Cuba announces broad economic, administrative reforms

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has announced a series of reforms targeting public administration and key sectors of the economy, including business management, property, tourism, and agriculture. 

Speaking on national television, Díaz-Canel said Cuba must “keep pace with the times,” while noting that the government could not fully disclose all details of its plans due to what he described as close external monitoring of developments in the country, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The government plans to encourage foreign direct investment, including participation from Cubans living abroad, expand foreign trade, and open additional sectors of the economy to non-state actors.

The reforms also include a restructuring of the state apparatus. The administration has proposed reducing the number of ministries from 27 to 20 in an effort to create a more flexible governance system and reduce bureaucracy.

Changes are also expected in the tourism sector, where new non-state actors may be allowed greater participation, as well as in the property sector, where new operational models are being considered.

In addition, state-owned enterprises would be granted expanded autonomy, including greater flexibility in wage setting, access to foreign exchange markets, and cooperation with other economic entities.

Agricultural producers are expected to receive more direct access to resources, including foreign currency, alongside simplified administrative procedures.

Cuba continues to face a prolonged economic crisis, which has been further aggravated in recent years by tightened U.S. sanctions on Havana.

By Sabina Mammadli