Castro Welcomes U.S. Executives on Exploratory Trip

HAVANA — A jovial Fidel Castro put on a lavish welcome Friday for more than 50 American executives who had come to Cuba to explore possible post-embargo business opportunities.

The Cuban government sponsored the hotel buffet to avoid a U.S. ban on citizens spending money in Cuba.

“And who is paying for this?” Castro asked with mock sternness as he entered the hall.

“It’s an investment for the future,” Castro said, before spending about an hour moving through the crowd of businesspeople.

The conference gave Cuba a chance to denounce the embargo, which since 1961 has restricted most business and travel to the island.

“The main argument against the U.S. policy is that it is not working,” Cuban parliament President Ricardo Alarcon told the group earlier at the Convention Palace.

Showing the importance it attaches to improving ties with the United States, Cuba brought its ministers of economy, foreign trade and tourism to the conference.