Cuba wraps up dramatic year of economic change

HAVANA - Cuba free-market reforms

A year at the vanguard of Cuba's economic revival has not brought Julio Cesar Hidalgo riches. The fledgling pizzeria owner has had his good months, but the restaurant he opened with his girlfriend often runs at a loss.

Today, he is his own boss, a taxpayer, employer and entrepreneur.

President Raul Castro

A year that President Raul Castro described as make or break for the revolution is ending after a dramatic flurry of once-unthinkable reforms that are transforming economic and social life.

Private business owners $19 monthly tax payments to high

have complained about the high taxes they must pay, the lack of raw materials and the fact they are suddenly surrounded by competitors. Because most entrepreneurs don't have the capital to start innovative businesses, many have opened cafeterias, nail parlors, small roadside kiosks and the like.

Cuba middle class

"In Cuba, the challenge is sustaining the middle class, not creating one," Romeu said.

source: cbsnews.com