CARACAS, WILLEMSTAD – Venezuela sees strong potential to rebuild and expand trade with Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire through improved logistics and agricultural exports, according to Felipe Capozzolo, president of the Venezuelan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Production (Fedecámaras).
Speaking with Curaçao Chronicle, Capozzolo said the ABC islands remain an important commercial partner for Venezuela and could play a key role in the country’s efforts to expand exports as its economy gradually transforms.
According to Capozzolo, agricultural and agro-industrial products could form the backbone of renewed trade between Venezuela and the islands.
“The ABC islands are an important market for Venezuela, especially as a channel for agricultural and agro-industrial products,” he said. “There is room to rebuild a dynamic exchange that benefits both sides.”
A central element of that effort would be the development of a more efficient and transparent logistics network between Venezuela and the islands.
Capozzolo suggested that coordinated logistical agreements could significantly increase the volume of Venezuelan products reaching the Caribbean islands.
“We should work toward an integrated logistics system that allows more Venezuelan products to reach the islands in a reliable and efficient way,” he said.
Organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce in La Vela de Coro have already played an important role in facilitating trade between Venezuela and the islands in recent years. However, Capozzolo emphasized that business organizations alone cannot drive the process.
Institutional support from governments on both sides will be essential to facilitate trade flows and ensure that export procedures, customs regulations and transport logistics operate smoothly.
Fedecámaras, he said, is ready to support initiatives that promote trade, cooperation and investment between Venezuela and the Caribbean.
“There is a willingness from the business sector to facilitate trade and cooperation,” Capozzolo said. “But certain decisions depend on public authorities.”
For Curaçao and the other ABC islands, stronger logistical ties with Venezuela could provide access to a nearby supply of agricultural goods and food products, potentially reducing import costs and strengthening regional supply chains.
Capozzolo believes the long-term relationship between Venezuela and the islands should be built on economic complementarity rather than competition.