CARACAS, Venezuela (CMC) — Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Jesus Farias says the country is seeking to expand its economic presence in the Caribbean.

At a recent meeting with businessmen in the Dutch overseas territory of Bonaire, Farias said as part of actions promoted by the Venezuelan government to diversify its economy, the focus is that of presenting its exportable offer to other countries.

Farias, who presented the possibilities and potential for investment in Venezuela’s productive sector said the Caribbean is one of the markets to be taken into account due to its geographical proximity to the South American nation.

He also used the opportunity to strengthen and expand the commercial ties between Venezuela and Bonaire.

The Foreign Trade Minister said boosting exports is one of the mainstays of the government economic agenda, while stressing the need to continue the promotion of foreign investment.

He noted that Venezuela seeks export diversification and reduce oil dependence, open foreign investment with high competitive ability in the international market and reduce paperwork to place those products abroad.

Venezuela is suffering its worst economic crisis in history – a situation that has forced the Government to declare a state of emergency.