- The Colombian president asked Nicolás Maduro to “reconsider” the measure because he believes it could “weaken agriculture and affect regional food security.”
The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, published on Saturday, November 9, a letter addressed to his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, in which he rejected the proposal to privatize Monómeros, a company located in Barranquilla and a subsidiary of Petroquimica de Venezuela (Pequiven) in Colombia.
Petro expressed his “opposition” to the decision of the Minister of Industry and National Production of Venezuela, Alex Saab, to sell the Monómeros company and highlighted that the same measure was proposed during the government of Iván Duque.
“The privatization and sale of Monomers will imply an increase in the cost of primary agricultural products in our countries. Furthermore, it will force our peasants to depend on foreign products and the price of agricultural inputs on the international market,” can be read in one of the fragments of the letter sent by the Colombian president.
In the public letter, Petro invited the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, to “reconsider the privatization of the company” which, in his opinion, “can continue to support millions of families in both countries.”
Colombian media had spread rumors about the Venezuelan government’s intention to sell the subsidiary, but no authority had commented on the matter. The diary The Time He noted that the sales movements would have accelerated due to the United States presidential elections, in which Donald Trump was the winner.
About Monomers
The government of Gustavo Petro returned control of Monómeros to the Administration of Nicolás Maduro in 2022, after having been under the orders of the interim government of Juan Guaidó.
The subsidiary is dedicated to transforming raw materials into products that are essential for the growth of crops, the manufacturing of various materials and the development of daily consumer products.
Alex Saab was appointed as Minister of Industries and National Production
On October 18, Nicolás Maduro designated Alex Saab as the new minister for Industry and National Protectiona position held by the former president of Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) Pedro Rafael Tellechea.
“I appointed Alex Saab as the new Minister of Popular Power for Industry and National Production, I am sure that with his great management capacity and commitment to our people, he will promote the development of the entire industrial system of Venezuela within the framework of the construction process of the new economic model,” Maduro said on his social networks.
The Venezuelan president specified that Saab will receive “all the support” necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position he will assume.
The Colombian businessman was under investigation by US and Colombian authorities for doing business with the Venezuelan government and money laundering. He was arrested in Cape Verde in June 2020 and the United States requested his extradition, which was completed in October 2021.
He was released in December 2023, in the midst of a negotiation for the release of several political prisoners.
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#Petro #rejected #privatization #Monómeros
**Interview with Dr. Mariana Soto, Political Analyst specializing in Latin American relations**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Soto. In light of President Gustavo Petro’s recent letter to Nicolás Maduro regarding the privatization of Monómeros, what do you think are the implications if Maduro proceeds with this sale?
**Dr. Soto:** Thank you for having me. President Petro’s concerns are valid. Privatizing Monómeros could certainly disrupt agricultural practices in both Colombia and Venezuela. By increasing the cost of agricultural inputs, it risks making local farmers dependent on foreign products, which could hurt regional food security significantly.
**Editor:** Petro has asked Maduro to reconsider this decision. Do you believe there is room for negotiation between the two leaders?
**Dr. Soto:** Absolutely, there’s always potential for dialogue. Both leaders have vested interests in ensuring the stability of agriculture—which affects many families in both countries. However, how willing Maduro is to consider Petro’s perspective amidst his own government pressures remains to be seen.
**Editor:** The privatization move was also mentioned to have been discussed during Iván Duque’s presidency. What does this continuity in policy suggest about the broader economic challenges faced by Venezuela?
**Dr. Soto:** It indicates a persistent economic trend in Venezuela where the government feels the need to offload state assets, perhaps out of desperation for revenue or foreign investment. This might reflect deeper structural issues within Venezuela’s economy that have not been adequately addressed over various administrations.
**Editor:** Some media outlets have linked the urgency of this privatization to the recent U.S. presidential elections. How does external political pressure influence internal decisions like this one?
**Dr. Soto:** External political dynamics do play a significant role. The outcome of U.S. elections can shift diplomatic and economic strategies in Latin America. If there’s an indication that the new U.S. administration could shift its stance on sanctions or support for Venezuela, it could compel Maduro to act quickly in hopes of stabilizing his administration’s finances.
**Editor:** how might these developments affect the relationship between Colombia and Venezuela moving forward?
**Dr. Soto:** It all depends on how both sides navigate this issue. If Maduro chooses to disregard Petro’s concerns, it could lead to further tensions. However, if there’s a cooperative approach, it might pave the way for stronger bilateral relations and economic collaboration, which both countries desperately need. Ultimately, the focus should be on fostering regional stability and food security in the face of these challenges.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Soto. Your analysis helps clarify the complexities of this situation as it continues to unfold.