Onovnye results of development of economy of Cuba in 1998
Onovnye results of development of economy of Cuba in 1998
Having analysed results of economic development of Cuba in 1998,
Economists have come to conclusion, that difficulties of the crisis period in
To national economy are not overcome. The boundaries planned for last year
In development of leading branches of a national economy as a whole were not
Are reached. At the session which have taken place in the end of December, 1998
National assembly where are traditionally brought
Preliminary results of economic activities, it was noticed, that
The total internal product (gross national product) has grown all on 1,2 % on comparison
Since 1997 while the plan had been provided its growth on 2,5
- 3,5 %. At session it was underlined, that solving influence on
Delay of rates of growth of gross national product has rendered falling of manufacture of sugar in
safru 1997/98 on 24 % in comparison with the previous period.
Manufacture growth in other industries could not
To compensate backlog of the sugar branch which are a basis
The Cuban economy (without a sugar industry gross national product growth in
1998 has made 4,2 %).
Despite a number of adverse climatic conditions (the rare
On duration a drought in east areas of Cuba, passage
Hurricane "George" over nine provinces of the country), the low prices on
The basic export goods (sugar and nickel) on the world commodity
The markets and proceeding economic blockade from the USA,
It is necessary to note certain signs of revival of the Cuban
Economy after the depression marked in the early nineties. On
To comparison with previous year manufacture nikelsoderzhashchej
Production has increased by 12 % and has reached record for the country
Sizes - 68 thousand t, output volume in black
Metallurgy has increased on 10 %, vylov fishes in internal reservoirs - on
17 %, langustov - on 23 %. Foreign tourism dynamically developed,
The number of the tourists who have visited the country has made 1,4 million (growth on
19 %). On 13 % the oil recovery has increased, having exceeded 1,6 million t, vegetables and
Root crops it is collected on 15 % more than for the corresponding period
1997 manufacture of a detergent powder, soap Also has increased,
Footwear, yoghurt, milk, beef and pork, however their volumes
Release are still far insufficient for satisfaction of requirements
The countries.
Electric power development remained approximately at level
Previous year. However, if in the beginning of current decade for
Electric power receptions 20 % extracted were used only in
To the oil country now this indicator has increased to
28,6 %.
Capital investments in national economy development have increased on
7,4 %, the basic assignments have been directed to investigation and extraction
Oil, the program of upgrade of electric power industry and creation of the new
Capacities with use of passing gas of the Cuban oil
Deposits. In building growth of the commodity also is noted
Production on 5,2 %. Though this indicator a little bit more low
Planned, however builders managed to place in operation
Over 4,2 thousand numbers in tourist hotels and also to start
To gasification of the cities of Havanas and Santiago de Cuba. It has been finished
Building of 32 thousand unit of habitation, including about half -
Forces of the population.
It was not possible to execute planned targets on manufacture growth
Agricultural production which has decreased on 11,6 % (in
The core because of decrease in level of development of sugar to 3,2 million t,
That was the lowest indicator for last 50 years). The reasons
Such position in sugar branch as economists mark,
Are covered in limitation of means for highly effective development
Reed plant growing, lacks of the organizational plan
And adverse climatic conditions of some last years.
In 1998 in the country financial system strengthening proceeded.
Deficiency of the state budget remained in planned
Limits (2,5 % of gross national product), that as a whole proves
Government tax policy. Liquidity on hands at
The population practically remained at former level (9457,4 million
Cubic peso), that is considered in present conditions optimum
Indicator. The national monetary unit also continued
Gradually to become stronger: 1 dollars on the average exchanged on 20 cubic
Peso against 22 cubic peso in 1997 Average wages
Has grown with 214 cubic peso in 1997 to 217 in 1998 (on 1,4 %).
The further development was received by system of stimulation of work
Hired workers which covers 1,1 million persons (on these
The purposes from the budget it has been allocated about 40 mln. dollars). For
The organisations of an additional food, maintenance with working clothes
And by footwear, sanitary articles on manufacture it has been spent
84,9 million dollars
Higher efficiency became distinctive line of 1998
Uses of energy carriers as economy growth was
For the first time will reach at decrease in specific power inputs. Are begun
Regular jobs on improvement of activity of the industrial
The enterprises, to increase of degree of their cooperation and reduction
Unproductive expenses. Perfection proceeded
Tax system and adjustment of new bank system.
