Business in Bolivia. Bolivian economy. Foreign trade

 Educational level: Continuing education / Executive education programs.

Course summary (Doing business in Bolivia):

According to the Central Bank of Bolivia, in 2009 the balance of payments recorded a surplus of 325 million USD. The value of exports of goods reached U.S. $ 4.848 million FOB (28% of GDP). It should be noted that between 2001 and 2005 export flows were characterized by low levels (average of $ us1.919 million). The value of oil exports was lower in 41.4% compared to 2008. In the case of non-traditional exports, their value was higher by 1.4% over 2008. Non-traditional products that showed increases in value were: soybean meal (52.8%), sugar (41.5%), soybean oil (31.7%), soya beans (23.3%), flour soy (20.4%) and coffee (5.1%).

The value of imports of goods CIF in 2009 (USD 4.377 million) was lower than in 2008 (12.1%), but higher than those achieved in previous years. Imports of capital goods, which represent 28% of the total, were lower than 2008 at 4.7%.

Nationalizations have taken place since 2006 in the hydrocarbons, mining and telecommunications sectors and opportunities in these sectors for foreign investors have become more restricted.

Example of the course Doing business in Bolivia (English):

The most important changes in trade flows of Bolivia with the rest of the world, recorded in 2009 compared to 2008, were:

- In MERCOSUR, the surplus dropped to USD 708 million, mainly due to lower natural gas exports to Brazil.

- With the Andean Community, there was an increase of the positive balance of USD 158 million due mainly to higher exports to Colombia and Ecuador.

- With the MCCA - SICA, ran a trade deficit of USD 0.2 million to a surplus of USD 2.7 million.

- With NAFTA, the deficit increased to USD 131 million due both to the decline in exports as the major imports. It highlights the favorable outcome with Canada reached 32.5 million USD

- With the European Union, there was an increase in the surplus of USD 90 million (3.2 billion USD in 2008) by increased exports, highlighting the positive trade balance with Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK.

- With the EFTA increased surplus due to increased U.S. $ 6 million surplus with Switzerland.

- In Asia, the positive balance of USD 130 million mainly explained by the favorable balance with South Korea.

The gross inflows of FDI foreign direct investment reached 687 million USD, among which stand out for the hydrocarbons sector. In terms of GDP, foreign direct investment amounted to 3.9% gross and net Foreign direct investment to 2.4%.

Entel "Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones de Bolivia", holds a leadership position in both fixed and mobile telephony, as in the various telecommunications services of added value.

International Economic Relations. Bolivia is member of: Andean Community (CAN), Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), Latin American and Caribbean economic System (SELA), Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA), Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLAC), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC), Summit of South American Arab Countries (ASPA), Organization of American States (OEA), World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization, United Nations

Free Trade Agreements of the Andean Community: MERCOSUR (ACE) (Associated), Chile, Mexico, Panama, European Union. Trade relations: India, China, Russia, ATPDEA.

Economic Complementation Agreement with Chile.

Bolivia is divided into nine departments (Beni, Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Tarija and Santa Cruz.) Borders of Bolivia: Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Paraguay and Chile.

Example of the course Doing business in Bolivia (Spanish):

Business, Bolivia, Bolivian, Economy, foreign trade, Plurinational, State, Exports, Imports, FDI, foreign, direct, investment, integration, corridors