New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will be the first sitting American governor to visit Cuba since the recent thaw in relations with the communist nation.

The Democratic governor plans to spend Monday and Tuesday in Havana during a trip that he says will foster economic ties between New York and Cuba.

Trade experts say New York could profit from improved relations with Cuba. New York farmers could export apples and dairy products. Businesses could invest in developing high-tech infrastructure and hotel companies could build resorts.

But New York District Export Council chairman Joe Schoonmaker cautions that any economic relationship with Cuba will take time.

Cuomo's critics say the trip is more about domestic politics and say the governor is looking for a way to make national headlines.

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