A New Mexico House panel is set to discuss a proposal that would create a state Cuban Trade Office.
The House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee is scheduled Wednesday to debate the bill sponsored by Rep. Miguel Garcia.
Under the proposal, the office would identify potential buyers in Cuba for New Mexico goods and services. The office also would assist New Mexico businesses with marketing in Cuba.
President Barack Obama recently loosened the Cold War-era trade embargo with a range of measures designed to increase economic ties with Cuba and increase the number of Cubans who don't depend on the communist state for their livelihoods.
Agricultural products are exempt from the embargo, but payment restrictions have limited U.S. imports in the island nation off Florida's coast.
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