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3D"U.S.  

Doing Business in Bolivia=

A Country Commercial Guide= for U.S. Companies

INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. AND FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 200= 5. A= LL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.

 

 

= Chapter 1: Doing Business in Bolivia=

Market Overview        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;        Return to top

Bolivia re= mains a difficult place to do business. Economic activity is often disrupted by s= ocial unrest resulting from centuries of economic, political, and social inequali= ty, and indigenous, labor, and anti-globalization organizations have recently t= argeted private investment – particularly foreign investment – as the c= ause of many of the country’s ills. Political violence, while rare, can escalate quickly.

 

Bolivia is South America’s poorest and least industrialized country. The hydrocarbons and mining sectors drive the economy, which g= rew by approximately four percent in 2006. Gross domestic product (GDP) totaled an estimated USD 8.8 billion, up slightly from USD 8.5 billion in 2005. Inflat= ion remained low, at an estimated four percent.

 

Bolivia is highly dependent on ca= pital and consumer goods imports and foreign direct investment (FDI). The United States is Bolivia’s largest single investor – accounting for ap= proximately one-third of net FDI inflows of USD 1.4 billion between 2001 and 2005 ̵= 1; and one of Bolivia= ’s leading trading partners, importing goods worth USD 343 million and exporti= ng merchandise worth USD 203 million in 2006. These figures represent approximately 15 and= 13 percent, respectively, of Bolivia’s total exports and imports. Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, = Peru, and Venezuela are also important trading partners.

Market Challenges        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Return to top  

Bolivia is generally open to for= eign investment, but social unrest, weak judicial security, arbitrary regulatory decisions, widespread corruption, cumbersome bureaucratic procedures, and political pressure to abrogate contracts may adversely affect companiesR= 17; operations.

 

Investments may also be affected by= policy changes proposed by the Evo Morales administration. During the 2005 preside= ntial campaign, Morales pledged to nationalize natural resources, move away from market-oriented economic policies, and empower Bolivia’s indigenous population. Since his January 2006 inauguration, Morales has “nationa= lized” the hydrocarbons industry (forcing companies to negotiate new contracts and offering the state-owned oil company majority share of five firms) and threatened the mining and forestry sectors with similar action. He has also convened a Constituent Assembly to rewrite the country’s constitution. Resulting political and economic uncertainty has presented challenges for potential investors.

 

 

 

 

Market Opportunities        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;            Return to top

Political and economic ambiguity has limited market opportunities. Recent changes to Bolivia’s legal framewo= rk have made the hydrocarbons sector less attractive to foreign investors, and proposed modifications to the mining code, along with proposed tax and roya= lty increases, have diminished companies’ interest in the mining sector.<= /span>

 

Uncertainty surrounding the extensi= on of the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) beyond its June 30, 2007 expiration has also lessened investors’ interest in ATPDEA-dependent industries such as textiles and apparel.

Market Entry Strategy=         &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           Return to top

Companies considering doing business in Bolivia should carefully weigh the advantages and risks of potential investments, conduct extensive due diligence before committing funds, and retain compete= nt Bolivian legal and other counsel.

 

Return to table of contents

Chapte= r 2: Political and Economic Environment

For bac= kground information on Boliv= ia’s political and economic environment, please click on the link below to acces= s the U.S. Department of State’s Background Note.

&n= bsp;

http://www.state.gov/r/= pa/ei/bgn/35751.htm

 =

Return to table of contents

Chapter 3: Selling U.S. Products and Services

 

Using an Agent or Distributor     &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;             <= /span>Return to top

Foreign firms typically hire= local agents or distributors or establish local subsidiaries or branches, often in one or more of the major cities of La Paz,= Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba.

 

Government tenders require local representation. Agents must register with Bolivia’s National Chamber of Commerce, the Internal Revenue Service, the Vice Minist= ry of Industry and Commerce, Fundaempresa, and the local municipality.

 

To register, agents must present a letter or agreement confirming their appointment as representatives. The document must clearly indicate the contract’s validity period, the agent’s sales area (national or regional), the agreement’s financial terms, and whether the foreign f= irm has the right to appoint other agents in other areas of Bolivia= .

Establishing an Office  = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;     Return to top

Bolivia’s Commercial Code defines the following business entities and outlines procedures for establishing each:<= o:p>

 

§stock company or corporation (S.A.): a company in= which common capital consists of transferable shares and in which each stockholde= r’s liability is limited to the number of shares held. Management is the respon= sibility of the corporation’s board of directors, which is comprised of three = to twelve individuals (who may be shareholders) elected by stockholders. Busin= ess may be conducted by one or more shareholders, or by third parties appointed= for this purpose for a limited period as indicated in company by-laws.

