"Private business can coexist under a progressive socialism"

The brand-new president of the business association promised to really come closer to the communities (File Photo)

Economy
During his speech, shortly after being proclaimed president of the Venezuelan Federation of Trade and Industry Chambers (Fedecámaras), Noel Álvarez acknowledged to take office "at one of the most troubled times in the country republican and democratic life."

In the current Venezuela undergoing a trumpeted socialism, businesses are one of the sectors who are paying dearly, "not only because the domestic production apparatus have been dismantled, but also for failure to make known to the society the goodness of the private business."

What tasks should this new petit committee of Fedecámaras take up?

Fedecámaras is coming from a very important consolidation. Outgoing president (José Manuel González) did a good job, because he succeeded in unifying the sector. But I have plans to overhaul the inside of Fedámaras. On the outside, there is the need to identify all the businesspersons nationwide. We have estimated one million of large, small and medium-sized businesses, including those in the informal sector. We need to increase the number of members, by selling them out all our principles and values. Our challenge also is to attain 700,000 members. To that effect, we will survey businesspersons nationwide, wherever they are, to recruit them and take them to the ranks of Fedecámaras. We need to get the business sector closer to the communities, through networking, and try to reach the people. Of course, this will be made with candor, not for populism.

What are the advantages offered by Fedecámaras to businesspersons in the informal sector of the economy targeted by you?

Unity and strengthening, to be able to fight for common goals. To the extent we are stronger and more representative, we will be able to defend and further discuss public policies. It will be a win-win situation.

Some say that Fedecámaras has gone downhill. There are even proposals to formalize alternative business associations. What can you tell these people?

I do not think that Fedecámaras is any weaker. It has kept its membership and we have managed to enlarge it. Now, then, there will always be parallel organizations. Governments always try to set up organizations in line with them and try to support them as much as possible.

How will private business accomplish such plans and face such challenges in full transition to socialism?

By taking up and working. The government plays its role and businesspersons play their role. Rather than somebody looking for confrontation, I am a builder. Therefore, I always try to make creative, positive proposals. The national, regional and local governments, whoever willing to come closer, in a context of dialogue, of integration, and with much respect, will have the doors open.

Do you think that socialism will allow for private business?

Socialism or not; whatever the political ideology threatening private property should be refused by businesspersons. If that ideology is called socialism and allows the private business to coexist, we will be there. I think that under progressive socialism, both business and government can coexist. Otherwise, it is not possible. I do not know about the government. I do know, though, what we are going to do. We came to work, make proposals and give solutions to the country.
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Translated by Conchita Delgado

María Gabriela Aguzzi
EL UNIVERSAL