HAVANA—In a bold step toward modernity, Cuba’s ruling Communist Party announced Monday it had greenlit sweeping economic reforms, authorizing an unprecedented three sectors for private investment: artisanal pothole filling, WiFi hotspot wrangling, and limited sandwich artistry.

The historic measure marks the first time Cubans will be allowed to compete to see who can open the island’s best officially sanctioned, government-inspected sandwich cart, provided the sandwich does not contain more than 11 grams of ham. “We are excited for this new era of unbridled entrepreneurial spirit,” declared Deputy Minister of Restructuring Osvaldo Fermín. “If your business idea cannot be described in a single government-approved keyword, the possibilities are almost limitless.”

Economists hailed the move as a paradigm shift. “This is revolutionary,” said University of Havana professor Dayana Torres. “I’m personally considering converting my living room into a consulting firm specializing in consulting other consulting firms to consult about consulting.”

Not everyone is convinced. Local entrepreneur Rafael Morales expressed skepticism: “Today they say I can start a sandwich shop. Tomorrow, they take away my right to choose between mayonnaise and… well, just mayonnaise.”

Still, international investors are watching closely. “We’re absolutely thrilled to explore the Cuban market as soon as the Ministry of Paperwork issues our 1,400th permit,” said Esteban Lightfoot, CEO of Global Sandwich Innovations, from a persistent queue outside the Havana Permitting Office.