Maduro Says He Welcomes U.S. Investment in Venezuela’s Oil Sector

By: Christopher Louissaint | Haitian prime news | January 2, 2026

CARACAS, Venezuela — President Nicolás Maduro said Venezuela is open to welcoming investment from U.S. companies in its oil industry, signaling a potential shift in tone amid long-standing tensions between Caracas and Washington.

Speaking in a New Year interview broadcast on state media, Maduro said U.S. firms are free to invest in Venezuela’s oil sector “when, where, and how they want,” framing the offer as part of a broader willingness to engage in pragmatic economic cooperation. The remarks come as Venezuela continues to face economic pressure from international sanctions and declining oil revenues.

Maduro emphasized that any investment would take place within Venezuela’s legal framework, which requires foreign companies to operate through joint ventures with the state-run oil company PDVSA. He also reiterated calls for “serious talks” with the United States based on mutual respect and national sovereignty.

The comments follow years of strained relations between Venezuela and the United States, marked by U.S. sanctions targeting Venezuela’s energy sector and accusations by Washington against the Maduro government. Despite this, limited U.S. engagement in Venezuelan oil production has continued under specific licenses, including operations involving American energy firms.

Analysts say Maduro’s remarks may reflect mounting economic pressures and an effort to attract foreign capital to stabilize oil output, which remains central to Venezuela’s economy. It remains unclear whether the U.S. government will respond with policy changes or expanded authorizations for American companies operating in the country.

While the statement signals openness to dialogue, significant political and legal obstacles remain, and any substantive shift in U.S.–Venezuela relations would likely require broader negotiations beyond the energy sector.

Sources:

-GroundNews

-local news