Speaking at the Economic Commission prior to the 4th Ordinary Session of the National People’s Power Assembly (Parliament) in its 10th Legislature, Alonso recalled that Cuba’s economy was subject to threats, tensions and risks that must be overcome through the gradual implementation of the measures adopted by the country’s leadership.

He added that in order to achieve the projected growth or exceed it, it will be necessary to advance in the recovery of the national power system, improve the fuel balance, increase agricultural production, manufacturing industry and services, improve the performance of the business system, as well as implement the approved transformations and measures, in order to maximize their positive and multiplying effects for the rest of the economy.

Referring to the investment plan, he said that there is a total budget of 148.37 billion pesos, 63 percent of which will go to priority sectors.

The main investments will be concentrated in food production programs, the modernization of the Antillana de Acero steel mill, and in renewable energy sources, in addition to the maintenance of the national power system, the hotel program of the Ministry of Tourism in 25 hotels, the hydraulic program, and the completion of 12,183 homes.

The minister also referred to the production of vaccines and technological equipment, biopesticides, biofertilizers and injectable products, as well as investments in the nickel industry, the recovery of aviation, technological and special equipment, telecommunications, and others associated with Cubana del Gas, in the supertankers’ base, and the repair of fuel tanks.

In the social sphere, higher levels of activity than those estimated for 2024 are expected, in particular, the priorities of the National Health System and with it the Basic List of Medicines, the implementation of the Demographic Dynamics policy, and the budgets to pay monetary and service benefits, among others.

jg/ro/tdd