§  limited liability company (S.R.L.): a company in which each partner’s liability is limited to the amount invested. The firm may h= ave between two and 25 partners. Capital shares must be paid in full at the tim= e of incorporation.

§  general partnership (S.C.): a company in which partners have both joint and individual liability.<= /p>

§  limited partnership: a company consisting of one or more general partners, jointly responsible as ordinary partners, = and one or more limited partners who are not liable for the partnership’s= debts beyond the sum contributed as capital to common stock.

§  joint stock company: a company whose partners are liable for obligations as ordinary partners, while limited partners incur no liability beyond the number of shares held.

§  temporary association for commercial purposes without formal partnership: a short-term agreement in which two or more persons unite for one or more transitory or = specific operations.

  • branch of a foreign company/sole proprietorship: a wholly owned subsidiary of a foreign firm.

 

Foreign firms wishing to establish a subsidiary should allow f= our to eight months to complete the process. The company must notarize and publish= its statutes in a local newspaper and obtain operating approval from the Intern= al Revenue Service, the Secretary of Industry and Commerce, and the local municipality.

Franc= hising        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;   Return to top

Bolivia has no specific legislati= on governing franchising, but clear rules regulate its operation. A foreign firm wishing= to grant a franchise must first register the brand name with Bolivia’s National Inte= llectual Property Service (SENAPI), after which it may grant a franchise to a local company through an appropriate contract.

 

Franchise operations have become more popular in the last few years, mostly in fast f= ood, delivery services, language centers, and clothing and drug stores. For more information, interested parties should contact the following:

 

Bolivian Franchise Associ= ation

C= alle Yanacocha esq. Mariscal Santa Cruz

E= dificio Casanovas, Piso 6, Oficina 606

L= a Paz, Bolivia

Phone/Fax: (591-2) 215-20= 94

Direct Marketing     &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;          <= span lang=3DEN style=3D'font-weight:normal'>Return to top

Direct marketing among certain i= nstitutions is fairly well established, but information databases are generally unavail= able. Commercial information can be obtained through local chambers of commerce, local trade associations, and the U.S. Embassy’s commercial section.<= /span>

 

 

 

 

Joint Ventures/Licensing    &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;          <= span lang=3DEN style=3D'font-weight:normal'>Return to top

Bolivian law defines a joint venture as a specific business venture carried out by t= wo or more parties with separate legal licenses. Each party is liable for debts according to its relevant ownership percentage, with separate business interests unaffected unless specifically stated in the agreement.

 

Foreign and domestic corporation= s and/or individuals may enter into joint venture agreements. While foreign companie= s are not required to possess local legal licenses in advance, they must be able = to demonstrate legal status in their countries of origin.

 

The Investment Law (Law 1182, 19= 90) governs the operation of joint ventures, while Supreme Decree 22526 (dated June 13, 1990) lays out implementing regulations.

Sellin= g to the Government     &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;      Return to top

Government expenditures account for a significant portion of Bolivia’s GDP. National, state, and municipal governments and other public entities are important bu= yers of machinery, equipment, materials, and services.

 

The Bolivian = government revised purchasing rules in Supreme Decree 27328 (dated January 31, 2004). = The government may make purchases (excluding insurance contracts) under USD 20,= 000 through direct invitation and price comparisons, with a minimum of three qu= otes. The government must issue tenders for purchases between USD 20,000 and USD 1,000,000. Importers of foreign goods can participate in these tenders only when locally manufactured products and service providers are unavailable or when the government fails to award a contract. The government may call for international bids only for purchases between USD 1,000,000 and USD 5,000,0= 00. Suppliers submitting bids for purchases over USD 5,000,000 must comply with prerequis= ites established in bidding documents exclusive to each purchase. 

 

Bid specifications containing technical and commercial requirements are availab= le through the relevant government entity and local media. The entity’s chief official determines qualifying procedures and makes award decisions. Domestic bidders receive a 10 to 15 percent preference, depending on the bi= d, to encourage local industrial development. Officials consider both price an= d quality when awarding contracts.

 

The government may issue tenders= for national security purchases for the armed forces or for goods and services = of national interest with no limit in value.

