Debate on key development issues in Cuba

Inflation control, electricity generation and the increase in the supply of basic products were topics of debate during the second day of the Fifth Plenary Session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).

At the meeting at the Havana Convention Palace, the Minister of Economy and Planning, Alejandro Gil, reported that the projected levels for growth in 2022 were not reached.

Among the causes, the also vice-president of the Council of Ministers mentioned the intensification of the U.S. blockade and the unprecedented growth of international prices, in addition to errors in the implementation of measures aimed at boosting the economy, which reduce their impact.

In view of this situation, it is urgent to implement a macroeconomic balance program and to increase foreign currency collection, whose deficit prevents the development of plans and projects aimed at productive growth, he pointed out.

Regarding the items that have an impact on the generation of foreign currency, the data indicate that exports of goods show a recovery in nickel, tobacco, rum, honey and sea products, however, tourism projects 1.7 million visitors, some 800 thousand less than planned.

Meanwhile, national production in general shows a slow recovery.

According to national television, Gil went deeper in the agricultural sector, where several measures were promoted and their implementation was conditioned by the deficit of inputs.

The minister also said that the retail circulation of goods grew with respect to the previous year, but continues to be below the demand, which is one of the causes that prevent the stabilization of prices.

The country has an imported inflation, due to the increase in international prices, but we are incorporating an internal component of indiscipline, diversion of resources, speculation, resale, which must be confronted, he pointed out.

In the discussions of the report, the rector of the University of Havana, Miriam Nicado, assured that Cuba is capable of producing a national fertilizer.

According to Prensa Latina, other participants highlighted that the decrease in purchasing power and the increase in the cost of living impose a review of the implementation of economic measures, which they considered innovative, diverse and necessary in the current context.

This second and last day of the V Plenary Session of the PCC, takes place with the presence of the first secretary of that political organization and president of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel, and other top leaders of this nation.