Cuba loosens private sector controls to fend off humanitarian crisis

Living conditions in the Caribbean island have deteriorated sharply since Washington tightened its energy embargo on the country.

In an effort to fend off a mounting humanitarian crisis, Cuba on Wednesday eased up on longtime restrictions on private vendors and imports, opening up a sector firmly controlled by the Communist-led government. The reforms would allow for the import and resale of some goods and medicines from other countries, loosen r

Cuba has loosened restrictions on private businesses to allow imports of foreign goods and medicines, a sector firmly controlled by the Communist-led government

Cuba has loosened restrictions on private businesses to allow imports of foreign goods and medicines, a sector firmly controlled by the Communist-led government

In a lengthy decree, the authorities lifted restrictions on a swath of sectors including petrol distribution, electricity generation, trash collection and the manufacture and sale of medicines.

It was already a difficult situation, but nothing comparable to what has unfolded over the past month following the liberalization of prices.

Many of China’s private firms continue to face tough operating conditions, including intense market competition, persistent payment delays and weak domestic demand, though technology firms have shown stronger momentum, according to fresh survey results. The recent survey of 79 entrepreneurs from medium- and large-sized