US-based public relations firm Weber Shandwick is planning to open an office in Cuba.
The company has been granted a specific license by the US Department of the Treasury authorizing it to pursue opening operations on the ground in Cuba.
“The license opens the door for Weber Shandwick to proceed with discussions with the Cuban government to secure the permissions necessary to be among the first marketing services and global public relations firms to establish an office in Havana,” the company said in a release.
Among the company’s notable clients is Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.
“We are delighted to be one important step closer to our goal of opening an office in Havana,” said Jack Leslie, Chairman, Weber Shandwick. “Communications is the currency for change, and for a global firm such as ours, this is a unique opportunity to facilitate engagement at this historic pivot point in U.S.-Cuba relations.”
The license gives the company permission to “engage in all transactions necessary to establish and maintain” an office in Cuba.
That includes marketing its services, employing professionals and opening and maintaining an account at a financial institution in Cuba.
“President Obama’s leadership in reestablishing U.S. diplomatic relations with Cuba has created a high level of interest from U.S. companies and organizations wanting to engage with the Cuban people,” said Micho Spring, a Cuban-American and chair of Weber Shandwick’s Global Corporate practice. “Our goal is to open an office to help our clients do this as soon as it is legally permissible.”
