THE LEADER of Ballarat mining technology company Gekko Systems has been among the first Australian business leaders to visit Cuba, joining a select delegation led by the outgoing federal trade minister Andrew Robb.
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Managing director and chairperson of Gekko Systems Elizabeth Lewis-Gray was one of 10 Australian business leaders who was chosen to venture to the island nation ahead of the symbolic visit by US president Barack Obama later this year.
Direct flights between Cuba and the US are also set to begin in the coming weeks, opening the Caribbean nation to an influx of tourism.
Remarkably, Ballarat local and MEO chief executive Peter Stickland was also chosen to go on the maiden trip, meaning two of the 10 representatives were from Ballarat.
Ms Lewis-Gray said while she had been there as a representative of the nation-wide mining body METS Ignited, she saw plenty of scope to form a relationship between Gekko and the Cuban government.
“The Cuban government is looking for experts to give them advice and help them develop projects, and they’re willing to bring that expertise from overseas,” Ms Lewis-Gray said.
“While infrastructure is declining, as a country they have one of the highest rates of education and highest rates of doctors per capita.”
The trip was designed to bolster trade between Cuba and Australia. The trip had a specific focus on food, energy and mining services.
