The expansion of recognized activities in the non-state sector for the perfecting of the Cuban economy is now a reality, as announced at the most recent meeting of the country’s Council of Ministers. Non-agricultural cooperatives, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and self-employment are summoned to boost national development, each from their own sphere.
Although the state-managed enterprise remains the fundamental actor of this system, and the expansion of authorized activities by non-state forms of management will not lead to a privatization process, the urgency of an adequate relationship between all the sectors of the economy was pointed out. These actions will allow for better use of the country’s human potential, productive capacities, experience, creativity and the necessary momentum in the island’s development.
With particular reference to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, it was explained that similar conditions will be established for their management in both the state and private sectors. In the case of private enterprises, in order to specify what they may engage in, authorities will take as a starting point the list of activities already approved for self-employment.
It was further explained that to begin with, the measure will not include certain professional activities, except those already authorized, such as: computer equipment programmers, bookkeepers, translators and interpreters, veterinarians for pets or domestic animals, designers and certain types of consultancies.
Also announced was the end of the experiment with non-agricultural cooperatives and the gradual establishment of these forms of management in all the sectors already approved, except for the construction sector.
According to the announcement, the first impacts of these moves to link different economic actors will be seen in municipalities and territorial development strategies. They will also contribute to the financial growth of localities, where joint projects will promote the creation of jobs, and boost production and the expansion of offered services.
The provisions announced by the Council of Ministers entail the creation of the corresponding legal norms for their implementation and, according to the top executive and administrative body of the country, will allow all economic actors to occupy their corresponding space.
