Alfredo Ocampo’s testimony on the praiseworthy effort of our Venezuelan industry colleagues
On November 12-13 the VII Congress of Venezuelan Candle Manufacturers was held in the city of Barquisimeto-Venezuela.
It was my pleasure and great honor to represent ALAFAVE during the event, I was able to experience along our Venezuelan colleagues such an important occasion. It had been about four years from their last reunion, after a great effort from their directors and members they were finally able to reunite.
It was vital to socialize a few days with the colleagues, listen to their needs and feel on my own experience the difficult process they are living. Unfortunately, right now, the Venezuelan people are going through difficult changes in their economy and social lives and not everyone is being able to overcome such extreme rules imposed by their government.
It has become challenging to create a business atmosphere, there is lack of raw materials, scarcity on foods, prices controlled by the government, currency deficit; these are only some factors that create their adverse situation.
The conference was very well organized, the context was interesting and appropriate for the industry’s momentum. Several topics were relevant and important such were: blends of paraffin and cost reduction, an analysis of their current economic situation and the expectations at a short, medium and long term, among other discussions we learned about ways they can finance their export projects, and the impact on their businesses due to the prices being controlled by the government. The final workshop was very dynamic, a motivational speaker Jose Jacinto Muñoz (Venezuelan sociologist and self-improvement coach) provided an energizing speech to uplift their spirits. The closing ceremony was characterized by good music, laugher and a toss to the light of the candles.
To conclude on this brief topic, all of our support goes to our Venezuelan friends and industry colleagues, you shall continue to have faith and prevail strong against adversity. We know there are restrictions but we are confident that things will improve for you, all your positivism will be rewarded and reflected upon your efforts.
Receive from ALAFAVE our most sincere appreciation and wishes of success on all your endeavors. We hope to see you soon at the World Candle Congress in Puerto Rico. Wishing you peace, prosperity, a merry Christmas and happy New Year 2016!
