Trade Commissioner Service - Venezuela

Welcome to the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in Caracas. Our mandate is to promote and protect Canada's economic interests in Venezuela, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao (ABC islands). In this context, we support the efforts of Canadian companies which have selected these markets for their products, services and technologies (trade promotion). We also promote foreign direct investment from Venezuela and the ABC islands into Canada.

Venezuela is Canada's sixth largest export market in Latin America and the Caribbean (excluding Mexico). Total merchandise exports to Venezuela reached nearly C$ 681.5 million in 2014 and included: vegetable products; machinery and mechanical appliances; wood, paper and paperboard; and chemical products. Total merchandise imports from Venezuela reached C$ 35 million in 2014 and included: mineral products; base metals; and chemical products. Two Way Merchandise trade between Canada and Venezuela reached C$ 716.5. The cumulative stock of Canadian investments in Venezuela for 2014 is not available.

Total merchandise exports to Aruba reached US$ 10.5 million in 2014 and included: prepared foodstuffs, beverages, spirits, tobacco and tobacco substitutes. Total merchandise imports from Aruba reached US$ 5.5 million in 2014 and included: mineral and chemical products. Two way merchandise trade between Canada and Aruba reached US$ 16.0 million in 2014.

Total merchandise exports to former Netherlands Antilles, reached US$ 44.3 million in 2013 and included: petroleum oils and oils from Bituminous Minerals, Turbo-Propellers and medicaments. Total merchandise imports from former Netherlands Antilles reached US$ 400 thousands in 2013 and included: electronic equipment, appliances and machines. Statistics for 2014 have not been reported yet.

Note: Diplomatic relations between the Dutch Caribbean and Canada are carried out via the Embassy of Canada in The Hague, Netherlands, while trade promotion and consular services delivery for the ABC islands are carried out by the Embassy of Canada in Caracas.

Featured

Leading Opportunity Sectors

We serve Canadian clients in all sectors. Based on our knowledge of the market, the following sectors offer the greatest opportunities for Canadian companies:

Agriculture, Food and Beverages | Education | Oil and Gas

Focus on Our Region

Canada and Venezuela have enjoyed more than 60 years of positive commercial relations. Moreover, Venezuela is Canada's third largest market in South America after Brazil and Chile, with merchandise exports for the 2013 calendar year totaling almost US$ 764 million versus US$ 740.3 million in 2012. In addition, Canada has important bilateral agreements with Venezuela, including a FIPA, DTA, and bilateral Air Agreement.

The greatest opportunities for clients are in the Agriculture & Processed Food, Oil and Gas, and Education sectors. More limited opportunities exist in Aerospace, Consumer Products, Defence and Security, Fish and Seafood, ICT, Cleantech, Industrial Machinery, Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining, Professional Services, and Sustainable Technologies.

Canada also has important economic ties with the Caribbean members of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Official statistics show that merchandise exports to Aruba reached US$ 15 million in 2013 while merchandise imports reached US$ 4.3 million during the same period. Similarly, merchandise exports to former Netherlands Antilles, reached US$ 43 million in 2013 while merchandise imports reached US$ 379 thousands during the same period.