Northern South America comprises two neighboring countries, often embroiled in border disputes inherited from centuries of rivalry between Castilian and English crowns. Once independence is achieved, we can transcend this pointless rivalry and converge our interests.
According to projections from International Monetary Fund, Guyana and Venezuela are projected to lead in economic growth during 2023 and 2024. Guyana is estimated to grow by 37.2% in 2023 and 45.3% in 2024. Venezuela is estimated to grow by 5.0% in 2023 and 4.5% in 2024.
Rest of world will not achieve such attractive growth rates. Politicians in Guyana and Venezuela need to understand historic opportunity to sustain such high growth. Interests from other continents will continue to exert pressure to keep South America divided and at odds.
Venezuela’s trade and bilateral relations with Brazil, Colombia, and Netherlands Antilles will be restored in 2023. Peace with Guyana remains to be fostered, so we can enjoy a favorable geographic environment for our production goals.
As South America engages in economic activity among neighboring countries, we will have less need to comply with potential unilateral sanctions imposed by overseas powers. We have wasted time taking sides in cold wars that do not concern us.
Rubén Rivero Capriles
Caracas, Venezuela
Source: Gustavo Adler y Nigel Chalk, Fondo Monetario Internacional (FMI)