Is Venezuela a safe country to invest in? Are there guarantees and legal security? What risks does it imply for private capital? Part of these questions were answered in the conversation “Venezuela: challenges, opportunities and investment prospects”, organized by The Press next to AV Securities and Hamilton Reserve Latam, in a regional context marked by economic changes and new capital opportunities.
Eduardo Fortunydirector of Fortuny y Asociados, former vice president of BNH Casa de Bolsa and specialist in high-performance portfolio management, in his conference he explained the sociopolitical and economic panorama in which the country finds itself after January 3 after the departure of Nicolás Maduro, and the beginning of the tutelage of the United States government, Donald Trump, over the “transitional” administration of Delcy Rodríguez.
To begin to answer all the questions, Fortuny first makes it clear: “We are a protected country (Venezuela) at this moment. Our international reserves are controlled by the United States Federal Reserve. All oil and mining exports go to accounts controlled by the Federal Reserve. Central Bank gold is controlled by sanctions and the Bank of England”.
The specialist in environmental analysis and market strategy, Eduardo Fortuny, during the Venezuelan discussion on the challenges, opportunities and investment prospects, mentioned that: “We are now a country protected by Washington… our international reserves and… pic.twitter.com/zHt49dvUQe
— La Prensa Panamá (@prensacom) April 15, 2026
It mentions that if any economic agent, that is, companies, entrepreneurs or an individual, wishes to do a business in Venezuela that involves the movement of currency, they must first obtain a specific authorization from OFAC, the Office of Financial Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.
In this context, Fortuny warns that the attractiveness of Venezuela as an investment destination cannot be analyzed under traditional parameters. “If you need perfect legal security to invest in Venezuela, probably when that security arrives, there will no longer be an opportunity“, he noted, explaining that the current scenario combines high risk with potential significant returns, which is why he recommends taking advantage of the situation to gain part of the market.
The analyst stressed that the country is going through a structural transformation driven by external factors and economic decisions that redefine its productive model.
“This is an economy that is rebuilt from the private sector, with massive capital investment,” he stated, while highlighting that strategic sectors are migrating towards private participation schemes.
“The strategic issue is not today’s oil, it is access to reserves,” he indicated, recalling that Venezuela has one of the largest reserves in the world, which positions it once again on the international energy table.
He even assured that “Venezuela alone, with a fraction of its oil, can cover the world’s unmet demand in the coming years.”
Internally, the specialist described a change in the perception of the country by its own population and the market. “Venezuela went from sharing problems to sharing hope“, he said, referring to the expectations of economic recovery, driven by an eventual opening and greater flow of foreign investment in which there is very high optimism.
However, he also warned that the process will not be without difficulties. “If you don’t like the obstacle course, don’t look to Venezuela“, he said, emphasizing that the environment will continue to be marked by operational, regulatory and political challenges. In that sense, he summarized the scenario with a key phrase: “The problem for some is the opportunity for others.”.
Furthermore, he indicated that although many expected a change in the government administration, the reality is that according to Trump’s plan for Venezuela, the priority is to fix the economy first and at some point the desired political transition will occur.
“The reconstruction of Venezuela will be done by Venezuelans“, he indicates, pointing out that a lot of talent that is still in that country and those who are abroad will arrive with this new panorama.
Fortuny listed what in his opinion are the eight key sectors to take advantage of when investing in Venezuela:
1. Oil and gas: the axis of recovery
The energy sector leads investment opportunities, driven by openness to private capital and the need to increase production. Venezuela has one of the largest reserves in the world, which makes it a key player in the new global energy map.
“This aims to turn Venezuela into an oil economy with intense capital investment. This can lead to 10 years of sustained economic growth above double digits, given the magnitude of the investment that has to be made here.“Fortuny expressed. There are estimates of around no less than $20 billion in investment needs in the next decade in the oil sector alone.
2. Oil services and auxiliary industry
Beyond extraction, there is ample space for support companies: maintenance, spare parts, logistics, transportation, catering and even basic services. The reactivation of the sector will demand a complete network of suppliers.
3. Financial sector and banking
The Venezuelan financial system presents a significant lag, which opens opportunities for accelerated growth. An expansion of credit, banking services and corporate financing is expected in an economy based on private investment. “The financial sector is going to grow 20 or 40 times because it is far below its natural size”, he stressed.
4. Logistics, ports and transportation
Increased trade and investment will require modernizing ports, airports and logistics chains. The country’s strategic location also opens space to integrate again into regional routes. “The ports and airports are going to be blocked; their capabilities will have to be rebuilt to return to normal“, accurate.
5. Commerce and mass consumption
With an eventual improvement in purchasing power and the return of migrants, domestic consumption could experience a rebound. Sectors such as food, health and basic products are already showing signs of recovery.
6. Infrastructure and public services
The need to rehabilitate electrical, water, telecommunications and transportation systems represents one of the greatest investment opportunities, especially under private participation schemes.
7. Real estate and real estate
The real estate market faces an oversupply after the departure of millions of Venezuelans, but it also opens up opportunities for rentals, reconversion of spaces and new developments adapted to a different demand.
8. Tourism and associated services
The eventual return of the diaspora with more than 7 million Venezuelans abroad and economic reactivation could boost tourism, both domestic and international, generating opportunities in hotels, transportation and experiences.
Fortuny issued a clear warning to those who still hesitate to bet on the Venezuelan market: not participating also implies a risk. “If you do not participate in the recovery of consumption in Venezuela and lose that market share in the region, you can end up strengthening your competition and putting other markets at risk”, he noted.
In that sense, he specifies that beyond the individual decision to invest or not, it will be the competitive dynamic that will force many companies to take the risk and enter Venezuela so as not to be left out of an eventual economic recovery.
