Branson Says in Venezuela: The Country Will Attract More Foreign Investors Once It Holds Elections
British billionaire and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson said on Wednesday in Venezuela that the country will attract more foreign investors once it holds elections, as the South American nation seeks to boost capital inflows in sectors like oil and gas, Reuters reported on October 21.
Branson spoke at an event in Venezuela with entrepreneurs and investment fund representatives, also attended by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia and Industry Minister Luis Villegas. "A lot obviously depends on the next 18 months," Branson said, adding that Venezuela will have a "tremendous opportunity" once elections occur and rule of law is established. "Investment needs certainty. It needs a proper judicial process and legal security. It needs transparency," he said. "And an access to capital needs to know the capital is secure."
Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez and US President Donald Trump have both said Venezuela will hold elections but have not provided a timeline. Rodriguez, who has Washington's backing, assumed power after President Nicolas Maduro's capture in a US operation in January, and promised elections in a UN speech in September. Despite legal reforms approved by Venezuela's parliament to boost investment, Reuters noted, global investors remain hesitant due to distrust of the legal system and political uncertainty, particularly in non-energy sectors. (Compiled from Reuters, October 21)
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 委内瑞拉首都 Caracas 全景实景。图片来源：Wikimedia Commons 文件 Panoramic View of Caracas from Militar Hospital.jpg，CC0 授权
