Venezuela eyes business deals in China’s Shandong province. President Nicolas Maduro met Lin Wu, a top official in Shandong.
The two talked about partnerships between Venezuelan states and Shandong. These states include Anzoátegui and Monagas, both rich in oil.
Maduro says these ties could boost trade, production, and investment.
Venezuela has significant oil reserves, mainly in the Orinoco Belt. Maduro also highlighted gas reserves in Anzoátegui and Monagas.
Besides energy, these states offer tourism and food production opportunities.
Maduro aims to update Venezuela’s industries through this visit. The trip followed an invite from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The visit aims to take bilateral relations to new heights.
Details of the visit remain undisclosed. However, a meeting with Xi Jinping is expected. Maduro’s last official China trip was in 2018.
Before Maduro, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez met China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi.
Venezuela and China have grown closer in recent years. This growth began during the time of the late President Hugo Chavez.
Background
China and Venezuela have a long history of economic ties. Their relationship became strong during Hugo Chavez’s rule from 1999 to 2013.
Both countries often trade oil for goods and technology. The partnership is crucial for Venezuela, especially with U.S. sanctions in place.
China sees Venezuela as a strategic ally in Latin America. The two nations have signed various deals in sectors like energy and infrastructure.
This current visit seems aimed at diversifying Venezuela’s economy. It may also offer China access to Venezuela’s large oil and gas reserves.