Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Patrick J. O'Donoghue's round up of news from Venezuela -- August 20, 2008

President of the Chamber of Fruit Distributors (Cavidea), Pablo Baraybar has called two new laws passed by President Chavez under the figure of the enabling law a step backwards. The businessman refers to the food security & sovereignty law and the defense of people to access assets and services law. The main reason for rejecting the laws, Baraybar argues, is because they introduce greater centralized intervention throughout the food chain and less capacity for those involved in the chain to make decisions. Cavidea's legal team has established that the laws are unconstitutional, because they violate principles and rights established in the Constitution, such as freedom of economic liberty and private property. The businessman also maintains that while the organisation wants to obtain the best prices for consumers, it cannot be done at the cost of profitability because there will be nothing to reinvest.

The Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) says GDP growth was 7.1% in Q2 2008 compared to the same period last year. According to a press release, it shows a favorable and sustained growth over the last 18 successive quarters. The non-oil sector grew 7.8% in Q2, and the oil sector 3.2%. The activities, which have grown in the non-oil sector, are: communications (24.6%), construction (11.7%), community, social and personal services (9.4%). The agricultural sector grew 3.9%.

Finance Minister Ali Rodriguez Araque says the value of all assets belonging to the Mexican cement company, Cemex in Venezuela does not reach $400 million. Cemex is asking for $1.3 billion. Both sides have failed to reach any agreement. Yesterday, the government signed agreements to purchase a majority of shares in the Swiss Holcim company and the French Lafarge company. In the case of Lafarge, the amount was $552 million, and in that of Holcim 267 million, giving the State 89% of shares and 85% respectively. The Mexican government is giving full support to the Cemex company and has called on the government of Venezuela to respect the principles of dialogue and non-discriminatory treatment.

Two National Guard (GNB) officials have been arrested and charged for possession and carrying of drugs. 187 kg of cocaine was found in the car they were travelling in during a search at a checkpoint in Tachira state. The vehicle itself was handed over to the National Anti-Drugs Office (ONA), along with cash found on the accused. Another GN sergeant has been arrested along with his father for alleged connivance.

The Bolivarian social production company, Cacao Oderi has announced the export of 40 tonnes of cocoa paste to Belgium. Company president, Edgar Rivas says the company has a commitment to sell 360 tonnes to a company in Belgium, sending around 40 tonnes a month. In other agreements, Rivas points out, cocoa beans and paste will be sent to Belarus. The company itself is benefiting from international prices, which range from $7,000-$7,500 a tonne.

Patrick J. O'Donoghue
patrick.vheadline@gmail.com

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Venezuela is facing the most difficult period of its history with honest reporters crippled by sectarianism on top of rampant corruption within the administration and beyond, aided and abetted by criminal forces in the US and Spanish governments which cannot accept the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people to decide over their own future.

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