The promise of not losing friendship

Author: Luis Fernando Romero Torrejón / Pdte. Faculty of Ph.D. Economist of Tarija

Yesterday, the national government signed an agreement with the private sector, but important representatives such as the Chief Auditor were not present. The focus is on developing more medium- and long-term measures in the areas of investment, foreign trade, hydrocarbons, etc., whose basis and efficiency will depend on external credit. Structural policies, at least fiscal policies, are conspicuous by their absence.

“More chaff than wheat” is a good definition of the agreement, as there were a lot of expectations, but they have not been met even for the signatory sectors, and even less so for the general public. These measures are not a clear and timely response to the needs of our economy in terms of fuel shortages, dollar shortages and a significant loss of purchasing power of our currency.

I agree with what the Bolivian businessman president said, “The worst thing is to do nothing”, because we almost did that. The agreement gives the impression that both sectors are carefully looking after their own interests, instead of looking after ordinary citizens as expected. Now even the private sector will have to put pressure (management) in order for Congress to approve external credits, which will be the flow of foreign currency that they need so much.

We can talk a lot about this subject, and of course there are different visions, but one thing is certain, when we go to the market or the fair to buy the products we desperately need, the small house does not focus on faces or positions, whether you are a ruler or the ruled, a businessman or a factory, they will still sell to you at the same price, and the price is rising every week because so far no corresponding action has been taken. The government gets oxygen and the businessmen get encouragement.

The positive thing is that there was a dialogue between the public and private sectors and an agreement was reached. The negative thing is that people did not find the expected solution, so they will have to continue tightening their belts.