The International Monetary Fund is considering opening a local office in Venezuela, which would mark its first permanent presence in the country in years, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move comes as Venezuela has begun sharing more economic data with the Washington-based lender, enabling deeper technical assistance.

Talks have been held with Venezuelan officials, but no final decision has been made, the sources said, requesting anonymity. The potential office would symbolize a thaw in relations between the IMF and the government of President Nicolás Maduro, whose administration has been under U.S. sanctions.

If realized, the office would facilitate on-the-ground monitoring and support for economic reforms. Venezuela's economy has struggled with hyperinflation and a prolonged crisis, but recent data-sharing signals a possible shift toward greater transparency.

The IMF has not commented publicly. The development follows a trend of cautious re-engagement between international financial institutions and Caracas, though significant hurdles remain, including political opposition and unresolved debt issues.