The seminar built on the initiative by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski to provide Polish support for Cuba’s economic transition. The event, hosted by the SGH, attracted experts from the SGH and the Center for Social and Economic Research as well as representatives of Cuban organisations that study the country’s economy and design its reforms. 

 

Lessons from the Polish transition

Drawing from the Polish experience—a pioneer successful transition from central planning to a market economy after the fall of communism—the participants discussed the challenges of the Polish economic switch and its societal impact.

It was pointed out that Cubans could treat some aspects of the Polish story as an inspiration for the future economic reform of their country. 

 

What do Cubans need?

The Cuban researchers listed the measures necessary to ensure financial and macroeconomic stabilisation back home. They also gave an account of the current state of and the proposed changes to the public and private sectors of the Cuban economy.

The experts emphasised the need to implement a sustainable social policy and protect the population’s living standard, while sustaining an acceptable level of healthcare and education services.

It was also highlighted that the challenges to Cuba’s economic transformation will include maintaining a reliable energy system and modernising the infrastructure.

The seminar showcased the cooperation of Polish and Cuban researchers specialised in economic reforms. It proved that Poland can foster Cuba’s economic transition through supporting the country’s most competent economists and sharing its own experience. 

 

Photo: Warsaw School of Economics