Minister of Economy, Development and Tourism and Mining, Daniel Mas, held a series of meetings on March 26 with representatives from more than 50 productive sector organizations to discuss the effects of rising fuel prices on economic activity.
The meetings were called urgently to gather firsthand information about the main challenges faced by various industries, their price projections, and immediate support needs. The sessions began at the Ministry of Economy with representatives from the Multigremial Nacional led by its president Juan Pablo Swett. Further discussions took place with members of the Advisory Council for Smaller Enterprises and with Susana Jiménez, president of the Confederation of Production and Commerce (CPC), as well as leaders from the National Mining Society (Sonami) and the Mining Council.
The day concluded with a virtual meeting involving regional trade associations. These groups highlighted how sectors farther from the capital are especially affected by higher energy and transportation costs due to their distance and dependence on these services.
Mas said, “The role of our Government is to be fully connected with the concerns of productive sectors in our country and responsibly analyze mitigation mechanisms that can be implemented to address this situation.” He added that it is important “to evaluate alternatives that allow us to mitigate these impacts, especially for small businesses and households, while also safeguarding fiscal sustainability.” He noted there are no simple solutions given international factors but stressed that joint efforts could help soften negative effects on production activity and employment: “There are no simple solutions in response to an internationally-driven phenomenon, but there are opportunities for joint work that will allow us to cushion its effects.”
Deputy Minister Karlfranz Koehler said that dialogue has helped build a shared understanding across sectors: “The dialogue we have had with various trade associations in our country allows us to build a shared vision regarding sectoral impacts and move forward on concrete short-term measures focused where urgent needs exist considering current fiscal constraints.”
These discussions reflect ongoing government efforts to respond collaboratively amid economic pressures linked primarily to global factors affecting fuel costs.
