Jorge Rodríguez Orders Turkish Cement Investors to Be Summoned Over Trujillo Prices

Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela's National Assembly, has ordered the summoning of Turkish businessmen involved in the cement sector. This directive comes in response to Rodríguez's expressed dissatisfaction with the current prices of cement in Trujillo state.

During an official event, Rodríguez directly addressed the issue of cement costs and economic activity in Trujillo, a region identified as a primary producer of cement and silica sand in the country. He questioned why a sack of cement is being sold for between $32 and $37, deeming the situation unacceptable and stating it would be communicated to acting president Delcy Rodríguez for review.

Turkish investors have increased their presence in Venezuela's cement sector in recent years, often within the framework of bilateral agreements. However, various organizations have raised concerns regarding the transparency of some of these commercial partnerships and the discretionary allocation of strategic projects.

Diplomatic ties between Venezuela and Turkey have strengthened over the past decade, according to Turkey's ambassador to Caracas, Aydan Karamanoğlu. He previously highlighted the growing Turkish investment in Venezuela, particularly in the cement industry, and noted the mutual political and economic interests driving this relationship. This development occurs as Venezuela's economy shows a greater openness to foreign capital in strategic sectors, partly due to a partial easing of international sanctions.

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Madam Deputy América Pérez, when you arrive in Caracas, summon those Turks involved with cement and bring them to my office.