Havana, December 21 (RHC)-- Addressing a meeting of the Cuban Council of Ministers, Cuban President Raúl Castro called to face and overcome problems with optimism.

The meeting analyzed economic issues. Raúl said that in order to develop, Cuba must have economic and trade relations with each and every country of the world and called to diversify the economy. Raúl mentioned biotechnology and tourism as the main engines of the Cuban economy.

At the meeting, Cuban Economy and Planning Minister Marino Murillo reported that the Cuban economy grew 4% in 2015, despite Washington's economic blockade. He added that the GDP grew 61.1 percent, due mainly to a decline in import prices. 

The Cuban economy minister stressed that although all economic sectors experienced growth compared to 2014, agriculture, the sugar industry, construction, transport and communications failed to fulfill their annual plans.

The Council of Ministers meeting approved the economic plan for 2016, which focuses on strategies to boost exports and substitute imports, prioritizing foreign investment in several sectors.