CARACAS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Dialogue between Venezuela's business sector and the government can help alleviate the economic crisis gripping the country, a business leader said Wednesday.
In an interview with state television network VTV, Orlando Camacho, the president of the Venezuelan Federation of Artisans and Small and Medium Industries (Fedeindustria), said his association was "betting on economic dialogue to find solutions."
Oil-dependent Venezuela has been plunged into an economic crisis since crude prices nosedived in recent years, a situation exacerbated by political turmoil, as the rightwing opposition coalition (MUD) struggles for power against the ruling socialist party (PSUV).
"At Fedeindustria, we have been betting on dialogue with the aim of focusing on the economy, which is really the most important issue that needs to be resolved for Venezuelans," said Camacho.
To that end, newly-launched national dialogue between the PSUV and the MUD is the "key", he said.
While the opposition has not given up on its main objective, namely, to oust President Nicolas Maduro, it agreed in late October to meet with government representatives, and the two sides pledged to work together to ensure access to basic goods, which have been in short supply.
The government has accused the opposition of waging "an economic war" against the PSUV by causing shortages and price gouging, leading to long lines in front of stores and angry consumers.
Venezuelans need a solution so that they can have access to "food, medicine, some basic needs," said Camacho, acknowledging "the government ... has been working on that."
Maduro's government introduced measures in January to reactivate the economy.
"The economic measures are going in the right direction," said Camacho.
