Cuba: National Assembly in Session with Presence of Raul Castro

Wiht the presence of Cuban President Raul Castro the National Assembly of People’s Power (Parliament) sessions to analyze the economic plans and budget for 2012, as well as the implementation of both aspects in 2011.

The plenary of the Parliament takes place at Havana’s Conference Center, following three days of sessions in which the 12 permanent commissions of the Assembly discussed the economic topic, and some of them presented their work reports. Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, first VP of the Cuban Council of State and Ministers also assits to the important meeting.

The Minister of Finance and Prices, Lina Pedraza, told Prensa Latina that the plan and budget of the State for next year will be ruled by principles of productivity, efficiency, and saving, in tune with the guidelines of the 6th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba.

Pedraza commented that the idea is not to use up more than you have, a guideline established at the Congress held last April, which established policies for bringing the economic model of the country up to date.

Pedraza said that social sectors will continue being a priority in Cuba, such as health, education, and culture, in which the Caribbean country has reached achievements recognized worldwide. Apart from the plans for 2012, the plenary of deputies will review the performance of the economy this year.

During the work of the permanent commissions, some figures of interest were analyzed, including the 4 million tons of oil produced for fifth consecutive year.

It was also informed that the country will conclude 2011 with a fiscal deficit in line with the Budget Law.  (PL)