Carlos Alzugaray, Cuba's Former Ambassador to the European Union; Former Director, Institute of Foreign Relations

Lisa Garcia Bedolla, Chair of UC Berkeley Center for Latino Policy Research & Associate Professor, Graduate School of Education — Moderator

Since Fidel Castro turned over power to his brother in 2006, Raul Castro has increasingly emphasized transforming the Cuban bureaucracy and economy in an effort to make the country more competitive in the international market. The Cuban government is allowing more space for small domestic entrepreneurs and encouraging foreign investment, especially in tourism and agriculture. While European, Asian and Latin American investors are increasingly exploring opportunities in Cuba, the U.S.-Cuba economic and political relations stagnate. What are the key issues? Will the countries resolve the situations of imprisoned American Alan Gross or the convicted intelligence officers the Cuban Five anytime soon? What’s next for the Cuban economy and U.S.-Cuba relations?

Location: SF Club Office
Time: 11:30 a.m. check-in, noon program
Cost: $20 non-members, $12 members, $7 students (with valid ID)