With the renewed diplomatic relations between the United States (U.S.) and Cuba, the U.S. State Department has disclosed updates on supporting the island's "nascent" private sector.

According to the U.S. State Department, "empowering" Cubans and their civil society is a main focus to the normalized relations.

The State Department noted that President Barack Obama's Dec. 17 announcement to renew diplomatic relations and the Treasury Department and Commerce Department's Jan. 16 regulation adjustments created new opportunities for Cuba's budding private sector. The Commerce and Treasury Departments issued amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), mainly affecting banking, remittances, trade and travel plans for authorized individuals going to Cuba.

"These measures will help independent Cuban entrepreneurs access the information and resources they need to improve their living standards and gain greater economic independence from the state," wrote the State Department.

With the amendments in effect, Americans are able to send "unlimited" remittances to Cuban individuals for the benefit of the country's private business, independent non-governmental organizations, "certain" microfinance activities, entrepreneurial training and development projects.

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"U.S. companies are permitted to export items such as building materials, equipment, tools, and supplies for use by the Cuban private sector, without the need for a license," the State Department added. "The measures also allow for more engagement by U.S. telecommunications and internet-related companies in Cuba to support better communications and access to information by the Cuban people."

Meanwhile, the State Department released details on goods and services produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs that can be delivered to the U.S. The State Department, however, noted it cannot predict the actions of the Cuban government and if they would allow certain independent entrepreneurs to export to the U.S.

Independent Cuban entrepreneurs are not allowed to import live animals, electrical equipment, mineral products, vegetable products, arms and ammunition and vehicles. Changes to eligible Cuban good and services will be updated on a periodic basis. Items outside of the exemptions list are subject to tariffs. 

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"The Cuban government issues licenses to private individuals for self-employment or to operate small private businesses. Evidence that the entrepreneur holds this license, such as a copy of the license, is one way that a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction can show that the entrepreneur that provided the goods/services intended for importation holds independent status," noted the U.S. State Department, adding third-party verification by an independent organization could be required.

The State Department's updates went into effect "immediately" on Feb. 13.

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