Brazil’s foreign minister says his country will help Cuba develop small- and medium-sized businesses as part of Raúl Castro’s just-announced plan for economic growth.

Celso Amorim, calling Raul’s proposed layoff of state workers over the next six months “very courageous,” said Cuba could learn from Brazil’s successful experience in fostering entrepreneurship.

“It doesn’t pay off for Cuba to move 500,000 workers out of the public sector if they fall into the informal economy,” Amorim said, adding: “I believe Cuba’s evolution — and I use this word deliberately — is a process that will increase opportunities. We’re ready to cooperate.”