The Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the Mipyme Dofleini S.R.L. on Wednesday, which specializes in software development.
The visit has generated attention not only because it involves one of the first private companies approved in Cuba following the 2021 reform but also because its director, Deputy Carlos Miguel Pérez Reyes, is one of the few officials who openly questioned the banking policy promoted by the regime.
Amid a critical economic context, marked by inflation, shortages, and growing discontent among economic actors, Díaz-Canel insists on
He highlighted the work of his 67 professionals in key areas such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, and service exportation.
However, this unexpected visit also reignited the critical statements from Pérez Reyes, who has publicly denounced the failures of the Cuban economic model.
"The closure of businesses is a direct consequence of the way in which bancarization is being implemented," warned the deputy in 2023. While he defended the concept itself, he questioned the absence of a legal currency exchange market, the supply shortages, and the barriers to accessing foreign currency, elements that, in his opinion, hinder the operation of Mipymes.
That same year, in the National Assembly, Pérez Reyes also reported that the salary in Cuba “does not even cover the cost of a cheese roll,” noting that the purchasing power of Cubans has decreased by 50% since the Tarea Ordenamiento.
He also criticized the official rhetoric that ignores the reality of workers and called for measures that align more closely with the country's specific situation.
The businessman proposed alternatives such as currency auctions, use of remittances, and exports to finance businesses, and improvements in banking infrastructure. “Yes to banking services, but gradually and with comprehensive solutions,” he insisted.
While the government promotes an image of digital modernization and entrepreneurship, Díaz-Canel's visit to Dofleini highlights the contradictions of the economic model that, on one hand, encourages new players; on the other hand, suffocates them with restrictions that they themselves denounce.
The presence of the leader in this company can be interpreted as a political gesture towards a key sector, but also as a way to contain the growing discontent within his own ranks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Economic Policies and Mipymes
Why is Díaz-Canel's visit to the mipyme Dofleini S.R.L. significant?
Díaz-Canel's visit to Dofleini S.R.L. is significant because it is one of the first private companies approved in Cuba following the 2021 reform. Additionally, its director, Carlos Miguel Pérez Reyes, has been critical of the regime's banking policy and the low wages on the island, which adds a context of political tension to the visit.
What criticisms has Deputy Carlos Miguel Pérez Reyes made of the Cuban economic model?
Carlos Miguel Pérez Reyes has openly criticized the lack of a legal currency exchange market, shortages, and the obstacles to accessing foreign currency, issues that hinder the operations of small and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes) in Cuba. He has also denounced that the salary in Cuba "is not even enough for a block of cheese" and that purchasing power has decreased by 50% since the Tarea Ordenamiento.
How does the banking policy affect micro, small, and medium enterprises in Cuba?
The banking policy affects micro, small, and medium enterprises by making it difficult for them to access foreign currency, and due to the absence of a legal exchange market, which limits their operations. Furthermore, the restrictions and supply shortages further complicate the daily functioning of these businesses, creating a hostile economic environment for private entrepreneurship.
What contradictions exist in the Cuban economic model regarding small and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes)?
The Cuban economic model presents contradictions by encouraging new economic actors, such as small and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes), while simultaneously suffocating them with restrictions. Although the government promotes an image of digital modernization and entrepreneurship, the limitations and lack of access to foreign currency hinder the growth of these businesses, creating a hostile environment.
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