Cuba

According to Cuba’s state-run media, Havana has issued private taxi permits for the first time in ten years. Although it is not clear exactly how many permits have been issued, a Communist Party weekly magazine has reported that 70 permits have been issued for lorries, jeeps and personal vehicles in Cienfuegos province. Havana also issued private taxi permits during the economic crisis caused by the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. The measure was withdrawn in 1998. President Raústro, who succeeded his ailing brother Fidel in February, has introduced a number of economic reforms since taking office. (Radio Netherlands)