Cuba's Parliament approved a historic free-market economic reform. Facing the United States' energy siege, analysts viewed the measures positively, while negotiator Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro offered dialogue.
What does the new economic reform in Cuba consist of?
The National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba endorsed a package of 176 structural measures that transform the island's trade model. The modifications dismantle historical pillars such as the state monopoly on foreign trade and the centralization of productive forces.
Among the main changes are:
Trade opening: Permission for private companies to import and export goods without state intermediation.
Foreign investment: Authorization for the installation of international fast-food chains in Cuban territory.
Political model: President Miguel Díaz-Canel clarified that, despite market opening, the administration will not abandon the socialist system.
What are the obstacles to implementing the measures?
Political scientists and economists warned that inefficient bureaucracy and investor distrust will hamper the law's immediate impact.
According to researcher Lee Schlenker of the Quincy Institute, real effectiveness will depend on regulations being applied under conditions of equality and without politicization.
Likewise, experts agreed that the reform requires the gradual lifting of financial sanctions imposed by Donald Trump's administration, especially those targeting the state conglomerate GAESA.
Currently, U.S. restrictions worsen the island's energy crisis, causing blackouts of up to 20 hours.
Cuba's stance and offer of dialogue
Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, grandson of Raúl Castro and a member of the negotiating team with Washington, stated that Cuba poses no threat to U.S. national security. The representative reiterated the willingness to maintain cordial, civil, and equal conversations.
However, the envoy acknowledged that the hostility of U.S. policy hinders the progress of bilateral negotiations that began earlier this year, which included a private meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in February.
(With information from The Associated Press)
