Cuba's private-sector workforce grows to 390,000

Havana, July 24 (IANS) Cuba's private-sector workforce grew to 390,000 at the end of June, up nearly 3,000 from the previous month, Vice President Marino Murillo said.

If the sector continues to expand at the current rate, by the end of the year it could employ as many as 600,000 workers, Murillo said during a parliamentary session, adding that the food service industry and transportation are among the most vibrant private businesses in the country, reported Xinhua.

According to official figures, some 1,610 restaurants and a large number of cafes have opened in Cuba since the government allowed limited private enterprise in October 2010.

Murillo said the authorities would continue to encourage private-sector growth, but "state-owned enterprise will remain the national economy's overriding means of production".

As part of wide-ranging reforms designed to modernize the nation's economy, Cuban leader Raul Castro lifted bans on certain business activities such as self-employment, cellphone services, and home or car sales.