 

World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) projects involve additional = requirements. Tenders are issued under the rules of each organization.<= /p>

Distribution and Sales Channels    &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;          Return to top

Because Bolivia= is landlocked, merchandise must be delivered by air or transported overland fr= om Chilean, Peruvian, Brazilian, or Argentine seaports. Seasonal bad weather, roadblocks, and port congestion can complicate overland delivery and may ma= ke air transportation preferable even for heavy items.

 

To distribute goods, many firms est= ablish offices in La Paz or Santa Cruz, with sales agents in other = major cities. Whol= esalers often import directly and then distribute goods through urban retail outlets, frequently making use of small, often family-owned operations, street vendo= rs, and other informal distribution channels.

Selli= ng Factors/Techniques    &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Return to top

Price and quality are important factors in all sales. To be effective, advertising and sales materials must be in Spanish.

Trade Promotion and Advertising&n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            = Return to top

Seven advertising agencies operate = in La Paz, among them GRAMMA, Nexus, SMART (McCann-Ericsson), and J. Walter Thompson. Advertising agencies generally charge a 15 percent negotiable commission. For more information, interested parties should contact th= e La Paz Chamber of Advertising Agencies:

 

C= ámara Paceña de Empresas de Publicidad (CAPEP)

C= alle Lisímaco Gutiérrez No. 513

L= a Paz, Bolivia

E-mail: capep@megalink.com=

 

Radio=

 <= /o:p>

Bolivia’s nearly 500 radio stations reach even the most isolated areas, where electri= city is often unavailable. Radio is particularly effective in reaching rural populations, as many programs are broadcast in the two dominant native lang= uages, Aymara and Quechua.

 

Television

 

Television is increasingly available in rural areas and can be found in almost all urban homes. Televi= sion stations are privately held, with the exception of one government-owned sta= tion and several belonging to major state universities. While several networks broadcast throughout the country, only the government station is considered truly “national” since it alone broadcasts to all areas. <= /o:p>

 

Access to cable television is limited. Two firms, Supercanal and Multivisió= n, serve approximately 30,000 households, with packages offering South American feeds from major world networks (CNN, BBC, MTV, Nickelodeon, and others) an= d Latin American, European, and U.S. programming.

 

Newspapers

 <= /o:p>

La Paz newspapers’ combined daily circulation is between 30,000 and 80,000. = The principal La Paz newspapers (La Razon, = La Prensa, and El Diario) circulate nationally, as do the major San= ta Cruz (El Deber and El Mundo) and Cochabamba (Los Tiempos) newspapers.

 

Market Research

Along with PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG, sev= eral foreign market research firms operate locally. All market research and consulting com= panies must register with the National Chamber of Consulting Companies:=

 

C= ámara Nacional de Empresas Consultoras (CANEC)

A= venida 6 de Agosto No. 2464

E= dificio Los Jardines, Oficina 5D

L= a Paz, Bolivia

Phone: (591-2) 244-3819

Fax: (591-2) 244-3819

Pricing           &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;         Return to top

Except = in limited circumstances, markets determine prices. The Bolivian government imposes price controls on petroleum products, which are regulated by the Superintendent of Hydrocarbons. Municipal governments determine the price of garbage collecti= on services and, with the Superintendent of Basic Services, the price of water= .

Sales Service/Customer Suppo= rt        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Return to top

U.S.= products often enjoy com= petitive advantages in terms of price, quality, reputation, and customer support. Cu= stomer service and technical and maintenance support often exceed the services provided by Bolivian firms.

Protecting Intellectual Prop= erty        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;                &= nbsp;   Return to top

Intellectual property rights (IPR) protection falls well short of U.S. and international standards, and enforcement is inconsistent at best. For additional information, please see chapter six.

Due Diligence            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;         Return to top

<= st1:country-region w:st=3D"on">U.S. businesses considering investing i= n Bolivia= should investigate potential clients, associates, and partners before entering into agreements. The U.S. Embassy’s commercial section offers International Company Profiles (ICP) that may help U.S. firms verify the reliability of potential clients or partners. For more information, please see chapter ten.

Local Professio= nal Services      = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;    Return to top

<= span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt'>Local legal counsel is highly recom= mended, particularly when establishing a local subsidiary or registering brand name= s. A complete list of general, patent, and commercial attorneys is available thr= ough the U.S. Embassy’s commercial section and at http://= bolivia.usembassy.gov/english/consular/attorney.htm.

