HAVANA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Cuba expects to increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by more than 4 percent in 2015, local media reported on Monday.
"In 2015 it is projected that the national GDP will grow by over 4 percent, which will reverse the trend of an economic slowdown in recent years," said the Vice President and Economy Minister, Marino Murillo, at a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by President Raul Castro on Friday.
Murillo was cited by the official daily "Granma" as saying: "Next year the Cuban economy will continue to progress despite the (U.S.) blockade, external financial constraints and the international downward pressure."
Major progress will be seen in such sectors as manufacturing, construction, trade, agriculture, livestock and forestry, Murillo said while presenting the economy plan of 2015.
The plan is intended to maximize the internal efficiency, direct the resources towards the revival of key sectors such as manufacturing and expend investments in productive activities and infrastructure, while maintaining the basic social services at levels similar to previous years.
Cuba's GDP is estimated to rise by 1.3 percent in 2014, a little lower than the 2.2 percent goal, for which Murillo blamed the sugar and manufacturing industries.
Also at the meeting, the draft state budget for 2015 was presented and approved before being submitted to the Parliament on Dec. 19.
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