Economy
Francisco Mendoza, the President of the Venezuelan Exporters Association (Avex), said that non-oil exports at the end of 2009 will just amount to USD 2 billion, showing a dramatic decrease compared to figures recorded in the last four years.

In an interview with radio station Unión Radio on Tuesday, Mendoza said that Venezuelan exports have declined considerably in 2009 compared to the four previous years. He "does not believe that non-traditional exports will hit USD 2 billion in 2009. This is less than half of Costa Rica exports and it is the same amount that Venezuela exported to Colombia in the 90's."

Non-oil exports reported by AVEX in 2008 stood at USD 2.5 billion, a lower level than previous periods, according to members of the Venezuelan businessmen association.

"Our sector gets weaker every day. People who want to start a business in Venezuela take five to six months. Import of equipments is difficult. Although a decree exempting the VAT has been just published in the Official Gazette, there is an important fact to consider: confidence. It is very difficult to enter a new market because the 196 countries of the world are trying to sell products abroad."

He said that "firms that are exporting in Venezuela have commitments with foreign clients. We are obliged to maintain our products in those markets but our profits are very low."