The trade sector in Las Tunas is progressing slowly in the implementation of economic and social transformations, hindered by inconsistencies and uncertainties in the application of new regulations.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- This was evidenced during an assessment conducted by a team led by Yosvany Pupo Otero, First Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade (MINCIN), who began his working visit to the territory with a discussion with authorities from the provincial capital municipality.
The tour, which included visits to various sector facilities and direct engagement with workers, revealed that, to date, no project has been realized in this eastern province that effectively implements the approved economic and social transformation policies.
As noted during the meeting, the misinterpretation and lack of proper application of the approved guidelines pose a real obstacle to the development of trade in the territory. In this context, the legal autonomy and personality of state-owned MSMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises) are creating uncertainty among economic actors, which prevents these new management models from becoming firmly established.
The capital municipality is home to 281 MSMEs and over 10,000 self-employed workers; a potential that, however, has yet to translate into concrete results due to the aforementioned barriers.
"Las Tunas has great potential, but significant effort is required to bring these policies to fruition. The most important thing is for all stakeholders to work in unity, set clear goals, and achieve them," stated Pupo Otero.
The First Deputy Minister emphasized that realizing these transformations demands an intensified effort and effective coordination among various agencies, a close cooperation that has not yet been achieved.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE FOOD SUPPLIES FROM THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME (WFP)
The most critical issue addressed during the exchange concerned the support provided to vulnerable individuals. Although there is a designated list of products for this population group —guaranteed by the World Food Programme (WFP)— it has yet to be delivered in Las Tunas.
Pupo Otero identified the primary causes as a failure to reconcile and verify the lists between the Commerce and Labor departments. "The food is available, yet only four municipalities have completed the necessary assessments," the Deputy Minister acknowledged —a remark that highlights a lack of institutional coordination.
The plan for the Las Tunas province is to begin distribution next Tuesday, with rice being provided to all municipalities, while oil and peas will be limited to the municipality of Jobabo.
The assessment session contributed to understanding how the Eastern Cuban Balcony fares within the current context the country is facing.