For Immediate Release
Saturday, August 1, 2015
PROMINENT GROUP OF AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION EXECUTIVES TRAVEL ON TRADE MISSION TO THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA
Recognizing the tremendous potential for expanding ties between the United States and Cuba, the Transportation Diversity Council (TDC), a pioneer group that promotes development and inclusiveness within America, will lead a high level delegation of business leaders who desire to foster the exchange of business ideas and related services between the United States and Cuba from August 2-9, 2015.
Cuba is a country with nearly 500 billion dollars Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is in dire need of assistance in all of its infrastructure areas that include, roads, power, water, transportation, telecommunications, agricultural products, medicines and many other key areas. In light of President Barack H. Obama's Executive Order that includes the removal of many restrictions such as travelling to the country to visit and transact business with Cuba, this is an opportunity for TDC to assist our Nation and Cuba, as well as other Transportation, Engineering, and Construction companies to engage in potential business with Cuba.
The trip was organized through official channels and within the guidelines of the United States and the Cuban Government. This mission is also a part of a strategic plan to help pave the way for TDC member companies to enter the Cuban market. “This initial trip is necessary to help us fully understand the market, the society and its culture, as well as initiate important relationships,” Transportation Diversity Council, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dwayne Sampson stated.
The Transportation Diversity Council was formed in 2010 to meet the growing need for leaders, technical professionals, educators and construction workers in the transportation and construction industries. “Those needs can only be met by engaging and developing a large and diverse workforce prepared for the opportunities of the future and now this includes Cuba,” Sampson emphasized.
In the United States, part of TDC’s mission is to reach out to students of all ages to provide exposure to engineering and construction trades, provide development programs to individuals, companies and agencies to ensure that all talents are recognized and nurtured, and help bridge the gap between needs and opportunities for the entire industry. "We hope to develop such programs in Cuba where there is an immense need", Sampson added.
As a humanitarian gesture, the members of TDC have also gathered much needed supplies for over 100 Cuban nationals, as well as school supplies for children to offer to the next generation of students. As Mr. Sampson noted, “we go to the Republic of Cuba with open eyes and open hearts.”
Additionally, Sampson stated that the members of TDC will be preparing and publishing white papers and video summaries of the activities of the mission for review by transportation professionals. “The mission is consistent with TDC’s goal to have a global diversified workforce of Transportation and Construction professionals who are prepared to address leadership challenges for ‘Transporting the Next Generation.” In addition, the delegation will look at the progress of development activities in Cuba and the significance it holds in inter-American trade.
The World Bank’s latest Logistics Performance Index (LPI) has Cuba ranked as 152 out of 160 countries with an LPI Score of 2.18, beating only Somalia, Afghanistan, and Sudan. The logistics performance (LPI) is the weighted average of a country’s scores on the six key dimensions that include:
· Efficiency of the clearance process (i.e., speed, simplicity and predictability of formalities) by border control agencies, including customs;
· Quality of trade and transport related infrastructure (e.g., ports, railroads, roads, information technology);
· Ease of arranging competitively priced shipments;
· Competence and quality of logistical services (e.g., transport operators, customs brokers);
· Ability to track and trace consignments;
· Timeliness of shipments in reaching various destinations within the scheduled or expected delivery time.
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About TDC
The Transportation Diversity Council “is a 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit corporation” and is led by seasoned executives from the worlds of transportation, education and construction who are dedicated to ensuring that every individual and company has the opportunity to fully contribute to America’s future.
For Further Information Contact:
Dwayne C. Sampson, President & CEO
917-776-7273
Transporting the next generation