Summary Venezuela's trade minister has threatened to impose a range of import quotas and tariffs to stem a rising tide of imports and stimulate domestic industry. The move may bolster President Hugo Chavez's waning domestic political support. But his increasing intervention in the economy will deter private investment and hinder economic growth while deepening Venezuela's international isolation. Analysis Venezuela's minister for trade and production, Luisa Romero, has announced a plan to reduce the country's import bill by 20 percent through a mixture of quotas, tariffs and subsidies, the Financial Times reported Aug. 22. Venezuelan industrial and labor groups reacted positively to the announced intervention. With cheap imports flooding the country and his popularity waning, President Hugo Chavez is counting on the trade barriers to stimulate domestic industry and reinvigorate his political support.