Members of the Provincial Directorate of Economy and Planning in Cienfuegos discussed the Conceptualization of the Cuban Economic and Social Model and the National Economic and Social Development Plan through 2030: Proposed Vision for the Nation, Axes and Strategic Sectors, a key document for the island’s present and future development, currently subject to a national debate.

Director Andrés Martínez Ravelo, a delegate to the 7th Party Congress, stressed the comprehensiveness of the document, which he described as rigorous and precise, while recognizing the importance of the ongoing national debate by the Cuban people, resulting in productive analysis and further proposals.

Nurys Menuncia Santos, an official representing the Provincial Party Committee, highlighted the high degree of expertise of the group discussing the document in Cienfuegos.

Those participating offered views on several points. Among them, Yamilé Rodríguez Torres, director of Economy and Planning in the municipality of Cumanayagua, who noted that it is imperative to act in accordance with paragraph 58 of the draft document, regarding the values that must underpin Cuba’s economic and social model.

Roberto Pérez Machado, the Provincial Directorate’s deputy director for Food, proposed an amendment to paragraph 73, referring to the need to protect public and social property, to include all forms of property, in accordance with the changes taking place in the country.

Meanwhile, Director Andrés Martínez Ravelo, proposed that paragraph 83 on the principle of socialist distribution according to one’s contribution, be clarified to read, "from each according to his/her ability, to each according to his/her work, in accordance with his/her contribution.”

Reynier Hernández Capote, deputy director of Investment, highlighted the significance of paragraph 100, on the fundamental importance of the municipal level of administration and its autonomy.

Similarly, he pointed to paragraph 85, recognizing that improved results and productivity in enterprises should result in benefits for workers, through the distribution of increased income, part of which should also be allocated for further development.

However, it was made clear during the economists’ discussions, that the above is not currently possible in certain entities, as they do not have the required mechanisms to enable this distribution of income.

Furthermore, they stressed the need to accelerate legislative processes across the country, to ensure there are no gaps between the reality of economic circumstances and the relevant legal documents.

The economists also stressed the urgency of creating a wholesale market for private businesses, as the current situation results in shortages of certain products in the retail stores and speculation, given the high volume purchases of this sector.