At the same time in the country the tense situation was saved with
Population maintenance with a basic foodstuff,
Aggravated with a strong drought in east provinces. Still
There was a deficiency of the industrial goods and the goods of the wide
The consumption, population supply was the extremely limited
Household energy carriers - kerosene, szhizhennym gas. All it
Does not allow to depart from a rationing system of distribution of products
A food and normirovannogo distributions of some other goods. Except
That, there are faults in supply of the population by the electric power, not
Problems of intracity public transport, all are solved
The rate of unemployment, especially in small cities is still great and
Countryside.
Cuba still spends more than currency means for import
The necessary goods (growth on 6 %), than receives them from export
The (falling on 11 %), that does rather strained the payment
Balance of the state. On preliminary data,
The Russian-Cuban goods turnover in 1998 has exceeded 600 million
Dollars, and Russia still remain to one of the cores
The foreign trade partners of Cuba.
Despite difficulties of internal and external character, as
Economic experts, the Cuban economy in 1998 mark
Has saved the tendency to gradual growth of indicators,
Though and in more modest sizes. Delay of rates of growth
Macroeconomic indicators of Cuba last two years as a whole
Reflects the general tendency, characteristic for many countries Latin
Americas.
Country losses only from decrease in manufacture of sugar in safru
1997/98, according to experts, have made over 250 mln. dollars
Under the influence of the Asian financial crisis has become stronger
The tendency to falling of the prices for two major export products
Cuba: sugar and nickel. In this case losses are estimated in 55 million
And 70 million
Dollars accordingly.
Nevertheless, in these conditions a total internal product in
Last year has grown on 1,2 % - to 15,58 billion cubic peso (in the prices
1981). The analysis of gross national product from the point of view of its formation
Testifies to that the weakest link still
There is a group of branches of the economy, connected with maintenance
The countries a source of raw materials (first of all the agricultural
Raw materials), a component about 9 % of total amount of gross national product. These branches
Are most subject to influence of climatic conditions and not always
Results of job in them are adequate to expenses. Nevertheless, in
Areas of not reed plant growing manufacture has grown on
11,2 %, and vegetables and greens have been grown up on 40 %, and root crops
- On 4 % more than in 1997
The share in gross national product of industrial sector has a little increased,
Which in 1998 has reached 34 %. Here growth mastered was marked
Capital investments on 7,4 %, a commodity output in building - on
5,2 %, in the industry (excepting sugar) - on 4 %. However
The basic source of formation of gross national product there is a sphere of services, a share
Which in 1998 has made not less than 57 %.
With a view of strengthening of economy of Cuba recently has been accepted
The whole complex of measures. The cores from them concern country opening
For foreign investments; stimulation of the industry of tourism;
The permission to the population to use in the country freely
Convertible currency; legalisation of the private enterprise
Activity; reorganisation of the enterprises on purpose more
Effective utilisation of available material resources;
Considerable reduction of grants of the state by the unprofitable
To the enterprises and economy; creation of new tax system;
Reorganisation of bank system; increase of the prices for subjects
The first necessity; change of forms of land tenure with creation
Co-operative farms on the areas, before the occupied
State farms; cancellation of monopoly of foreign trade;
Transformation and reduction of the central establishments and
The ministries.
In 1998 in 18 from 21 industries lifting is provided
Or previous year level is saved. Has kept the won
Positions not reed plant growing. Considerable successes
Are reached in 1998 in nickel manufacture, an oil recovery and
Natural gas.
Tobacco manufacture, vylov langustov, sea has increased and
Fresh-water fish. Appreciable achievements managed to achieve in sphere
Services, the volume of incomes of an airline traffic in particular has grown and
The international tourism.
The politician of the state on attraction starts to bear fruit in
The country of the foreign capital, which inflow has considerably increased
After acceptance in 1995 of the Law on foreign investments. On
To the message of the Ministry of foreign investments and economic
Cooperation of Cuba, in 90th years in a national economy was
It is invested over 2,5 bln. dollars (according to the economic
The commissions of the United Nations on Latin America and Caribbean basin,
It is much less). The basic capital investments are carried out in
Tourism and the mining industry, though the joint
The enterprises and economic associations operate practically in
All branches of the Cuban economy. So, growth of an oil recovery,
Doubled during the period between 1989 and 1998, has been provided
Thanks to introduction of the modern technologies which have come to Cuba
Together with creation of joint ventures. The ministry of the base
The industries has created about 100 international economic
Associations with firms of Canada, France, the Great Britain, Australia,
Chile, Spain and other countries which most part is occupied
Investigation of oil and other minerals.
