CARACAS, April 17 (Reuters) - Venezuela has engaged in

negotiations with U.S. oil producer Chevron Corp ( CVX ) to

expand the area initially assigned to one of its joint ventures

with state-run company PDVSA, oil minister Pedro Tellechea told

reporters on Wednesday.

The expansion could be focused on Chevron's ( CVX ) largest area of

influence, Venezuela's Orinoco Belt, according to the minister.