September 20, 2005

Port of Corpus Christi to sponsor U.S.-Cuba Energy Summit
Dozens of U.S. Energy Executives to meet Cuban Counterparts at historic gathering

For the first time in over 40 years, representatives of the U.S. energy sector will meet with their Cuban counterparts at the U.S.-Cuba Energy Summit to discuss the potential for business in oil and gas ventures between the U.S. and Cuba.

This historic gathering is being organized by Alamar Associates (www.alamarcuba.com), which has organized five previous Cancun Business Summits that have brought more than 500 U.S. executives together with their Cuban counterparts. This gathering will take place at the Westin in Cancun, Mexico, from December 1-3, 2005.

The Energy Summit is being sponsored by the U.S.-Cuba Trade Association (www.uscuba.org) along with the Port of Corpus Christi, Valero Energy Corporation, Louisiana Department of Economic Development, Lafayette Economic Development Authority, National Foreign Trade Council, Caterpillar and USA*Engage.

"With Spain, China, Canada, and Norway exploring in Cuban waters a little over 100 miles from our shores in the Gulf, it is time for U.S. firms to understand what is going on and what the future business potential might be," said Kirby Jones, President of the U.S.-Cuba Trade Association, "and this event offers the opportunity to do just that face-to-face with their Cuban counterparts."

As with previous Summits, Cuba will send to Cancun a high level delegation of officials and specialists from CubaPetroleo, Ministry of Basic Industries, Union Electrica, and Ministry of Foreign Trade.

"I am looking forward to meeting one-on-one with this distinguished group of Cuban officials and specialists to discuss the real business potential for the Southwestern United States. It is crucial for the United States to identify new oil reserves that will help alleviate the energy crisis now confronting the global market place. Cuba, with its recent new discoveries, offers our business community another option for oil and gas exploration and discovery. Granted, the laws in place do not permit travel or investment in Cuba, but this conference offers us an opportunity to engage in a dialogue that may promote future production activities," said Ruben Bonilla, Chairman of the Port of Corpus Christi.

The Summit agenda will include presentations and Q & A sessions with all the Cuban specialists; each company will have a private one-on-one meeting arranged with Cuban counterparts; experts will discuss the current laws and prospects for change; and presentations will be made by companies already doing business in Cuba.

Complete information about the U.S.-Cuba Energy Summit can be found on its web site at www.uscubasummit.org.

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