Liquidation of monopoly for foreign trade promoted
To creation more than 300 export enterprises and to export revival.
Change of structure of land tenure in agriculture as a whole
Favorably affects branch lifting (at least in
Not reed plant growing).
In optimum years agricultural sector on
To the relative density occupied on the average 15 % of the total internal
Country product (in 1980 - 17,7 %, in 1989 - 15,1 %).
It is supposed, that the reason of shortage agricultural
Production on Cuba it is covered not only in low efficiency
Branch and natural cataclysms, but also in the inadequate
Labour distribution.
Data about manufacture on Cuba the separate are more low cited
Agricultural products last years (thousand):
1------------------2-------3------------------4------5-------
1998 1996 1997 1998 in % by 1997
Vegetables and root crops 1775,3 1529,4 2141,2 140,0
Rice 368,6 388,1 400,0 103,1
Corn 104,3 127,5 136,4 107,0
String bean 14,0 53,3 60,0 112,5
Citrus 662,2 840,0 900,0 107,1
Milk (million) 525,0 554,0 560,0 101,0
Yoghurt 81,1 98,4 105,5 107,3
In 1998 of the enterprise maintaining mines and open-cast mines
Commodity output increase on the average on 3 - 4 % have achieved on
To comparison with previous year. Extraction nickel - has grown
kobaltsoderzhashchih ores, marble and to a lesser degree minerals,
Containing copper, gold, silver, chrome, lead and magnesium. As well as in
Other branches of economy of Cuba, in mining sector
There were the organizational changes connected with decentralisation
Foreign trade. Joint-stock company "Geominera" has been as a result created,
Which primary goal is creation international
Economic associations on Cuba and abroad with a view of investigation and
Operation of ore deposits, processings of ores and their sale
Abroad. By present time of joint-stock company "Geominera" has signed 42
The contract on creation of such associations where a leading place occupy
Basically the Canadian companies, such as "Holmer Gold Mines
Ltd. "," Northern Orion Exploration Ltd. ", Etc. Following the results of 1998
In the state budget 2,8 mln. dollars - from sale have arrived
Gold, 960 thousand dollars - a copper concentrate, 550 thousand dollars -
Chrome concentrate.
The oil recovery has grown on 14,8 % and has made 1678 thousand t, that
Is a national record. Such result became possible
Thanks to the new chinks drilled in second half of 1997
And in 1998 on deposit Puerto Escondido and in the east
Parts of deposit Varadero. The national oil recovery covers
Now 22 % of the general requirement of Cuba in this kind of fuel.
Considerable rates of growth of an oil recovery on Cuba in the last
Time are connected with attraction in branch of foreign firms with the fresh
Capital and the newest technology which conduct investigation of the new
Deposits on a land and on a shelf, and also raise efficiency
Jobs of operating chinks. Among the foreign companies,
Based now on Cuba, the largest are
The oil companies of Canada ("Gen Oil"), the Great Britain and France.
The oil recovery on Cuba is regarded by the foreign companies as
Quite profitable enterprise. Now 70 % of the extracted
Oil the Cuban party and 30 % - the foreign companies receives.
Example of the modern approach of Cubans to development questions
The contract signed in November, 1998 can serve branch between
The Brazilian oil company "Petroleo Brasileiro S. A."
("Petrobras") and Cuban firm "Cupet" (the Cuban association
On extraction and oil refining) on the terms of 50 on 50. And a share
Cuba in the transaction it is understood as granting of the national
Territories for search and investigation of oil deposits. The contract
Provides program realisation in five stages during 6
Years, including geological researches, seismic prospecting and drilling
Prospecting chinks. Project cost is estimated in 23 million
Dollars Job will be recognised by successful at detection
The deposit containing 500 million barr.
