The Obama administration announced Friday that it will further ease restrictions on travel, trade and investment with Cuba.
The Commerce and Treasury departments said that the new rules will take effect Monday and will make it easier to travel to the island nation, allow certain U.S. companies to open offices and hire workers in Cuba, and also simplify money transfers to the country, reported the Associated Press.
The changes represent the latest in President Barack Obama's effort to normalize relations with Cuba, which began in December. The crippling economic embargo will remain in place and can only be lifted through an act of Congress, USA Today noted.
"Today's announcement underscores the Administration's commitment to promote constructive change for the Cuban people. These regulatory changes build on the revisions implemented earlier this year and will further ease sanctions related to travel, telecommunications and internet-based services, business operations in Cuba, and remittances," Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said in a statement. "A stronger, more open U.S.-Cuba relationship has the potential to create economic opportunities for both Americans and Cubans alike. By further easing these sanctions, the United States is helping to support the Cuban people in their effort to achieve the political and economic freedom necessary to build a democratic, prosperous and stable Cuba."
Perhaps the most significant change announced will allow some American businesses to establish offices, retail outlets and warehouses in Cuba. For now, the rules are limited to U.S. companies that sell agricultural products and building materials for private homes, according to USA Today. Transportation and delivery companies, such as FedEx and UPS, will also be given authority to operate in Cuba, as will Internet and telecommunications companies.
U.S. nationals can send and receive goods and services to and from Cuban nationals, but exporting commercial goods and services is still prohibited. Imports from Cuba valued under $100 will be allowed, with the exception of alcohol and tobacco, according to Politico.
Rules on the amount of money Cuban-Americans can send home to their relatives, previously limited to just $2,000, will also be entirely lifted.
As for travel to the communist country, authorized U.S. citizens will be allowed to visit by cruise ship or ferry without first seeking authorization from the U.S. government, according to AP.
Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker said that the rules are expected to "stimulate long overdue economic reform across the country."
"The regulations published today are designed to support the emerging Cuban private sector and bring us one step closer to achieving President Obama's historic policy goals," Pritzker said, according to Politico. "These actions build upon previous Commerce regulatory changes, and will ease travel restrictions, enhance the safety of Americans visiting the country, and promote more business opportunities between U.S. and Cuban companies."
The two countries re-opened embassies in each other's capitals in July for the first time since cutting ties in 1961.
More changes are expected to come before years end, including resuming direct postal service for the first time in 50 years and reaching an agreement on regularly scheduled commercial flights.
