Cuba opens market door

Havana - Cuba, engaged in a cautious process of economic reform, took a further step towards lifting the state monopoly on domestic trade by announcing a new system of consumer goods sales with deregulated prices.

Surplus products made by state industrial firms, and goods made by individual craftsmen, could be sold at outlets including new retail shops and fairs, the government said. Prices would be freely agreed between the seller and buyer, effectively leaving them to market forces. Reuter