Venezuela has signed an agreement with Trinidad and Tobago for the exploitation of the gas resources shared between the two countries and the increase of trade flows.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced this week the creation of a joint company to invest in gas projects, which should bring returns to both nations and help the shared resources reach international markets.

He added that trade flows would increase through the creation of a US$50mn revolving fund.

The agreement also covers collaboration in the fight against drug traffickers.

Venezuela is currently in a state of emergency, as low oil prices have left the country unable to pay for basic imports, resulting in strikes and protests against the government and a deep economic crisis.