Addressing delegates to the National Assembly of People’s Power (Parliament) during the day before the second special session of the Tenth Legislative Assembly, the President described the island’s tense economic and social situation.
It is marked by a severe global crisis after the Covid-19 pandemic, which has deepened international differences and conflicts, including the economic blockade of the United States, intensified with more than 240 coercive measures and added to the list of countries. Alleged support for terrorism.
Díaz-Canel pointed out another aspect to take into account is the country’s complex demographic situation, accelerated population aging and a less and less economically active population.
Amidst these variations, the Caribbean country has not abandoned economic growth, but for this it is necessary to advance in a macroeconomic stabilization program that includes measures to combat inflation, reduce fiscal deficits, and overcome gaps between wages and purchasing power. Power, among other things increase the availability of foreign currency.
He said efforts were being made to promote local food production, but there was continued dissatisfaction as the demand for it was not fundamentally understood.
Today, people’s main access to food is a regulated basic basket provided by the state and supported by imports, many of which can be produced within the national territory, he said.
This indicates the importance of restoring the role of the State Agricultural Company, which will have an impact not only on increasing concessions, but also on regulating prices and reducing intermediary chains.
In general, he pointed to primary investments in food production, with national and foreign capital; As well as implement the various ideas presented in the Food Sovereignty and Nutrition Education Program.
In particular, he addressed the issue of high prices, which demanded higher production and better hiring, but also required a confrontation with speculation, concentration and illegal sales.
He opined that other tasks include development of sustainable local tourism, expansion of source markets for travelers and diversification of tourism offerings.
Likewise, utilize idle capacities in industry to remove stagnation and delay in matters relating to foreign trade and foreign investment; Encourage trade with Cubans outside the borders and promote national production in general.
Díaz-Canel stressed that the country must strengthen everything that allows the entry of foreign currency to increase the fight against corruption.
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