Self-employment key to Cuban economic overhaul

[Bacchus39]

(edited for copyright purposes-proud patriot Moderator Democratic Underground)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100915/ap_on_bi_ge/cb_cuba_mass_layoffs

Self-employment key to Cuban economic overhaul


By WILL WEISSERT, Associated Press Writer Will Weissert, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 38 mins ago
HAVANA – Euridis Rivero might not look like much of a role model for Cuba's new economy: His tiny eatery selling fried pork and salami sandwiches on Havana's crumbling San Rafael Street doesn't even offer seats for its customers.

It is precisely this sort of business, however — a small, privately owned enterprise in the heart of the island's capital — that the communist government is promoting as one of the building blocks of a new and improved social and economic system.

When authorities fire a half-million employees — 10 percent of the country's work force — in the next six months, they will steer many of those losing their jobs toward positions at foreign-run companies; encourage them to band together in cooperatives that will do everything from raising rabbits to making bricks — and even offer some the chance to start their own businesses.

"The people need to take advantage of this opening, just like we have," said Rivero, who since 1997 has run Cafeteria El Cubanito, his own street stall selling sandwiches, microwaved pizzas, and tongue-numbingly sweet glasses of pineapple juice. It's the kind of place where you can have lunch for less than an American dollar.

Before he went into business for himself, Rivero doled out similar fare as an employee at a state cafeteria and earned a meager salary of about $20 a month, the average for government jobs.

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[bherrera]

1. They need more reform, fast

To have a proper capitalist system where the individual can carry out the functions of economic development and investment, they need to improve in several areas very fast.

The experience shows one very important area is the judicial system, and the laws and regulations which control commerce and protect the investors' rights, as well as the customers' rights. Customer protection is very important, because unethical businesspeople take advantage of the system if there is no customer protection system.

Another area they should improve is the land and property registry.

The last area which has to be developed is a high quality taxation.

[naaman fletcher]

2. This would seem like a good topic of conversation,

for people interested in discussions and sharing information.

[bherrera]

3. Yes, I think a lot about these topics

I am active in politics in the Alicante region, and I belong to the socialist party, but i also understand the key to good socialism is the methods used to develop a properly regulated free market in which capitalism is allowed to serve the interest of society. I am also interested in methods which can be used to avoid the government achieving too much power and controlling our lives, and imposing laws such as to oppose abortion, abuse minorities and homosexuals, and impose religious beliefs. These are delicate matters in Spain which can be discussed but with a lot of care.