October 26, 2005
The Government and Fedecámaras seal alliance

(El Nacional) - "The board of directors of Fedecámaras (Federation of Commerce and Industry Chambers), leaded by José Luis Betancourt, met with President Hugo Chávez in order to present a report with proposals on economic, social and employment issues of the private sector.

'We talked about every issue, specially about social and economic aspects which are important for the country's development. The right to private property has been ratified and it is understood that private property space is guaranteed. There are elements indicating that public and private investments are the only means to develop the country in an harmonious way', Betancourt said.

He also said they will design an agenda with common interests to establish specific measures in order to increase investment and generate employment (...)

President Chávez was accompanied by Vice President José Vicente Rangel and by the most representative Ministers of the economic sector: Finance, Nelson Merentes; Basic Industries and Mining, Víctor Álvarez; Agriculture and Land, Antonio Albarrán; Oil and Energy, Rafael Ramírez; Light Industries and Commerec, Edmés Betancourt and Planning, Jorge Giordani.

It was precisely Giordani who said this was a constructive dialogue with the directors of Fedecamaras, and also said measures will be implemented contributing to private investment. 'The most conclusive thing is the construction of mechanisms and methods to continue this dialogue. On November 23rd at 6pm, we will present President Chávez with the first results to make specific proposals', he said (...)".