He added that the Committee was aware of other related factors which posed as challenges to the kick-starting of meaningful bilateral economic activity in Cuba. Cuba's foreign exchange constraints, the serious infrastructure damage during the 2008 hurricane season and the continued economic embargo placed by the American government on Cuba were highlighted as some of the main concerns to Cuba's economic development. He explained that the dialogue was held in order that the Committee understood both the Cuban side of the story as well as that from the United States of America.