Venezuela’s president is planning to buy assets in Uruguay, according to the local media. Hugo Chávez is considering investing in Pluna, a small Uruguayan airline, through a state-owned Venezuelan airline. Conviasa is mulling over buying Brazilian airline Varig’s 49% stake in the Uruguayan outfit.
Chávez is also poised to invest in Cofac, a Uruguayan credit cooperative. It is thought that Venezuela will invest about $22 million in the savings institution.
Both Uruguayan businesses are struggling and questions have been raised about Chávez’s motivation. But they would fit into his strategy of supporting ailing companies and countries as part of his bid to be recognized as the most important leader in Latin America.