Havana, May 13 (RHC) – The number of cooperatives in Cuba's non-agricultural sector has increased to 135, while another 345 were already approved for operations.

First Deputy Domestic Trade Minister Odalys Escandel told reporters that many of the newly-approved cooperatives are now taking steps previous to their operations with 102 of them in the sales of produce in Havana, Artemisa and Mayabeque provinces, another 189 entities in the gastronomy field and 55 will offer personal and technical services.

According to Domestic Trade authorities, produce-marketing cooperatives have reported favorable operations since they were created, while those in the gastronomy area have been able to increase workers’ income, their offer and quality services.

At present, Cuban cooperatives are in the sectors of transportation, construction materials, domestic and personal services. Some 455,000 Cubans have joined non-state working modalities, which include different categories.