The Cuban ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel took a tour of several state factories and enterprises in the municipalities of Cotorro and Havana del Este, in a day aimed at conveying a message of "victory" and "recovery" amid the productive collapse the country is experiencing.
However, for many citizens, the visit was nothing more than a propaganda stunt, which included a stop at the Cuban-Canadian joint venture Coracán S.A., dedicated to the "production of instant foods for various markets."
On its social media, the entity described the president's visit as an "honor" and a "gratifying boost," but failed to mention the severe technological and logistical challenges facing Cuba's food industry.
Social media users quickly reacted. "Walks and more walks without resolving anything at all," said one person. "That's just smoke. The industries in Cotorro are destroyed," claimed another internet user who claims to have worked at those facilities.
Scheduled visits with enough time to set up the stage for the play, for photos, and especially for the 'news segment'. I urge you to go unannounced to your outings and see the surprise that awaits you," was one of the most supported messages on the profile of Facebook Presidency Cuba.
Another comment, which received multiple interactions, questioned the authenticity of the production on display: “Anyone who knows about industries, upon seeing that empty hall, knows that they set up that display to satisfy the visit.”
During the day, Díaz-Canel also visited the Moralitos yogurt factory, which had been inactive for nearly two years and has now resumed operations through a partnership with a small and medium-sized enterprise (mipyme). It has not yet reached its full capacity, but the government is promoting it as an example of progress this year.
Most of these “industries” barely ensure symbolic production, which is often traded in dollars, but the leader expressed satisfaction with the “recovery” of halted facilities.
The reality is far from the official narrative. Food products are scarce in the country, and prices are skyrocketing in a market that is undersupplied and dollarized.
The regime did not mention essential issues in its reports, such as structural problems, shortages of raw materials, technological obsolescence, and the loss of skilled labor, which remain unresolved.
The visit also included the Company for the Development of Aquaculture Technologies, where its role as an educational unit and its "results" were emphasized. However, internal reports and citizen feedback indicate critical levels of unproductivity, environmental pollution, and inefficient use of resources.
Despite the regime's efforts to project an image of productive revival, the truth is that the Cuban industry remains in ruins, caught between the triumphant rhetoric and the harsh everyday reality.
The factories appear revitalized only for the cameras, while ordinary Cubans face blackouts, inflation, and a market that does not meet their basic needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Díaz-Canel's Visit to the Cuban Industry
What was the purpose of Díaz-Canel's visit to the Coracán soda factory?
The official purpose of Díaz-Canel's visit to the Coracán soft drink factory was to convey a message of "victory" and "recovery" amid the productive collapse the country is experiencing. However, many citizens have interpreted this tour as a political propaganda act, as the industries visited are facing serious technological and logistical challenges.
How did the population react to Díaz-Canel's visit to Cuban industries?
The population reacted with skepticism and criticism, pointing out that the Cotorro industries are destroyed and questioning the authenticity of the production displayed during Díaz-Canel's visit. On social media, users reported that the factories appear refurbished only for the cameras while the people are facing power outages, inflation, and shortages.
What is the true state of the food industry in Cuba?
The food industry in Cuba is in a critical state, facing structural issues and shortages of raw materials, outdated technology, and a loss of skilled labor. Although the government tries to present an image of recovery, the reality is that many industries barely ensure symbolic production and depend on dollarization to market their products.
What challenges is the Cuban economic system currently facing?
The Cuban economic system faces multiple challenges, including a structural collapse that has resulted in the redistribution of scarcity, a lack of foreign currency to import raw materials, technological obsolescence, and an increasing dependence on dollarization. These issues are exacerbated by the lack of concrete solutions from the government, which continues to resort to empty rhetoric and unfulfilled promises.
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