Cubans will be allowed to operate small business and hire workers, one of several measures announced Sunday in Havana as the Caribbean island grapples with economic malaise, dpa reported.
President Raul Castro made the announcement at a session of the National Assembly that was called to discuss the Cuban economic situation.
Castro, who has ruled Cuba since his brother and legendary revolutionary leader Fidel Castro fell ill in 2007, also announced that the "enormous roll" of state employees would be reduced.
The measures point to structural change in Cuba's socialist economy. Castro said that the obstacles and prohibitions which have limited trade would be lifted and trade in certain products would be allowed.