On Cuba productive use of the passing is adjusted
Gas of which in 1998 has been extracted 120,7 million cubic m (as
Local experts consider, it is equivalent about 120 thousand t
Oil).
Passing gas after corresponding clearing is used in
Quality of fuel on thermal power stations and for reception household
Gas. On its base it is planned to carry out (and there are already begun jobs)
Programs on gasification of of Havana and other cities, and also
To construct some thermal power stations in area Varadero. In
The next two years it is planned to finish an oil recovery to 2 million t and
Passing gas - to 400 million cubic m.
Sugar manufacture in a season 1997/98 was equaled, on
To official data, 3,2 million t, having decreased in comparison with
The previous period on 24 %. By an estimation, export volume of sugar in
1998 has made about 2,7 million t, of which 1509 thousand t (55 %)
It has been put to Russia. Sugar industry problems in
Much are connected with a raw-material base. Difficulties in maintenance of the sugar
Factories reed enough were a principal cause
Decrease in volumes of manufacture. From 156 sugar factories of Cuba in
Last year's safru worked only 110, and those from the incomplete
Loading. The general capacities on sugar development on Cuba
Are defined in 10 million t.
The reasons of low efficiency of a sugar industry
The limited possibilities on timely repair are and
To replacement of the process equipment of sugar factories because of
Insufficient financing, a considerable share of manual skills in
All links of a sugar complex, organizational lacks.
Basic changes of approaches to branch problems in the country
Were designated in 1997 when in the head of a corner have been put
Overall performance, increase of competitiveness and decrease
Production cost prices.
It it was supposed to reach by productivity increase
Sugar cane on the basis of careful selection job,
Uses of workings out and achievements of domestic biotechnology
And gene engineering for activization of growth of a reed, maintenance
Its maturing in optimum terms, pest control and
Illnesses. Attempts to involve in branch the foreign are not left
The capital. Interest in such cooperation have shown a number
The Canadian, French and Dutch companies.
According to the statement of the head of the Ministry of the foreign
Investments and economic cooperation of Cuba by I.Ferradasa,
The basic marks of development of a national economy in XXI century will be tourism,
Mining and a sugar industry. According to the plan, in 1999
It is supposed to increase sugar manufacture by 400 thousand t -
To 3,6 million t.
In 1998 the established capacities of power stations of the general
Usings remained at former level - nearby 3500 MVt, and with
The account of capacities on electric power development in separate branches
The industries, basically sugar and nickel, components
Nearby 900 MVt., were defined in 4400 Mvt. A basis Cuban
Power are TES, united in uniform national
Power supply system, on their share it is necessary more than 90 % of all
Developed energy. 10 % of the electric power are developed on
Branch thermal installations (in a sugar industry - 7,5 %
At the expense of burning of a waste of sugar manufacture, in nickel -
2,5 %).
In a power supply system of Cuba is over 20 thermal
Power stations. Number of the largest concern TES "Mariel"
(600 MVt), "Rente" (500 MVt), "Havana" (300 MVt), constructed at
Technical assistance of the USSR; in total by means of former Soviet
The union 40 % of capacities have been created. In connection with difficulties with
By upgrade operblokov in 1998 it began to be given more
Attention of activization of negotiations on attraction to this job
The Russian organisations. Now it is a question about Russian
Participation in reconstruction of 4 blocks TES "п п я п я п я " and 3 blocks TES
"Havana".
Negotiations with a Russian side about end proceed
Building and joint operation of atomic power station "п я я п пЁя п ". In connection with
Delay of the decision of this question in the Cuban press have appeared
Messages on search of foreign investors for its end
Buildings; it is thus noticed, that 75 % building and
Installation works it has been finished, and for the termination of building and
The beginnings of operation of 1st block capacity 440 MVt requires
To invest about 750 mln. dollars
For the purpose of maintenance of financing of power of Cuba more and more
Collection practice for the released electric power extends
Payments in HARD CURRENCY. In 1998 to the nickel industry, tourism,
To telecommunications agencies, and also joint ventures, which
Earlier already paid the electric power in HARD CURRENCY, were added the sugar
The industry and agriculture. In 1997 such form of payment
Covered 35 % of the released electric power, in 1998 - 60 %, on
1999 it is planned to finish it to 66 %. Electric power cost
For such categories of consumers averages 12,15 ts. For
1 kw-h.
