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The Cuban ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel stated in a recent interview with La Jornada that Cuba is moving towards the construction of its own economic model, inspired by the experiences of China and Vietnam, but with "peculiarities" that would make it superior.
"It's not copying," he stated, defending a system that combines centralized planning, control by the Communist Party, and certain market mechanisms.
The proposal, presented as an evolution of the Cuban socialist model, promotes the idea of a framework capable of competing with—and even surpassing—economies that have achieved sustained growth after opening up to capital and flexibly adjusting their structures.
However, the internal conditions of the island itself call into question the viability of that proposal from the Cuban leader.
What did Díaz-Canel say in La Jornada?
"We are carrying out a process of updating our economic and social model, which began or was deepened at the sixth congress of the party. We have achieved a set of transformations that we aim to accelerate, with Cuban particularities," the leader stated.
Regarding that new government plan, he stated: "It is a Cuban system, but it shares elements of the Chinese and Vietnamese models. For example, the leadership of the Communist Party, as the guiding force of society, as outlined in our Constitution. A strong state. An effective government. An agile public administration that frees itself from bureaucracy."
He assured that there will also be "an appropriate relationship between centralized planning and the market. The necessary market regulations to prevent speculation. A harmony between the state sector and the non-state sector." He specified that "all economic actors will contribute to the economic and social development of the country."
"All of this combination of elements should allow us to achieve sustainable development, with social justice, inclusivity, and equity. We can achieve food sovereignty, enhance science and innovation, and develop digital transformation and artificial intelligence processes in our society. We must continue to strengthen universal social public services, ensuring rights to education, health, sports, and culture, while boosting our economy in all areas and maintaining international cooperation. That is the direction we are heading towards," he said.
A "superior" model amidst the economic collapse
While Díaz-Canel speaks of sustainable development, innovation, and growth, the everyday reality of Cubans reflects a very different picture.
The energy crisis is causing blackouts of up to 40 hours, and shortages of food and fuel are persistent. Cuban workers' incomes are not enough to meet basic needs. There are families going hungry and without a decent roof over their heads.
A specific example illustrates the magnitude of the problem: the pension of an elderly person in Cuba barely allows them to buy a liter of sunflower oil in the informal market.
This gap between discourse and reality highlights the fragility of the model that the government intends to present as an international reference amid the humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in Cuba.
China and Vietnam are the references for reforms and promises in Cuba
Unlike Cuba, China and Vietnam implemented profound reforms that included opening up to foreign investment, expanding the private sector, and relaxing economic controls.
These changes allowed for the revitalization of their economies and improved growth indicators in both Asian countries, which remain under the control of communist governments.
In contrast, the model advocated by Díaz-Canel emphasizes maintaining state and political control as the central axis, thus limiting the real scope of market operations.
The absence of specific structural reforms turns the comparison into a more rhetorical than practical exercise.
The shift in dialogue with the United States
This opening speech on investments by Cubans abroad and economic change in Cuba coincides with a significant development in the regime's foreign policy.
On March 13, 2026, Díaz-Canel confirmed that Cuban officials have held talks with representatives of the U.S. government to "seek solutions through dialogue for bilateral differences."
The leader acknowledged that these contacts have been directed at the highest level, with the involvement of Raúl Castro, and assured that he has been part of the negotiations. However, the regime had been openly denying these conversations for months, both in national and international media.
The coincidence between the promotion of an alleged new economic model and the admission of talks with Washington reveals a strategy of double speak. On one hand, there is an effort to project self-sufficiency and ideological strength; on the other, there is an acknowledgment of the need to negotiate amid a deep crisis.
Díaz-Canel's own words about sovereignty, resistance, and the success of the new Cuban economic model clash with a reality characterized by shortages, blackouts, external dependency, and growing social discontent. The lack of coherence in the official discourse reinforces doubts about the credibility of his proposals.
A project without grounding in reality
The idea of a Cuban economic model capable of surpassing China and Vietnam is untenable. Díaz-Canel's statements seem like delusions without tangible evidence.
Without deep reforms, without genuine openness, and amid a prolonged crisis, the project becomes more of a political construct than a viable roadmap.
For millions of Cubans, the priority remains addressing immediate needs: food, electricity, and transportation. In this context, promises of a "superior" economic model clash with a reality that daily disproves the government's narrative.
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