In his farewell speech, President Barack Obama highlighted restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba as a key foreign policy achievement.

But it’s a legacy which president-elect Donald Trump has threatened to reverse. And the island’s growing private sector fears this could threaten their businesses.

CGTN’s Michael Voss reports from Cuba.

Yamina Vicente used to teach Marxist economics at the University of Havana, now she runs her own company organizing children’s parties and weddings.

In December, she flew to Washington, D.C. help deliver a letter signed by one hundred Cuban entrepreneurs, urging President-elect Donald Trump to maintain good relations with Cuba.

U.S. President Barack Obama’s decision to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba replaced half a century of confrontation with a policy of engagement.
But President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to reverse the whole process unless Cuba agrees to political and other reforms.

The tens of thousands of American tourists who are coming on direct flights are helping boost Cuba’s struggling economy. But the private sector such as restaurants are also benefiting as are the private lodgings which can now be booked through Airbnb.

There’s been a burst of activity since the election with both countries trying to finalize more deals in a bid to make the whole process more difficult to reverse.

Cuba has granted Google permission to place internet servers to speed up access to its products such as YouTube. While Alaska has become the latest airline to fly there, offering the first direct flights from the West Coast of the United States.

Last week, the two countries signed an accord to prevent and clean oil spills in the Straits of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. This follows cooperation in other areas of mutual interest including the environment and counter narcotics.

Yamina Vicente, along with most Cubans, is hoping that it is Donald Trump the businessman who as President will see opportunities in Cuba rather than threats.