Legal Reform and Business Realities in Venezuela

Venezuela's expanding investment opportunities reward companies that pair optimism with disciplined preparation. In this episode of "Global Markets, Policy & Power," Holland & Knight cross-border transactions attorney Jose Sirven speaks with attorneys Margarita Escudero Leon and Maria Veronica Espina Molina at Venezuela-based Tinoco, Travieso, Planchart & Núñez about reforms opening the country's hydrocarbon, mining and electricity sectors to greater private participation while strengthening access to international arbitration. Ms. Escudero Leon and Ms. Espina Molina offer listeners an "on-the-ground" look at the situation in Caracas, comparing the current investment environment to the outlook a year ago. They emphasize that successful investors begin with legal and regulatory assessments, counterparty diligence and operational planning before selecting an entity, joint venture or other structure for market entry. This episode was recorded on June 24, shortly before the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. As we share this discussion, our thoughts are with all those affected and with the many individuals working to support recovery efforts.