Venezuelan support U.S. companies remaining in Venezuela

By E.C.V. & ASOCIADOS

An overwhelming majority of Venezuelan Americans, 80%, support U.S. companies operating in Venezuela, according to a new survey conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and APCO Insight. 

The survey finds that 73% of Venezuelan Americans believe that U.S. companies serve as a stabilizing force in a country that is fraught with political and economic turmoil. Regardless of political party affiliation, Venezuelan Americans believe U.S. companies are a force for good in Venezuela, providing well-paying jobs, investing in the development of local communities, and supplying the immediate health and nutrition needs of the Venezuelan people by partnering with hospitals and relief organizations.

“In countries like Venezuela, American companies are often the most significant source of financial support to employees, employees’ families, and their communities,” said U.S. Chamber Senior Vice President of the Americas Neil Herrington. “Forcing U.S. companies out of Venezuela will not accelerate a return to democracy. It will only increase suffering and slow economic recovery, while allowing America’s global competitors to fill the vacuum.”

Most of the survey participants do not believe pulling U.S. companies out of Venezuela would guarantee a return to democracy. Sixty-three percent of respondents and 76% of Venezuelan American respondents believe that pulling U.S. companies out will not guarantee a democratic transition. Furthermore, 80% of Venezuelan Americans believe that U.S. companies are critical for maintaining a U.S. foothold in Venezuela.