the ongoing U.S.-Cuba normalization process and enacting legislation to reform U.S.-Cuba relations, especially current restrictions on travel and trade.