Miguel Díaz-Canel has urged companies linked to the university sector to capitalize on the opportunities granted by the government, encouraging them to innovate and remain competitive as the island's economy continues to face a severe downturn.
“Now is the time to leverage all the advantages given to businesses,” Díaz-Canel stated during his visit on Thursday to CETA S.A., the Science and Technology Interface Society at Havana's Technological University “José Antonio Echeverría” (CUJAE), as reported by the Cuban Presidency.
Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Martínez Díaz and other officials, the leader toured the facilities, calling on businesses to achieve what state-run enterprises have failed to accomplish for decades: a sustained economic boost for the nation.
Established in August 2020, CETA S.A. aims to bridge the scientific and technological advancements of universities with the productive and service sectors.
Official Rhetoric on Efficiency and Innovation
The visit once again highlighted the government’s narrative on business efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness, amidst the country’s severe economic challenges, currency shortages, and prolonged slowdown in productive activities.
Danae Pigueiras Otero, president of CETA S.A., claimed that the organization has achieved success in fields such as engineering, architecture, internationalization, and exports. However, the report from the Presidency lacked specific figures on revenue, exports, international contracts, or the tangible economic impact of these achievements.
The executive emphasized the critical need for generating revenue through foreign sales. “I believe it’s one of the things the country needs the most,” she said regarding exports, which she described as “one of the fundamental elements” of the company.
Push for Economic Transformation
Pigueiras also mentioned CETA's involvement in the "economic transformations" led by the government, highlighting the role of universities in implementing these changes within the business sector.
“We have our own capabilities and have developed them through management,” she affirmed, prioritizing “efficient management” and using science to address business challenges.
Díaz-Canel's call to seize the new business opportunities comes as Cuban authorities continue to search for ways to revive an economy struggling to consistently provide basic goods and services to its people.
In light of this situation, the government continues to stress concepts like innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness, yet the official information from the visit did not provide metrics to assess whether the reforms and interface societies are creating the economic outcomes promised in the governmental rhetoric.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Strategy
What is the purpose of CETA S.A.?
CETA S.A. was established to connect scientific and technological outcomes from universities with the productive and service sectors in Cuba.
What challenges is the Cuban economy currently facing?
The Cuban economy is dealing with severe challenges, including a significant downturn, currency shortages, and a prolonged contraction in productive activities.
How is the government encouraging businesses to adapt?
The government is urging businesses to take advantage of new opportunities, focus on innovation, and enhance competitiveness to boost the economy.