The emphasis in social programs has continued to be guiding line for the economic policy in this semester. In spite of the limitations imposed by the economic blockade and restricted financing capacities, the Cuban government has fostered these programs as one of the main forms of reducing existing inequalities and preparing the country for the development tasks on the basis on the high qualification of the labour force. In 2002 these social programs produced 30 000 new jobs in this sector, which equals 19% of the total jobs created the year before(around 158 000). As part of this project, 11 policlinics and 200 family doctor consulting units and drugstores have been repaired in the capital. The Ministry of Constructions has over one thousand work applications derived from these programs.

Dwelling among the priorities

One of the main problems that Cuba continues to face is the dwelling question, since the existing impairment has been increased by the damage caused by recent cyclones. Up to the present, 238 121 dwellings damaged by climatic phenomena such as hurricanes Michelle, Lily and Isidore have been recovered. There is a plan to conclude until the end of the year the repair of all partially damaged houses and construction of 8 909 new dwellings to replace those that were totally destroyed. Those new constructions make up for 59% of the country’s house building plan for 2003.

Female employment rises

Female employment rises notoriously. Women currently make up for 44.7% , i.e. 1 335 059 workers of all those employed in the state civil sector- the highest figure of all times. In the integral qualification courses-one of the programs developed to avoid unemployment among young persons- women total 67 481, which equals 63.4% of all pupils. As a result of these courses, around 40 000 young men and women took up university studies last September.

Taken from: Cuba Foreign Trade