BY RAISA PAGES—Granma International staff writer—

                   FOOD imports from the United States this year could exceed 30% of the
                   total imported by Cuba in this line, affirmed Pedro Alvarez, director of
                   Alimport, on signing an agreement with the Houston Port Authority. The
                   port, in the state of Texas, handles the largest tonnage in the United
                   States, and occupies sixth place worldwide.

                   The letter of intent signed on March 3 by James Edmonds, president of
                   the Houston Port Authority, also opens the way for cruise ships arriving
                   with U.S. tourists when so permitted by law, given the current U.S.
                   blockade on Cuba.

                   Throughout 2004, Cuba will be purchasing a total of $1,200 million in
                   foodstuffs globally, a $200 million increase over the previous year, owing
                   to the incorporation of new items and higher prices, Alvarez said,
                   adding that of that total, an estimated $400 million or more will come
                   from the United States.

                   Cuba has bought more than $612 million worth of foodstuffs from U.S.
                   companies – paying in cash – since the U.S. Treasury Department
                   authorized this trade in 2001, strictly in cash payments.

                   The volume purchased to date is the equivalent of 2,430,200 tons. U.S.
                   vessels hired by companies from that country have transported 70% of
                   this merchandise.

                   With the incorporation of the Port of Houston, there are now 19 U.S.
                   facilities through which products are shipped to Cuba from 35 U.S. states.

                   Alvarez emphasized the importance of the new agreement with Houston,
                   explaining that the state of Texas could send machinery, chemical
                   products, foodstuffs and livestock.

                   Cuba will continue to import cattle from the U.S., he affirmed, adding that
                   250 heifers were acquired in Florida, and several animal cargoes are
                   standing ready in Minnesota. These transactions have not been closed,
                   however, because the U.S. government has denied visas to two Cuban
                   veterinary specialists to travel there and select the cattle. Their visa
                   applications are being re-submitted. "We hope rationality wins out,"
                   Alvarez noted.

                   He announced that Cuba would not cancel its contracts to purchase
                   chickens from the U.S. despite the worldwide epidemic of avian flu.
                   Imports have been effected under the corresponding health regulations.