The stars in the Cuban and U.S. flags have finally aligned.

As Cuba moves away from a single-party Communist system, the state is seeking to transition out of many of the services it once controlled while strengthening the local economy. The U.S. government hopes to provide Cuba guidance and support for greater separation from the state. Both nations view the growth and development of the cooperative sector in Cuba as a desirable option for achieving these goals.

"They are very much interested in increasing the efficiency and efficacy that co-ops can play in the Cuban economy. The conversation is coming, and coming fast," explained John Weinfurter, vice president of government relations at Witt O'Brian, speaking about Cuban delegates in Washington and their response to the continuing dialogue between U.S. and Cuban cooperatives.