Havana, Dec 22, 2005. (Prensa Latina) Cuban Finance Minister Georgina Barredo presented the proposed 2006 national budget to guarantee economic and social development of the country for consideration of the National People's Power Assembly (Congress).
The proposal is for Cuba to spend 33.3 billion dollars, 32 percent more than the 2005 estimate.
Of this total, 20.4 billion will be destined to finance current budget activities, 70 percent of such expenses will be given to sectors guaranteeing the Cuban population's welfare.
More than 14 billion dollars will be destined to education, public health, culture and art, science, technology, sports, and social security, Barredo said.
She also said that 3.5 billion will be given for social security, constituting 20 percent more in relation to 2004.
This will ensure payment to more than 1.5 million retired people, including increase of minimum pension levels.
Barredo said the new budget includes more than 3.9 billion dollars for the state entrepreneurs and agricultural producers to guarantee production and services.
The 2006 budget will double the 2005 estimate for central investments and assigned 6.4 billion dollars for this.
This will support prioritized programs, dwelling construction, electric infrastructure, increase of food production and others.
Income will go up to 31.5 billion dollars, mainly coming from sale of electrical domestic items and foods, and increasing the power of the national currency.