Economist Elías Amor considers the meeting held on August 26 between Miguel Díaz-Canel and representatives of Cuba's private sector a "historic milestone," interpreting it as a glaring sign of the regime's vulnerability. According to Amor, the Cuban leader now finds himself reliant on the very entrepreneurs whom the state has oppressed for decades to rescue the nation from economic collapse.
Journalist Tania Costa, who interviewed Amor about the meeting, encapsulated the paradox with a sharp observation: "They went from seizing all properties from businessmen, to grudgingly allowing them, and now kneeling to plead for increased production."
Amor notes that during the meeting—covered by Cubadebate but conspicuously absent from Granma, a politically telling omission—Díaz-Canel made a direct appeal to the private sector: increase food production, address product shortages, enhance the quality of life for Cubans, and seek solutions to the populace's issues.
The Disconnect Between Leadership and Market Realities
To Amor, this request underscores a profound misunderstanding of market dynamics. "Gentlemen, Díaz-Canel doesn't need to tell entrepreneurs that. He doesn't get it. An entrepreneur's goal is to meet customer needs with quality products at competitive prices, or they won't succeed," he stated.
Amor candidly criticized the episode: "Díaz-Canel has no grasp of economics; I'll repeat it endlessly. It's embarrassing to hear a republic's president speak such nonsense to business owners."
Entrepreneurs' Silent Response and Government's Dual Message
The economist further points out that Cuban private entrepreneurs have so far remained silent, though he suspects many were displeased by the request. Alongside the plea for increased production, Díaz-Canel issued a caution: shady dealings, corruption, and excessive profits won't be tolerated. Amor quickly dismissed this, calling it the "same old rhetoric written by some reactionary."
The contradiction between the regime's dialogue and simultaneous repression is stark. On the same day as the meeting, 232 private businesses in Central Havana were inspected, resulting in 15 closures and over 360 fines for alleged pricing and supply violations.
Context of Partial Reforms and Entrepreneurial Pressure
The meeting took place amid partial reforms. In June 2026, the regime unveiled an emergency economic agenda with 176 measures, including lifting the cap on workers for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and allowing individuals to own multiple businesses. In August, the Ministry of Domestic Trade repealed rules limiting wholesale trade for private SMEs with Resolution 15/2026, though state controls remain.
Amor believes Cuban SMEs now wield more influence than ever and should leverage the dialogue to demand genuine economic freedom. "No market economy nation exists where the business sector doesn't have an organized system to pressure governments," he urged, calling on the island's private sector to unite.
The economist views the meeting as merely the beginning of a longer process: "This is just the first round, and the boxing match will continue until one boxer is knocked to the ground."
Understanding the Economic Dynamics in Cuba
Why is the meeting between Díaz-Canel and private entrepreneurs considered significant?
The meeting is seen as a significant event because it marks a shift in the regime's stance towards private entrepreneurs, whom it has historically oppressed. It highlights the government's vulnerability and reliance on the private sector to alleviate economic challenges.
What message did Díaz-Canel convey to the private sector?
Díaz-Canel urged the private sector to boost food production, solve product shortages, and improve living standards for the Cuban population, while also warning against corruption and excessive profits.
How did the government enforce control on private businesses during the meeting?
While the meeting took place, authorities conducted inspections on 232 private businesses in Central Havana, leading to 15 closures and over 360 fines for alleged violations, showcasing the regime's conflicting approach.