Elements such as the impact of Covid-19 and the U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade are damaging those efforts, but the path taken can clear the way and guarantee development in addition to solving the problems.

He said that for this year, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was projected at around four percent, a goal that is being maintained, taking into account that the indicators at the end of January behaved as expected, despite the outbreak of Covid-19 through the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 (Ómicron).

Regarding tourism, he noted that during the first month of the year, 86 thousand visitors arrived in the country, 64 thousand more than in the same period of 2021.

In addition, he indicated, 30 thousand tons more of agricultural products were harvested, which shows the beginning of the effect of the 63 measures approved to stimulate food production in the countryside.

The minister stated they are advancing in the expansion and improvement of the non-state sector, with the incorporation of new economic actors, since they already have almost two thousand micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (approved), and all this will begin to have a bigger impact in 2022.

Data from the Ministry of Economy and Planning of the island indicate that currently eight thousand self-employed workers (private) have more than three employees each.

This, he specified, will allow a later reconversion into MSMEs or cooperatives, while at present more than 30 thousand jobs are created this way.

Analysts interpret these elements presented by Gil Fernandez as the real possibility of a long-term solution to the most pressing problems of the island’s economy.

At the most recent meeting of the Cuban Council of Ministers, on February 1, it was assured that improving supplies to the population and containing inflation are two of the tasks on which the government is working hard.

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