Cuba’s National Assembly has approved a package of 176 measures designed to stimulate the private sector and encourage foreign investment. The reforms come amidst ongoing diplomatic friction with the United States, though Cuban officials insist the changes are not a response to US pressure. Details of the measures were not immediately released, but they aim to bolster the country’s struggling economy. The move signals a potential shift in economic policy, potentially allowing for greater private enterprise. Authorities have framed the changes as a strengthening of socialist principles, not a move towards capitalism. The reforms are expected to impact various sectors, though specific details remain limited at this time. This action represents a significant attempt to address economic challenges facing the island nation.