Cuba opens gas stations, pharmacies, ports to private sector

Cuba is significantly broadening the scope of private enterprise, announcing the opening of key economic sectors such as gas stations, pharmacies, ports, waste management, renewable energy, tourism, and banking to private actors. This strategic shift comes as the island nation grapples with a severe economic crisis and mounting pressure from Washington.

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The new regulation "considerably expands the operational field for entrepreneurs and private companies on the island."

The communist government is drastically reducing the list of activities prohibited to private businesses. This decision follows the recent parliamentary approval of 176 measures designed to foster an opening toward a market economy. State media reported that the new regulations considerably expand the operational field for entrepreneurs and private companies.

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110 of the 176 measures approved in June were already being implemented, and the others would be applied by September.

Prime Minister Manuel Marrero stated that 110 of the approved measures are already being implemented, with the remainder slated for application by September. He indicated that results would be gradual, citing examples such as authorizations granted to over 100 non-state entities for wholesale fuel marketing. The first foreign investment project for fuel import, distribution, and marketing has also been approved, though investor nationality was not disclosed.

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The results will be achieved gradually.

While sectors like healthcare, education, and tobacco remain under state control, reflecting core tenets of the 1959 revolution, the economic opening is expected to necessitate foreign capital. Economist Daniel Torralbas noted that Cuban small and medium-sized enterprises, authorized only in 2021, currently lack the financial capacity for such large-scale investments. The government has also received a U.S. humanitarian aid shipment as part of a promised $100 million package.

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Authorizations have been granted to more than 100 non-state actors for wholesale fuel marketing, and the first foreign investment project for the import, distribution and marketing of fuel has been approved.