Castro names his reform 'czar' as economy minister, citing need to harmonize overhaul efforts

HAVANA – Cuban President Raul Castro is returning his reform "czar" to the job of economy minister, saying efforts to overhaul the island's economy need to be "harmonized and integrated."

An official statement read on state television Thursday night says Marino Murillo will also retain his post as vice president. The former head of the economy ministry, Adel Yzquierdo, is being made a vice minister in the agency.

Murrillo was first economy minister in 2009-11. During that stint, he gained visibility in Cuba by overseeing major changes that have opened some areas of the previously heavily regulated economy to private enterprise.