Economic changes included easing restrictions on land use, allowing businesses to import fuel and medications, and authorising private tourist companies to operate on the island.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the reforms were not being implemented to please the US and key sectors of the economy would not be privatised.
“We are not going to implement predatory capitalism or carry out a massive privatisation of national assets, as some fear,” he said.
“There will be no, and this must be made very clear, privatisation of healthcare, science, culture, or services that are strategic to the nation.”
Cuba had authorised the first foreign investment venture to import and sell fuel, and nearly 200 Cuban businesses have already received permission to engage in wholesale fuel distribution on the island.
Lawmakers, however, reiterated that the implementation of these sweeping economic proposals would take time.
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