They warned that suspending routes with Panama and the Democratic Republic of Congo would reduce the competitiveness of non-traditional exports.

Eric Pardo, an expert in customs management and foreign trade, warned that the suspension of routes could lead to shortages of imported products.

The suspension of flights to Panama and the Dominican Republic could lead to shortages of imported products, while no viable alternatives have been found to divert air trade in goods.

This warning was issued by Erik Pardo, a graduate of customs and foreign trade at the National School of Finance, who noted that the suspension of these routes creates serious problems for the export of perishable goods and the import of machinery and equipment.

Pardo noted that the suspension of routes with Panama and the Republic exacerbated the existing situation. “We are used to having only one entry and exit route, which is not even the most appropriate, because in a country with a normal economy this would not happen.”

“But Venezuelans, having experienced what has happened to us and the events of these years, have become accustomed to living with this obstacle where custom becomes law,” said the expert interviewed by United Radio.

Pardo noted that some food exports are coming through Panama, which is a hub or connection center for the region, and the Dominican Republic is a very convenient gateway to the United States through connections to Miami and other destinations.

“Venezuelan producers have entered into certain negotiations or signed contracts with customers and suppliers to be able to meet all the expectations of the national and international markets, but now we are basically stuck waiting for new commercial alternatives,” Pardo insisted.

Increased costs and reduced competitiveness

The most likely option to compensate for the loss of strategic destinations is to connect flights, first to Colombia and then to Mexico, with an eye on US destinations, but the costs will be much higher because the number of flights will not be enough to meet demand.

“We must remember that the suspension of routes is a recent measure and we are adapting to it. We are already looking for new alternatives to solve the situations that arise in our daily lives; there is no doubt that we are planning our exit through Colombia,” Pardo said.

“If we don’t have enough liquid supply, then our transportation costs will increase, which means we will lose competitiveness, because to market our products internationally we need to have sufficient quality but also competitive prices. This situation could exclude Venezuela from some international markets,” warned the expert on customs and trade issues.

Furthermore, Pardo noted that “in Venezuela we rely on many variables that are not fixed in terms of tariffs and prices,” so the planning of business strategies is subject to uncertainty, limiting the planning capabilities of the country’s entrepreneurs.

“Businessmen internationally make plans for three to four years. In Venezuela, you have to make a plan every six months,” the expert warned.

Pardo warned that there are high risks in sea freight and agricultural exports, many of which require refrigeration by air to maintain quality. “We have to deal with the impact of these decisions,” Eric Pardo hypothesized.

You can read:https://7dias.com.do/2024/08/15/pnud-designa-nueva-representacion-en-republica-dominicana/