HAVANA, Cuba – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker will meet with senior Cuban officials and co-chair a "regulatory dialogue" this week while visiting the island.
Her goal is to create a better business climate.
One Cuban man Local 10 News reporter Hatzel Vela met has worked for 16 years making decorative houses that range in price from $2 to $4.
Orlando Castillo Apaceiro makes about $150 a month.
Pritzker is on the island hoping to improve private businesses like his.
On Tuesday, Pritzker spent some time at the Port of Mariel, which is being touted by Cuban officials as an economic engine that can rival any in the states.
It's a place that typically heads of state visit any time they come to Cuba.
During Wednesday's high level meetings, the American delegation is expected to brief the Cubans on recent changes made to the rules that govern trade, financial transactions and travel to Cuba.
President Barack Obama made it easier to travel to the island last month and expanded licenses for telecom and Internet-based services.
Antonio Gonzalez Marrero said it wasn't until recently that Cubans had access to the Internet.
"It would help me when I'm trying to work on school projects," he said.
Marrero said he hopes it only gets better.
The Obama administration has not been shy in saying an influx of capitalism could help bring political change to the communist island of 11 million. But the Cuban government will have to do its part by lifting restrictions and allowing American commerce to thrive.
One administration official told reporters that the Cubans have already talked about switching to a one-currency system and allowing U.S. companies to directly hire Cuban employees.
Apaceiro said one currency would be more advantageous because it's easier to manage. He said it would also be better for his business.
Pritzker is the second cabinet official to visit Cuba. Secretary of State John Kerry was first when he came to Cuba to raise the American flag at the U.S. Embassy in August.
Follow Hatzel Vela on Twitter @hatzelvela
Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10