Venezuela supports SELA's work in pursuit of regional integration

Venezuela's executive vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, on Wednesday backed the work of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) in the search for integration mechanisms, which, she believes, is a commitment to the region's growth and development.

“The more integration, the more economic growth (...) Venezuela's message to the region is a message of union,” Rodríguez said during the Forum “Regional integration, perspectives and experiences of Latin America and the Caribbean,” held in Caracas, with the participation of representatives of the 25 member countries.

The vice-president explained that the region faces inequalities and challenges that must be addressed jointly to solve problems such as the average extreme poverty rate of 13%, “geographical difficulties” and a precarious transport system.

It is necessary to fix “the fault at the root in the search for integration.” It is a matter of “correcting the economic matrix towards the diversified development of production,” Rodríguez said, agreeing with the “much-needed spirit of integration” raised during the meeting, especially by the Permanent Secretary of SELA, Clarems Endara.

Although the region does not have the best figures, the outlook is “hopeful, because we know where to go in the future,” she continued.

In this regard, she stressed the potential of Latin America and the Caribbean for energy integration, as well as for the joint development of infrastructure, logistics and trade projects. “We have to go back to our roots, to have real political will,” she added.

SELA, which aims to advance productive coordination for economic recovery, is in the process of showing that a profitable regional fabric is possible, with the support of appropriate public and fiscal policies, promotion and revaluation of the products of each country.