CARACAS (Reuters) – President Hugo Chavez on Thursday ordered the nationalization of several small iron and ceramics companies, part of a drive to build a socialist state in the OPEC nation.
Chavez, who has already nationalized many of Venezuela’s largest industries, named iron briquette makers Orinoco Iron and Matesi among the companies to pass into state hands.
“Matesi, nationalize it. … Orinoco Iron, nationalize it,” Chavez said to cheering workers in a televised speech.
Several of the companies named on Thursday have long been plagued by labor disputes.
The close ally of Cuba has gradually reduced the private sector in Venezuela, taking over major oil, electricity and steel projects in a two-year drive that also includes Venezuela’s main steel plant, Sidor.
In recent weeks, he has moved against smaller oil service companies and US food giant Cargill’s local operations.