(WMR.C Daily Analysis) - "Venezuela is actively promoting private participation in the country's natural gas sector in order to diversify the economy and lessen its dependence on the export of crude oil and refined products. Venezuela's abundance of natural gas reserves (148 Tcf, according to PDVSA's estimates), and the country's proximity to the US market means that it is an attractive area for foreign investment. Venezuela hopes to become a natural gas exporter in the next few years (...)".