The President of the he Venezuelan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Fedecámaras), Francisco Martínez, highlighted the need to engage in dialogue with the government on the grounds of "mutual recognition" between the parties.

The businessman pointed out that given the current economic crisis, consensus is needed between the public sector and the private productive sector. Fedecámaras proposed to revise the current foreign exchange control, so as to make it more efficient and transparent in order to ensure procurement of raw material and spare parts.

As for price controls, Martínez reckoned that the State must regulate speculation; however, excessive controls hamper supply of products. "The best way to control speculation is fostering local production. No one speculates when there is abundance," he remarked in an interview with private TV channel Televen.

Martínez also noted that "attacks on private property and free initiative through inspections" was another factor troubling production.

El Universal