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Cuba to open pharmacies and gas stations to private firms

Cuba moved on Wednesday to open several crisis-hit sectors of its economy to private firms, including pharmacies, petrol distribution, port services and aged care.

Authorities lifted restrictions through a long decree as the communist government tried to ease acute shortages of basic goods.

The move loosens decades-old party doctrine in sectors that have been tightly controlled by the state.

Update

Cuba moved to open several crisis-hit sectors of its economy to private firms.

Authorities lifted restrictions in sectors including petrol distribution, port services, aged care and pharmacies.

The change was made through a long decree.

The loosening affects decades-old party doctrine.

Source note: AFP news report published on 29 July 2026 at 13:42:15 UTC.

Uncertainty notes

The supplied item does not give implementation dates or details on how private firms will operate in the newly opened sectors.

Source

AFP news report published on .

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