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The US Treasury is considering a short-term bridge loan to help Venezuela settle overdue debt with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Bloomberg reported on November 13 that the proposal could restore Caracas' ability to seek new financing from international lenders.
People familiar with the discussions said Treasury officials are weighing a temporary financing arrangement to clear the unpaid obligations. One proposal would route funds through an overnight transaction with the IDB rather than transfer money directly to Venezuela, Bloomberg reported.
An IDB quarterly report filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission puts Venezuela's overdue principal and interest at USD 2.328 billion as of September 30. Of that amount, USD 2.194 billion had been outstanding for more than 180 days.
The bank suspended new lending in May 2018 and placed its Venezuela loans on nonaccrual status. Its report says it cannot resume lending until the country clears its arrears. The IDB also does not reschedule government-backed loans under its current policy.
No final US Treasury loan agreement or repayment terms have been announced. Venezuela was also considering a bridge loan from Qatar in October, according to previous reporting.
On November 13, the IDB's executive board unanimously approved a country engagement note for Venezuela. The decision marks the bank's first formal plan for renewed operations since its 2018 lending halt.
The 2026–2028 framework focuses on restoring economic growth, repairing electricity infrastructure and improving services for vulnerable households. It also covers food security and reconstruction following earthquakes that struck the country in June.
IDB President Ilan Goldfajn said, “This is a milestone in the IDB Group’s relationship with Venezuela and our commitment to supporting its people.” The bank plans to begin with technical assistance, research, institutional support and project preparation.
However, the engagement note does not provide a loan or erase existing debt. The IDB said future government loans would require separate approval from its board after Venezuela meets the necessary conditions. Its private-sector arm, IDB Invest, may consider selected financing and guarantees under its risk rules.
Bloomberg reported that Venezuela could seek up to USD 6 billion from the IDB and USD 5 billion from the World Bank over two years. Neither institution has approved those amounts.
The World Bank resumed dealings with Venezuela in April 2026 after suspending them in 2019. However, its country website still shows no active lending portfolio. Renewed contact therefore does not mean new funding has started.
The Treasury proposal could draw questions in Congress. In January, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to rule out using the Exchange Stabilization Fund to guarantee private financial investments in Venezuela. That request concerned financial-sector support rather than the reported IDB repayment plan.
In 2008, a US Treasury bridge loan of about USD 888 million helped Liberia clear overdue IMF payments. The IMF subsequently approved USD 952 million in financing, allowing repayment of the bridge loan.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan lawmakers approved electricity-sector reforms on November 10 to allow more private investment. The IDB has identified power infrastructure as an initial priority for technical assistance and possible future financing.
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