Huan Qiu Wang·2026-01-10 03:34Core Viewpoint - The meeting between President Trump and executives from major U.S. oil companies aimed to encourage investment in Venezuela's oil industry, with Trump claiming that U.S. companies could control over 55% of global oil if they re-entered the Venezuelan market [1][5]. Group 1: Investment Opportunities - Trump expressed a strong desire for U.S. companies to invest at least $100 billion in Venezuela's oil production, highlighting the potential for rebuilding the country's energy infrastructure [5]. - The executives from ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips were present, but none committed to immediate large-scale investments, citing the need for regulatory reforms and restructuring of the energy sector in Venezuela [5]. Group 2: Oil Reserves and Production - Venezuela is reported to have approximately 303 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, accounting for about 19% of global reserves, while the U.S. has around 45 billion barrels, representing about 3% [4][6]. - Combined, the reserves of both countries account for approximately 22% of the world's total proven oil reserves, contradicting Trump's claim of 55% [4]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Challenges - Analysts suggest that U.S. intervention in Venezuela's oil sector aims for both short-term access to heavy crude oil and long-term energy dominance, but face significant challenges due to aging infrastructure and changing global energy market dynamics [6]. - Venezuelan officials have condemned Trump's plans as an attempt to exploit the country's resources, asserting that such actions violate national sovereignty [6].