U.S. Commerce official visits Caracas to discuss trade with Venezuela

David L. Fogel, the U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Markets, arrived in Caracas to explore bilateral trade opportunities and market mechanisms with Venezuela. During his visit, Fogel met with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia to discuss ways to strengthen economic relations between the two nations.

The U.S. Embassy in Caracas stated that these initiatives aim to “potenciar oportunidades de mercado para ambos países” (enhance market opportunities for both countries). The diplomatic mission noted that these commercial efforts are part of a three-phase plan involving stabilization, economic recovery, and democratic transition, as outlined by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

This high-level contact follows previous engagements between Washington and Caracas regarding security, energy, and diplomacy, including recent discussions involving the U.S. energy sector and Chevron's operations in the Orinoco Oil Belt.