He says the Amazon is increasingly being pulled into a global market that demands environmentally friendly products, which is, he says, the argument that Cargill is using.

NPR: Unlikely Allies Battle Deforestation in the Amazon

Mr Maduro is said to be friendly and jovial and to enjoy socialising, but he is also credited with being a wily operator and a skilled negotiator.

BBC: Profile: Nicolas Maduro

But, much though the business-friendly Mr Clement may be tempted, he is being urged by his party leaders in Berlin to try to remake a coalition with the obstreperous Greens.

ECONOMIST: Germany