Havana, June 15 (RHC)-- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has urged the island´s economists to take the lead in the fight for the achievement of economic development, which he described as one of the country´s fundamental battles.

Speaking at the closing session of the 8th Congress of the Association of Cuban Economists (ANEC), the Cuban president said that the end of the blockade does not depend on the island, but asserted that the obstacles stemming from it can be averted through intelligent and creative work.

The president added that the country needs its economists to successfully implement the decision, announced by the Minister of Economy during the Congress, that beginning next year, workers themselves will elaborate the economic plans of their respective companies, a move that breaks away from the centralized planning that has characterized the island´s procedures.

He considered that economists should contribute their knowledge and talent, and it is of utmost importance that they participate in the shaping of the new plans.

The Head of the Cuban state noted that in order for this measure to succeed, a change of mentality is in order.  "This is a leap to a new moment and the plan will not come from up above.  It is an audacious and revolutionary measure that demands objectivity, realism and conscience, "he stressed.

Díaz-Canel listed corruption, illegalities, a low level of savings, indebtedness, insufficient income from exports, debts to be collected and the prevalence of an import mentality as some of the flaws that undermine the economic development of the island.

He added that the only way to eliminate this situation is by instilling in leaders a more proactive, intelligent and concrete attitude, which should promote safe and specific solutions.