ExCo Jeffrey Lam: Venezuela turmoil underscores security risks, raises oil price volatility concerns
發佈日期: 2026-01-04 20:18
TVB News
With the situation in Venezuela rattling the world, Executive Council member Jeffrey Lam says the Latin American country's crisis underscores the importance of national security.
Analysts note that because of the situation, the global oil markets could dip around 10 percent over the short term.
In response to possible repercussions of Venezuela's turmoil on Hong Kong, Executive Council member Jeffrey Lam describes the situation as unfortunate but he also underscores how the case reflects the critical need to safeguard national security -- and how a stable environment in Hong Kong is essential for wooing investment.
JEFFREY LAM, Executive Council Member: "As the situation is still evolving, it will definitely affect the crude oil situation around the world; whether it will jack up the price, whether it will affect prices of different raw materials, we have yet to see. But we expect the situation in Venezuela may attract more foreign investments to Hong Kong."
Lam says Hong Kong has limited direct trade ties with Venezuela but notes that the country is a major oil exporter -- and any sharp movement in oil prices could affect import-export businesses and the broader market sentiment.
Lawmaker Sunny Tan notes Hong Kong could serve as a stabiliser amid global uncertainties.
SUNNY TAN, Legco (Textiles & Garment): "We can see that in the global situation, especially in the western world, there's a lot of uncertainties that happened and Venezuela is one of the kind of situations where it is hard to predict and hard to manage. But in Hong Kong, the key is we are the stabiliser our country is the stabiliser."
Market analyst Jasper Lo believes oil prices could ultimately fall by more than 10 percent as investors anticipate that the US may eventually regain control over Venezuela's oil production. He explains that years of sanctions and curbs have suppressed Venezuelan exports but markets are now pricing in a potential recovery in supply regardless of how the political situation unfolds."
