It's been stated on this board that the negotiations for the JV with China did not involve the Vennies. Posters took strong positions that Ven gave the nod to China and that was it. No more chat with Ven until after the JV is complete. Ven need not be involved.

Well I never believed that position. I've always believed as long as LC is in Ven, Hugo and his cronies had a lot to say about every inch of the JV deal. And I believe Richard's statement backs me up.

"However, that said most Venezuelans are focused on their Elections this weekend"

Why would the distraction of the elections matter, or not matter, in these JV talks...if Ven was NOT involved in the talks.

They are involved.... and you can believe any delay in the JV deal or a permit is directly tied to the bureaucratic corruption and manana-mentality of the Chavez govt.

And this is the main reason Ven is near the bottom of the list for investment countries.

Cividale