Lo piensan todos. Lo decimos nosotros. · Roberto Cavada

La industria dominicana en alerta: Mario Pujols revela el alza en materias primas

·13 min·1 clip

Mario Pujols reveals how the Dominican Republic's 64-year-old industrial association is now facing urgent price hikes from Middle East conflicts.

The episode begins with hosts Roberto Cavada and Anyelo Mercedes celebrating the 64th anniversary of the Industrial Association of the Dominican Republic (IRD). Guest Mario Pujols, IRD's executive vice president, explains the association's founding mission to promote and defend local manufacturing. He notes the sector generates over 152,000 formal jobs and contributes more than 19% of tax revenues. Pujols recounts how during the COVID-19 pandemic, with borders closed and tourism stopped, local industries pivoted to produce masks, medical equipment, and gowns, demonstrating their economic importance. The conversation shifts to the current Middle East conflict's impact. Pujols describes the Dominican president's recent call for a national dialogue involving social, political, and business forces to address potential economic fallout. He outlines three key messages from the president: instructions to ministers to engage sectors, the goal of a national agreement, and the need to socialize plans. Pujols mentions monitoring daily changes, including statements from former President Trump and Houthi actions in the Red Sea, which could double oil price impacts. He reports that West Texas Intermediate crude is at $114 per barrel, with experts predicting it could near $140. Pujols confirms that IRD associates have been notified by suppliers of price increases for raw materials linked to the Middle East, particularly oil and gas. When asked about risks to production or employment, he says it's too early to tell but depends on the conflict's duration. Pujols emphasizes the IRD's focus on participating in dialogue spaces, as done during COVID and previous geopolitical crises. He stresses that any proposals must be technically substantiated. The hosts and Pujols discuss skepticism about the government's call for dialogue, with some arguing governance should handle it alone. Pujols counters that few situations compare to the current escalation of regional wars, referencing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. He underscores the Dominican economy's heavy dependence on imports and raw materials, making dialogue essential. The episode concludes with an invitation to an IRD event on April 30th for further announcements.

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