Havana, December 30 (RHC)-- Cuban President Raul Castro closed the plenary meeting of the 4th Ordinary Period of Sessions of the 8th Legislature of the National Assembly on Tuesday, pointing to a number of the achievements of this past year – and noting that much yet remains to be done.

The Cuban president highlighted the four percent growth Cuba's economy experienced this past year, despite a global economic crisis, the persistence of Washington's blockade and financial restrictions imposed by the United States.

President Raul Castro noted that every productive sector on the island is growing, although some haven't been able to reach the goals they set for themselves. And he said that social services maintain levels similar to those of last year.

The Cuban leader said that during 2015, the number of visitors to the island grew to three and a half million. He said that this result comes while Cuba is still the only country in the world to which American citizens are prohibited, by their own government, to travel as tourists.

During his closing speech at the 4th Ordinary Period of Sessions of the 8th Legislature of the National Assembly, President Raul Castro pointed to Cuba's full support for the Bolivarian Government of Venezuela, and ratified Cuba's solidarity with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.