New York, April 20 (RHC) -- New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo is leading a State Trade Mission to Cuba. He is the first U.S. governor to visit Cuba since Havana and Washington announced their decision to re-establish diplomatic relations in December last year.

"As the door begins to open between the United States and Cuba, we want New York businesses to be first out of the gate when it comes to building trade partnerships and establishing a strong position in this new market," Cuomo said on Sunday ahead of his departure to Cuba.

According to Xinhua news agency, State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is also among the delegates for the two-day visit.

"For New York State's businesses in the banking, financial, agricultural, and technology sectors this (the visit) is a unique opportunity to gain access to an emerging market," he said.