Written by Andrew Rosati and Anne-Marie Hordern
President Donald Trump’s energy secretary said the United States could help Venezuela “dramatically increase” its oil, natural gas and electricity production this year as it works to issue new permits aimed at “freeing up” the country’s economy.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright spoke to reporters after meeting with Acting President Delcy Rodriguez and other Venezuelan government officials at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas as the United States pushes to revive Venezuela’s struggling oil sector.
“Our government in Washington, D.C., is working 24/7 to issue licenses so that existing Venezuelan companies, new companies wanting to enter Venezuela, and Venezuelan state-owned enterprises can buy products, invest money, increase oil production, create new jobs, and grow export revenues. All of these things are straining the Venezuelan economy,” Wright said.
“We want to free the Venezuelan people and economy,” he added.
Wright is the most senior U.S. official to make an official visit to Venezuela since the Trump administration detained former President Nicolas Maduro in early January. His visit comes as the United States presses private companies to shoulder the lion’s share of the burden of revitalizing oil production in Venezuela, which has the world’s largest reserves.
Rodriguez, who met with Wright, said they discussed forming a long-term partnership in which the energy agenda is the “driving force” for a bilateral relationship that is “productive, effective and beneficial for both countries.”
While U.S. oil executives and industry leaders have emphasized the need for political reform, security and other guarantees before companies invest in Venezuela, Wright said there has been “absolutely overwhelming” interest.
“Today we spoke openly about the tremendous opportunities and some of the issues and challenges that lie ahead of us, and we pledged to work together to find solutions,” Wright said after meeting with Rodriguez.
— With assistance from Ali Nutter, Andreina Itriago, and Fabiola Zerpa
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