Venezuela Investment Readiness Highlighted By Vice President At World Governments Summit 2026

Venezuela is signalling stronger economic resilience and a wider role in global trade as Calixto Ortega Sánchez detailed improving indicators, fresh investment plans and structural reforms, while also addressing the political crisis of January 3 during the World Governments Summit 2026.

Ortega Sánchez, Venezuela’s Vice President for Economy, said the country has adapted to years of US sanctions, maintained growth over the past five years, and now aims to compete internationally as sanctions ease and the economy functions under more regular market conditions.

Highlighting recent macroeconomic trends, Ortega Sánchez said Venezuela posted its lowest inflation rate in four decades during 2024 and sustained GDP expansion despite external restrictions, stating: "We are ready for investment and the country is open for business."

To support this outlook, Ortega Sánchez announced two new sovereign funds. One fund will focus on social welfare, salaries and public support programmes, while the second will finance infrastructure, with priority on electricity systems, transport links and road networks to underpin long-term productive capacity.

Although Venezuela remains widely associated with oil exports, Ortega Sánchez stressed that the government wants a broader economic base, with added value in non-oil sectors. "We want to be known not only for oil, but for high production levels," he said, calling the present conditions "a great opportunity for investors."

He added that if external constraints reduce, Venezuela can scale this broader growth path. "If Venezuela is allowed to operate normally, we will show extraordinary growth and improvement," Ortega Sánchez added, linking this outlook to reforms that seek higher productivity and more diversified trade partners.

The vice president explained that policymakers had learned to run the economy under sanctions, refining systems for payments, trade and pricing. According to Ortega Sánchez, these adjustments helped stabilise key metrics and prepared domestic companies to compete once they re-enter wider international markets.

Ortega Sánchez spoke during a session at the World Governments Summit 2026 moderated by Tucker Carlson, Founder of The Tucker Carlson Network. The discussion focused on Venezuela’s reform agenda, efforts to reinforce economic resilience and its intention to act as a reliable partner in global supply chains.

Reflecting on the political turmoil of January 3, which Ortega Sánchez described as a "dark moment", he recalled following developments from Caracas. "The events were passing fast. It was a very extraordinary situation," he said, while noting: "But there was a functional government in Venezuela." Ortega Sánchez argued that the country now needs to look ahead, deepen structural reforms and use the new sovereign funds and diversification plans to support a more stable, sustainable growth path.

With inputs from WAM