Deputy Prime Minister and head of Economy and Planning, Alejandro Gil

Havana, May 25 (RHC) Deputy Prime Minister and head of Economy and Planning, Alejandro Gil, said Cuba has possibilities of fulfilling the economic plans drawn up for 2023, although it must increase agricultural production and face inflation.

Gil reported that at the end of April, exports of goods and services reached 866 million dollars; 23.6 million below the projection at the stage.

Tourism, one of the main sectors that generate foreign currency for the country, stood at 28 percent of the annual plan in that period, and although it evidences a gradual and progressive recovery, it must continue working on the rescue of issuing markets and other aspects, said the Minister of Economy.

He commented that the implementation of the exchange market as of August 2022, although limited, has allowed the reactivation of productions that were paralyzed, such as some of the electronic industry, cleaning products for the basic food basket, and prioritized agricultural items.

Progress is also being made in the expansion of digital operations; a necessity given the lack of paper currency.

He also emphasized that the national electric power system is improving concerning the previous calendar, with mostly planned affectations, designed to be able to assume in better conditions the demands of the summer.

However, he added, diesel has been over-consumed for generation, which has affected industries, transportation, agriculture, and other economic scenarios.

He said that the country is making progress in investments in the hydraulic sector, steel production, and transportation, among other areas; however, one defining aspect is attention to the fiscal deficit, which currently exceeds 32.7 billion pesos (approximately 1.362 billion dollars). (Source: Prensa Latina)