Harris Voices Hope Over Future Outlook For Cuban Economy

Cuban economic prospects under Premier Fidel Castro's government "look good," according to Seymour E. Harris, Lucius N. Littauer Professor of Political Economy.

As a result of his two-hour luncheon discussion on Saturday with Cuban Finance Minister Lopez Fresquet, Harris declared himself "optimistic" about the Cuban economy. When presented to Castro at the Faculty Club reception, he told him, "I think you're doing very well."

Cuba's economy needs government planning, Harris asserted. The Batista Government, he noted, failed to exert sufficient control to develop the economy. He claimed that Castro's policy of attempting to raise tax revenues to finance public works would both promote development and reduce the island's 20 per cent unemployment rate.

In answer to rumors that he would serve as an advisor to the Castro government, Harris said that he might spend a few days in Cuba next year during his sabbatical.