At the time of writing it was difficult to elicit an opinion from anyone in the tannery sector who was willing to offer an immediate solution to unwind this increasingly desperate situation. The second depends upon the reactivation of the local footwear sector as it, itself, struggles against the odds to combat the wave of illegal imports from Asia and is currently proposing revolutionary initiatives to consolidate what remains of this already depleted section of the economy. The third, and perhaps only long term solution, is for the Venezuelan tanners to adapt themselves to the unremitting globalization process now underway in all sectors of industry. The tanner is not the only businessman under pressure in this unparalelled situation. Both the shoe manufacturer and the components suppliers are facing serious difficulties and their future is closely intertwined with the tannery sector.
Imports continue to flood the market and slow payments prejudice cash flow of all major suppliers.
Mr Pisella also pointed out that the footwear sector employs more than 25,000 people - more than the famed national petroluem industry. In addition, it is worth noting that many ex footwear manufacturers are now dedicating themselves to importing shoes as it has proved itself cheaper and easier to do this than to struggle with uncompetitive conditions in the local industry and economy. Price the products at all stages of manufacture in dollars and thus avoid the uncompetitivenes created by the overvalued local currency the Bolivar. Learn to compete both nationally and internationally by identifying markets, fashions and niches. To illustrate the dilemma facing the local shoe industry suffice it to say that almost 30 million pairs of shoes entered Venezuela illegally in 1998 compared to a total demand of almost 57 million pairs.