During the session of the National Economic Council held this Monday, acting president Delcy Rodríguez reaffirmed the Executive's commitment to the reconstruction of the areas devastated by the earthquakes of June 24. "We will have a new La Guaira. I have faith in that, faith and hope. We will have a new La Guaira," she reiterated.
The national leader emphasized that, despite the magnitude of the tragedy, the country's financial pillars and oil production remain solid and are clearly expanding to support the recovery of the affected regions.
Rodríguez specified that the economic impact of the double earthquake has been concentrated locally, mainly in La Guaira state, affecting its port, airport, residential, and commercial infrastructure. However, he clarified that the nation's macroeconomic foundations have not been disrupted.
To demonstrate the strength of the national income, the acting president highlighted the scope of the country's main industry: "Oil production is already at 1.203.000 barrels per day. We will maintain our oil production growth plan for this year. It has not been disrupted in any way. Furthermore, he added to this assessment the positive performance of the domestic market, noting that tax activity shows a sustained increase and reported that "real consumption in June has a growth of 33%".
National alliance with the productive sectors
Rodríguez emphasized that the recovery process in La Guaira will be carried out in partnership with the private sector and national trade associations: "I wanted to convene this National Economic Council to say that this reconstruction and recovery plan will be done together, with you and us. I want to tell each and every one of you that this is a commitment," he said.
He reported that soil studies and housing projects aimed at building earthquake-resistant buildings are already underway, instructing his ministers to maintain direct communication with the Chamber of Construction and the Chamber of Real Estate to activate national capacities to the fullest.
International coordination and demand for an end to the blockade
The acting head of state also referred to the international assistance the country has received in a coordinated and sovereign manner, noting that she has maintained direct contact with the UN and foreign heads of state. She took the opportunity to reiterate her call for the lifting of unilateral coercive measures, arguing that the current situation demands a global humanitarian response devoid of political bias.
"We are at a moment where it would send an extraordinary signal to the international community if those who have the power to lift the blockade on Venezuela did so," Rodríguez asserted, adding that he had sent a formal letter to the King of England demanding the return of Venezuelan gold held abroad.
The president also reaffirmed the government's institutional legitimacy before the international community in receiving aid: "Here there is a government, here there is a country, here there is a state, and here there is a people who want to rise up and move forward, overcome the rubble, recover, and rebuild," she declared.
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