The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, regarding the release of guidelines regulating the easement of trade, travel and tourism with Cuba, and identifying key products from the technology sector – primarily for communication and dissemination of information – that will be allowed greater export potential beginning today:

"While we are still assessing the broader implications and means to comply with the new rules, this move should open new doors for our innovative technologies, small businesses and U.S. export potential.

“CEA has long argued for free and open markets devoid of isolationist policies. For the past 50 years, our forced economic isolation of Cuba has done little to advance the broader human and consumer interest. By increasing access to communication technologies, we have not only the ability to increase Cuban citizens' access to information, but also broaden perspectives on cultural and business practices alike.

“In order for these U.S. reforms to be more immediately effective, we urge the government of Cuba to take action and enable broader private entrepreneurial ability, and pledge to work with the U.S. Congress to broaden this historic first step for bilateral economic relations.”

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $223 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative and regulatory advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: http://www.ce.org/social.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • CES Unveiled Tokyo
    February 18, 2015, Tokyo, Japan
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    March 5-8, 2015, Snowmass Village, CO
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    March 24-26, 2015, Nashville, TN
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    May 25-27, 2015, Shanghai, China
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    May 25-27, 2015, Shanghai, China