HAVANA. The state of Alabama clinched deals today to sell $19 million dollars worth of chicken, minced meat and wooden utility poles to the Cuban government at the communist country’s annual trade fair.

HAVANA. The state of Alabama clinched deals today to sell $19 million dollars worth of chicken, minced meat and wooden utility poles to the Cuban government at the communist country’s annual trade fair.

Initially, Cuba’s food import company Alimport signed an agreement with Alabama agricultural commissioner Ron Sparks to buy $15 (m) million worth of goods from the state.

Shortly after, officials inked the deals surpassing the amount in the agreement.

Sparks led the Alabama delegation, which included business representatives and several state lawmakers.

More than 300 representatives of dozens of American firms attended the International Fair of Havana, which runs through Saturday.

Other countries represented at the fair include Canada, France, Spain, Venezuela, Brazil, China and Vietnam.

Copyright 2005 Associated Press.