Regional development projects and new market initiatives in Uruguay and Cuba

In Uruguay, the Sectoral Commission for Decentralization is set to review several development projects funded by the Fondo de Desarrollo del Interior (FDI). The session includes 17 projects across 11 departments, including Cerro Largo, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Paysandú, Río Negro, Salto, San José, Tacuarembó, and Treinta y Tres, totaling an investment of $362,074,081. Additionally, the commission will consider four project expansions in Lavalleja, Río Negro, Salto, and Soriano, and a rural road improvement project in Paysandú valued at $44,907,993.

In Cuba, the government has established the first 24 neighborhood markets as part of a strategy to decentralize commerce and services. These markets aim to transform the existing network of warehouses and butcher shops, offering food and cleaning supplies at prices 10% to 15% lower than other establishments. To encourage participation, non-state economic actors may receive a 5% sales tax bonus or full tax exemptions for wholesale commercialization within the system. Guantánamo and Havana currently host the highest number of these units.