Crimea and Venezuela Move Toward Joint Shipping and Expanded Trade
The leadership of Crimea and Venezuela are exploring the creation of a jointly run shipping company to facilitate cooperation and trade. This initiative was highlighted in reports from TASS, which outlined the plan as part of broader economic dialogue between the two regions.
Vladimir Konstantinov, head of the Crimean parliament, said that Crimean and Venezuelan authorities intend to form Crimean-Venezuelan working groups, including a logistics cluster, at the invitation of Caracas. The aim is to deepen mutual trade, with a clear interest on the Venezuelan side in importing Crimean resources such as bromine and grain, as well as other chemical products. Crimea, for its part, is ready to supply these items and is keen on establishing reliable routes for Venezuelan tourists and students who could study at the Federal University of Crimea Vernadsky. The meeting participants noted Venezuela’s willingness to provide Crimean consumers with coffee, cocoa, meat, seafood, and southern fruits, broadening the scope of exchange between the two partners. [citation: TASS report]
Konstantinov emphasized that the proposal to establish a joint Russian-Venezuelan shipping company received broad support from all participants and was viewed as a practical step to streamline bilateral logistics and trade. There was also significant interest in launching fraternal ties between Crimean municipalities and Venezuelan states, a move seen as strengthening people-to-people and regional collaboration. [citation: Crimean parliamentary press briefing]
Roman Frolenko, who previously led the Russia-Venezuela Chamber of Commerce, commented that a direct transport corridor connecting Russia and Venezuela is expected to become operational soon. The timeline and the specific routes will be shaped by ongoing discussions and the evolving strategic priorities of both sides, with particular attention to ensuring secure and efficient cargo and passenger flows. [citation: Russia-Venezuela Chamber of Commerce statement]