The president of the National Council of Business (CONEP), Elena Viyella de Paliza urged that the government go from talk to action in matters of competitiveness. She expressed her concern on the increase in savings certificates issued by the Central Bank that at present are at RD$127 billion, including a 14.7% increase from December 2004 to 7 March 2005.
Speaking at a breakfast organized by the American Chamber of Commerce, the president of the CONEP recognized that economic stabilization program implemented by the government had restored confidence, but stated that the same measures have also caused a stagnation of the economy and increased unemployment. “Let us go from rhetoric to action in matters of competitiveness, taking the necessary measures so that we can compete as equals with our competitors,” she said. She explained that if the DR has not been able to compete so far, it is because of the inadequate and distorting policies that affect exporters. “While other countries eliminate barriers and promote their exports, we are suffering from the winds of an economic crisis of unprecedented dimensions and still discussing in workshops what we have to do. “Let us move on to action to prepare the country and its institutions to compete, let businessmen do the rest,” she said. Viyella de Paliza was critical of the monetary restriction policy in place, and called for a more dynamic economy.