The progress of the Cuban economy occupied much of the attention and analysis of deputies at the 7th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, which is in session in Havana.
By María Josefina Arce
The progress of the Cuban economy occupied much of the attention and analysis of deputies at the 7th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, which is in session in Havana.
The country's economy has been seriously affected by the impacts of COVID-19, which has required the allocation of millions of dollars to combat the disease caused by the new coronavirus in order to protect the health of the population, a priority of the authorities.
In the midst of this complex health situation, the U.S. blockade, which has intensified in these times of pandemic, has had a brutally strong impact. The current U.S. government maintains unchanged the 243 measures adopted by the previous administration, presided by Donald Trump (2017-2021).
This has deprived the Greater Antilles of the vital foreign exchange income to continue moving forward and give due response to the basic needs of the citizens.
The tightening of the blockade has led many banks to declare us as a country at risk. This financial persecution against Cuba prevents international transactions and affects the citizenry.
To give you an idea of the damage caused, in 2020 alone the Caribbean nation stopped receiving 2.4 billion dollars.
The Cuban economy has lost 13% of its Gross Domestic Product between 2020 and so far this year. An impact described as harsh by Deputy Prime Minister and head of Economy and Planning, Alejandro Gil, who pointed out that it is impossible for this situation not to be felt in the daily life of Cubans.
However, the country is determined to continue its progress, especially in food production, which today, said Gil (pictured), faces a complex scenario, given the deficit of supplies, fuel and parts and equipment, but also organizational problems that cannot be ignored.
To achieve this growth, an aspiration of all, a series of measures have been adopted, aimed at eliminating obstacles in the economic processes and the implementation of the Guidelines of the Economic and Social Policy of the Communist Party of Cuba, adopted in 2011.
Precisely last April, a package of 63 measures referring to the agricultural sector was approved, involving more than 600 actions that are being followed up and improved by 7 groups of experts, academics and scientists.
However, all the provisions adopted in the different branches, as pointed out by the deputies, must be accompanied by innovative thinking, maximum use of existing potential, savings and an ever greater use of science and technology in the search for alternatives, an aspect on which Cuban President Miguel Díaz Canel has repeatedly insisted.
Even amid the complex panorama, work is being done for the recovery of the economy, a goal that needs the effort, support and creativity of all Cubans.
