- The Colombian president asked Nicolás Maduro to “reconsider” the measure because he believes that 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. Ana Torres, Latin American Political Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Torres. Let’s dive into the recent developments in Colombia and Venezuela regarding the Monómeros company. Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed concerns over Nicolás Maduro’s plan to privatize the firm. What are the potential implications of this decision on agriculture and food security in the region?
**Dr. Torres:** Thank you for having me. President Petro’s concerns are quite valid. Monómeros plays a crucial role in providing agricultural inputs that local farmers rely on. If the company is privatized, it could lead to increased costs for those inputs, thereby affecting the affordability and availability of food for many families in both Colombia and Venezuela. The privatization could also result in a dependency on foreign products which might not always align with the needs of local farmers.
**Editor:** In his public letter, Petro urged Maduro to reconsider the decision. How do you view the dynamics of this communication between the two presidents, especially considering past tensions?
**Dr. Torres:** This letter is significant as it marks a shift towards more diplomatic engagement amidst a backdrop of political rivalry. While historically there have been significant tensions between Colombia and Venezuela, particularly during the Duque administration, this letter indicates a willingness to pursue dialogue. It’s essential for both countries to tackle these regional challenges collaboratively instead of allowing them to exacerbate existing conflicts.
**Editor:** Petro referenced similar proposals during Iván Duque’s administration. Can we draw parallels between then and now regarding agricultural policies?
**Dr. Torres:** Yes, the parallels are clear. Both administrations face the challenge of managing agricultural productivity in a region heavily impacted by economic instability. The key difference is Petro’s call for regional unity and collaboration. While Duque faced criticism for taking a more isolationist approach, Petro seems to be seeking a path that emphasizes interdependence and sustainability in agricultural practices.
**Editor:** Lastly, with the U.S. presidential elections influencing the situation, how might the outcome affect the relationship between Colombia and Venezuela?
**Dr. Torres:** The results of the U.S. elections can significantly influence both countries. If, for instance, Trump returns to power, we might see a resurgence of hardline policies toward Venezuela, which could complicate Colombian diplomacy. However, if a more conciliatory U.S. approach emerges, it could open doors for collaborative economic initiatives, including agriculture, which would benefit both nations.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights on this complex issue. It’s clear that the fate of Monómeros extends beyond mere privatization; it reflects broader themes of governance, diplomacy, and regional stability.
