Cuba slashes growth forecast as economic crisis grinds on

FILE PHOTO: British tourists stand in a restaurant as employees arrange chairs near the sea in Varadero, Cuba, March 7, 2022. Picture taken March 7, 2022. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File Photo

Cuba has cut by half its original forecast for growth in 2022, the head of its chamber of commerce said on Monday, as the Caribbean island nation struggles to jumpstart its ailing economy and all-important tourism industry.

Cuba's economy is expected to grow 2% this year, down from a previous official prediction of 4%, according to Chamber of Commerce president Antonio Carricarte.