GIC Announces New Export Sales
of 16 Million Dollars for Virginia Products

December 15, 2005, Alexandria, VA – After a 3-day visit to Havana with a delegation of Virginia company representatives, GIC is pleased to announce that Perdue Farms and Crown Orchard have concluded soybean, soybean meal, and fresh apple sales to Cuba for $16 million.

According to Daniel Secondi, Director of Latin America Business Development for GIC, "It's a major breakthrough sale for the state of Virginia." Mr. Secondi spearheaded the transaction by assisting in promoting Virginia products, organizing trade missions, setting up face-to-face meetings, and structuring of the final sales contract in direct negotiation with Cuban buyers. Mr. Secondi confirmed that other contracts between Alimport and Virginia companies are still under negotiation, including lumber, live cattle, and supermarket food products.

GIC Group is a contractor to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) for export promotion and assistance to Latin America, helping Virginia companies develop new business in the region.  A month ago, GIC negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the state of Virginia and Alimport. As a result, Governor Mark Warner and Alimport’s Chairman, Pedro Alvarez, signed an MOU to buy $30 million in Virginia ag products.  This is one of the largest state MOUs signed by Alimport.

Mr. Secondi pointed out that this is a growing market for U.S. ag suppliers and Virginia has taken advantage of this situation. In 2002, Virginia companies sold $130,000 in Virginia ag products, and in 2006, Mr. Secondi estimated developing sales of $30 million.

For further information on GIC Group export promotion and assistance services, please contact Mr. John Gohring at 703-684-1366, ext 5, or johngohring@gicgroup.com.

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