The oil industry, representing 80% of the exports, also represents 50% of fiscal returns and 25% of the total GDP. Despite stagnating production, the prices on the international market are rising in this sector. The concern is however that in the coming years we will see a deterioration of the oil infrastructures: the striking increase of the governmental taxation of oil company PDVSA's profits leaves it with few means to maintain its costly infrastructure or to continue prospecting in areas that are difficult to reach.
The manufacturing sector alone provides 20% of the GDP. This sector is impeded by the lack of private investment. Main productions are iron work and aluminium work, textile and clothing, which have been growing for several years. These are dynamic sectors driven by exports, by the improving productivity and by the restarting of interior consumption. Food preparation is hampered by the growth of imports and by the price control imposed by the government on products of vital need. Cement and automobile industries are dynamic branches and the State encourages investment in this sector.
Venezuela: Buying and Selling
