Cuba implements legal backing for 88% of economic reforms

The Cuban government has announced that 88% of the 176 economic reforms approved in June have now received legal backing. Of these reforms, 155 aim to liberalize and decentralize the national economy, with an additional 17 pieces of legislation expected to be approved during September.

Prime Minister Manuel Marrero recently evaluated the implementation of these measures, highlighting priorities such as municipal autonomy, agricultural recovery, and trade. Marrero noted that the success of these reforms depends on the ability to translate approved measures into tangible improvements for citizens, particularly as the country navigates a complex period of internal and external crises.

Key legislative changes include allowing private companies to employ more than 100 workers, facilitating direct hiring, and permitting investments by Cubans living abroad. Other measures involve indefinite land use rights, increased openness in tourism and trade, and new regulations for foreign currency bank accounts that allow private companies to deposit foreign cash and make direct international payments. Additionally, the Ministry of Public Health is evaluating approximately 36 projects to establish private pharmacies across the island.