Des Moines, September 2 (RHC)-- Two lawmakers and a group of business people from the U.S. state of Iowa will embark on a trade mission to Cuba next month, according to the Newton Daily News.

The newspaper reports that the Iowan delegation is slated to visit Cuba from October 1st to the 8th.

State Senator Steven Sodders and Representative Mark Smith will be joined in this economic-development trip to Cuba by Carlos Portes, a former ambassador for Latin America, along with representatives of Iowa businesses and trade organizations, to encourage more trade between Iowa and Cuba.

“This could really be the beginning of Iowa becoming a major trade center for Cuba,” Senator Sodders said about the trip. “And it could help tie Iowa to a center for both receiving and distribution. This is not a theoretical discussion; this is strictly an economic mission. We’re looking to actually tend some deals on this trip.”