If the cabinet re-shuffle was indeed an attempt by the regime to clean up its image ahead of the March Summit, I think that is an excellent step forward.
It shows that business does not want to be associated with clear human rights violations. It shows that the power of multinationals, and their sensitivity about their public image, can be used to pressure for positive change.
Obviously, it is a symbolic change, but it indicates the potential for achieving substantial change by the method of imposing accountability on corporations.