Cuban News Agency

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Yzquierdo, who said the increase will result from productive activities in
the sectors of construction and industries, announced that Cuba will boost
exports and reduce imports, depending on the possibilities of the national
industry. In addition, priority will be given to the production of food.

Other actions planned for the year include achieving greater efficiency in
the consumption of energy, and backing the commercialization of
agricultural and livestock consumables and construction materials.

During the meeting, President Raul Castro analyzed the directives to
design the Plan and Budget for 2013, which is being discussed earlier than
usual this year, and taking into account the guidelines governing the
country’s economic policy.

Speaking on the State Budget, the Minister of Finances and Prices, Lina
Pedraza Rodriguez, noted that the Plan financially backs the levels of
activity envisaged in the Economy Plan and is in correspondence with the
directives issued for its elaboration.

After her presentation, the Council of Ministers approved the directives
proposed for the elaboration of the Plan and Budget for 2013.

Later on, the vice president of the Council of Ministers, Marino Murillo,
announced the results of a study on the situation of the Ministry of
Agriculture and a proposal to improve its work, structure and composition.
In this regard, he said that actions and measures implemented to improve
the unfavorable financial-economic condition of this ministry have not
been enough.

Murillo also referred to a plan passed for the experimental creation of
cooperatives outside the agricultural and livestock sector, in tune with
36 of the guidelines approved during the Sixth Congress of the Cuban
Communist Party.

Afterwards, Leonardo Andollo Valdes, deputy chief of the Standing
Commission for Implementation and Development, referred to a proposal for
streamlining the Ministry of Informatics and Communications, the first
step of which would be the separation of state and business duties in this
sector.

Before the end of the meeting, President Raul Castro introduced Division
General Samuel Rodiles Planas as the new president of the Institute of
Physical Planning and highlighted the important role this institution
should play in reestablishing order and discipline regarding urban
development violations.

Raul Castro had begun the expanded meeting of the Cuban Council of
Ministers congratulating the Cuban people for their participation in,
support of, and respect showed during the recent visit of Pope Benedict
XVI. He also recognized the contribution and work of the Communist Party
and bodies of the Central Administration of the State.