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Delcy Rodríguez presented a reformed industry — one that has opened up to private capital, international arbitration and scrutiny in less than three months.

The two-day visit comes as the administration seeks to defend against China’s hold on critical minerals, some of which are abundant in Venezuela.

The U.S. government on Feb. 11 further asserted its self-appointed role in turning around Venezuela’s oil industry with the arrival of Energy Secretary Chris Wright for a firsthand assessment.

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez used her first state of the union message Jan. 15 to advocate for opening the crucial state-run oil industry to more foreign investment.