Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-10 15:46Core Viewpoint - President Trump's strategic proposal regarding Venezuela's oil industry could potentially allow U.S. companies to control 55% of global oil production if they re-enter the Venezuelan market [1][3]. Group 1: Investment Plans - U.S. companies plan to invest at least $100 billion in Venezuela's oil production sector, which would be one of the largest investment plans in the international energy sector in recent years [3]. - ExxonMobil's CEO expressed caution, stating that investment in Venezuela would not be feasible without regulatory reforms and restructuring in the energy sector [3]. Group 2: Venezuela's Oil Industry Context - Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, with its oil industry history dating back to the early 20th century [3]. - The country previously nationalized foreign energy companies' assets, including those of U.S. firms, under former President Hugo Chávez, which Trump criticized as "unfair" [3]. Group 3: Potential for Cooperation - Venezuela's interim president indicated readiness to collaborate on energy projects with various parties, including the U.S., signaling potential flexibility in energy cooperation [4]. - Analysts suggest that Trump's proposal reflects strategic considerations for global energy dominance, especially as the international energy market undergoes adjustments [4]. Group 4: Challenges and Future Outlook - The realization of Trump's proposal faces multiple challenges, including Venezuela's domestic policy environment, U.S.-Venezuela bilateral relations, changes in the international energy market, and geopolitical factors [4]. - The discussions are still in preliminary stages, and substantial progress will depend on the maturation of various conditions [4][5].