Venezuela versus Mexico

Mexico and Venezuela have managed to sneak in as hemispheric energy development poles. The major hydrocarbons producers in Latin America and with an evolved oil business -focused in Pemex and Pdvsa-, these two nations try to find a niche in a new marketplace. Both Venezuela and Mexico are highly dependent on the United States in terms of energy, due to proximity. However, while Mexico is consistent with the ideas and projects of the government of President George W. Bush, Venezuela is resolved to redirect oil exports to Southern neighbors and prevent any risks with the North.

As a result, two parallel processes are taking shape. Mexico tries to advance the second stage of Plan Puebla Panama, devised by the government of President Vicente Fox to engage in Central America. Venezuela looks for Mercosur and the Caracas Energy Agreement in order to get closer to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Concomitantly, it has turned into a major supplier to the Caribbean through the new Petrocaribe.

El Universal