Cubans focus on economy as Raul Castro turns 80

By Shasta Darlington, CNN

Cuba's Raul Castro turns 80

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The president vows to revive the country's leadership and economy
No official events are planned as he joins Cuba¹s club of octogenarians
The apparent lack of young replacements worries some Cubans
Cubans are heartened by growing economic freedom, though

Havana, Cuba (CNN) -- Cuban President Raul Castro turns 80 on Friday, vowing to rejuvenate the country's aging leadership and its sagging economy.

No official events are planned as he joins Cuba's club of octogenarians, which already boasts his brother Fidel Castro, 84, and his second in charge, Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, who is 80.

At a recent summit of the Communist Party, Castro said one of his last duties as head of government would be to pave the way for successors.

"Today we face the consequences of not having a reserve of adequately prepared substitutes, with the experience and maturity to assume the new and complex work of leading the party, the state and the government," he said.

The apparent lack of young replacements has some Cubans concerned.

"We're all a bit worried," said one woman who declined to give her name.

"The foundation is there, but we'll have to wait and see what happens."

But more people have their eyes on the economy.

In a radical break from the past, Castro has paved the way for more private enterprise, encouraging Cubans to open small businesses and pay taxes on their endeavors.

Cubans have bought more than 200,000 licenses allowing them to go into business for themselves since last October.

At the same time, Castro announced massive layoffs in the state sector that will eventually mean the elimination of more than 1 million jobs.

"I think he is on the right path," said Hal Klepak, an analyst from the Royal Military College of Canada. "But it's a question of time. The world is in an economic slump and Cuba doesn't have anything that will help pull it out in a rapid fashion."

Heriberto Gonzalez, a newly self-employed baker, was pleased with the changes.

"He's looking at China and Vietnam," he said. "You take what's good from capitalism and keep what's good about socialism."

Castro also said that Cubans will soon be allowed to freely buy and sell cars and homes for the first time in decades.

He insists the changes will only strengthen, not undermine, socialism.

But time may be running out. Castro himself says Cuba's leaders should be limited to two five-year terms in office.