13 September 2010

COLOMBIA/VENEZUELA: Working To Resume Trade After 70% Drop-Off.

M.HERALD/ BY JIM WYSS/
     A 2-year trade squabble has punished both nations, historically top trading partners after the U.S....with trade down 70%. After Colombia's new president Juan Santos took office on 7 August, Hugo Chavez and Santos met to restore ties. But Venezuela still owes about 250 Colombian exporters $786 million usd.
     "Venezuela is always our preferred partner," said lobbyist Javier Diaz,. ``But right now, with the debts it has and the economic situation in Venezuela, it's not exactly the most attractive market." "Venezuela has become a bad credit risk, just like it has become a bad oil producer and a bad neighbor,"said another trade expert. ``We have to hope all of that changes.''