Cuba has the confirmed stocks nickel -
kobaltsoderzhashchej ores in 800 million volume t and reconnoitered 1200
Million t, that puts it in number of three world's largest countries on
To stocks. The Cuban nickel is extracted in open open-cast mines, that in
Considerable degree reduces its cost price.
The basis of the nickel industry of Cuba is made by three combines
(In Moa, Nikaro also it Punta-is proud). Following the results of 1998 manufacture
Concentrate nickel-cobalt has increased in comparison with
Previous year on 12 % also has reached 68 thousand t. High rates of growth
Concentrate manufactures last years have the steady
Character. Many experts carry it to organizational experience and
To the new technologies introduced in the industry by the Canadian
Firm partners "Sherrit International", created the first
Joint venture in the given branch.
Now, despite proceeding falling of the world
The prices, manufacture of the Cuban nickel remains profitable, though,
According to experts-advisers, already comes nearer to the dangerous
Sides. Now the cost price 1 t a concentrate on Cuba
Makes 3 thousand dollars Thanks to the reached efficiency
Process of extraction and primary processing of ore it is saved
Competitiveness of the goods and while there is no necessity to reduce
Or to close manufacture any of three factories. However,
According to the Ministry of Economics and planning, because of falling
The prices for nickel the country has lost 70 mln. dollars that has aggravated and without
That a heavy financial position of Cuba, as the given branch
Annually brought in the budget of the state about 600 mln. dollars
Plans for 1999 provide manufacture increase
nikelsoderzhashchej production to 73 thousand t thanks to end
Factory upgrades in Nikaro.
Still there is unresolved a financing problem
End of building of nickel factory in Las-Kamariokase
(The project "Kupej"), designed and constructed on 75 % the were
Member countries SEV. Attempts of the Cuban party to find
Foreign investors for project end have failed.
It is supposed, that in jobs on building end
This factory the Russian organisations and firms will take part.
The contract on 600 mln. dollars, concluded with Australia, has already given
Positive results at a stage technical and economic
Substantiations and studying of a geological status of a deposit.
This contract unites in joint venture
The Australian company "Western Mining Corporation Holding Ltd."
And the Cuban company "Comercial Caribbean Nickel S. A.", with
In percent of participation in the authorised capital of 65 and 35 % accordingly.
The new joint venture at the heart of the activity has in
To kind operation of deposit Pinares de Mayari Oeste,
Building of the nickel factory similar to factory in of Moa, and
Also the first factory on the Cuban earth on processing
Concentrate in finished goods.
Prospects of development of the Cuban nickel industry
Are considered as the encouraging. Despite the adverse
Conjuncture of the prices in the world market, it, according to experts,
Is in number of priority directions of development of the Cuban
Economy also is one of the most perspective for investments
The foreign capital.
Data about manufacture on Cuba separate kinds are more low cited
Industrial output:
1996 1997 1998
Sugar-raw (million) 4,4 4,25 3,2
The electric power (million in kw-h) 13235,8 14015,0 14140,0
Nickel (thousand) 53,7 61,0 68,0
Oil (thousand) 1475,0 1480,0 1678,0
Passing gas (million cubic)... 34,2 120,7
Cement grey (thousand) 1497,0 1930,5 2200,0
Taking into account preservation of negative tendencies in economic
(The crisis phenomena in financial sphere, adverse
Conjuncture of the prices for the important goods for Cuba), toughenings
Economic blockade from the USA and, as consequence, the high
It is supposed costs of short-term credits in 1999
To achieve growth of gross national product within 2,5 %, to increase
Labour productivity as a whole on the country on 1,6 % to improve
Indicator of profitability of capital investments on 4,5 %. Among
The basic problems in the field of economy on the first place is
Real lifting of sugar branch where it is supposed to increase
Sugar development on 400 thousand t - to 3,6 million t. It is put also
The problem to save high rates of development of tourism, to step up
Oil recovery, uses of passing gas as fuel for
Thermal power stations. In the accepted state budget on 1999
The deficiency which is not exceeding 3 % of gross national product is provided. (On materials
The trade missions of the Russian Federation on Cuba).
<$>
//* an information Source: BIKI, 19.06.99
//* Reg. Nom. - 1090600237.10-------------------------------------------
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