&nb= sp;

Return to table of contents<= /a>

 Chapter 4: Leading Se= ctors for U.S. Exports and Investment

 

Hydrocarbons: Overview        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;     Return to top

Bolivia possesses approximately 47.8 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas reserves, the s= econd largest in South America, and mor= e than 856 million barrels of proven and probable crude oil reserves. Increased activity in the hydrocarbons sector is due to t= hree principal events: the passage of progressive hydrocarbons legislation in 19= 96; the reconstitution of Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB), the state hydrocarbons company; and the completion of the Bolivia-Brazil pipeline in 1999.

 

YPFB generally enters into joint venture contracts for a limit= ed period of time (usually 40 years) with private companies. YPFB also adminis= ters a gas sales agreement with Brazil’s state-owned oil company, Petrobras.

=  

Investors should note recent change= s in hydrocarbons legislation. Hydrocarbons Law 3058 (issued in May 2005) requir= ed investors to migrate to new contracts within 180 days, imposed an additiona= l 32 percent tax on revenues, and forced producers to relinquish all hydrocarbon= s to the state. The law also required companies to sell all hydrocarbons through YPFB and to satisfy the domestic market (at artificially low prices set by = the hydrocarbons regulator) before exporting.

 

The government’s May 1, 2006 Supreme Decree “nationalizing” the hydrocarbons sector generally restated the provisions of the 2005 statute, giving companies six months to negotiate new operating contracts, transferring to the state control over the entire prod= uction chain, and offering YPFB majority share of five companies. 

 

All production companies signed new contracts in October 2006, just days before the negotiation deadline, and agreed to pay = 50 percent in taxes and royalties, plus a varying take for YPFB ranging from z= ero to 32 percent. In late November, the Bolivian Congress approved the new contracts. Separate negotiations between the Bolivian government and the fi= ve companies destined for YPFB takeover are ongoing.

 

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The best sales prospects involve na= tural gas-related machinery, equipment, and production techniques.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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<= span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt'>Bolivia’s natural gas reserves may p= resent several investment opportunities for foreign firms. Among them are:

 

§Liquefied natural gas (LNG): several compan= ies have investigated the possibility of exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) = via a Pacific port to southern California an= d/or Mexico. The USD 5 billion Pacific Liquefied Natural Gas (PLNG) project was suspende= d, however, because of social concerns about exporting through Chile. = The Bolivian government is pursuing the development of gas export projects thro= ugh Peru, b= ut increased transportation costs and uncertain markets may make any Peruvian export route unfeasible.

 

  • Gas-to-liquids (GTL): several foreign firms have expressed interest in deploying gas-to-liquids technologies (GTL) to produce synthetic diesel fuel. Proposals range f= rom a 10,000 barrel per day (bpd) plant to meet domestic demand to 50,000-100,000 bpd plants for export. Bolivian gas is uniquely suited = to GTL applications because of its extremely low sulfur content. <= span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:A= rial; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>

 

  • Petrochemicals: Brazilian oil companies have been studying the possibilit= y of constructing a USD 1.4 billion petrochemicals plant in Bolivia. If built, the p= lant would have the capacity to produce 100,000 tons of polyethylene for the Bolivian market and 500,000 tons for export to Brazil.

 

  • Fertilizers: two groups are considering the construction = of a urea fertilizer plant on the Bolivia-Brazil border. Both countries offer po= tential markets.

 

  • Exploration/drilling/production: exploration and drilling for natural gas co= uld continue to be an important part of the Bolivian economy, especially g= iven Bolivia’s O= ctober 2006 gas supply agreement with Argenti= na, under which Bol= ivia agreed to increase gas exports by 20 million cubic meters per day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mining= : Overview        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;      Return to top

Mining remains one of Bolivia’s most important economic activities. Despite more than 500 years of work, es= timates suggest that only 10 percent of Bolivia’s mineral resources have been exploited. Principal metals and industrial mine= rals include gold, silver, zinc, lead, tin, copper, sulfur, potassium, lithium, borax, and semi-precious stones. Mining accounts for approximately 40 perce= nt of Bolivia’s exports (an estimated USD 1.2 billion of total exports of U= SD 2.7 billion in 2005), and several U.S. firms are either engaged in or contempla= ting major silver, gold, zinc, and lead projects.

 

Bolivia began openin= g the mining industry to private investment in the 1980s. Lands previously held by the Bolivian Mining Corporation (Comibol) are open to joint venture or leas= ing contracts.

 

Investors should note that proposed modifications to the mining code, along with proposed tax and royalty increases, have diminished interest in the mining sector.

 

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The private sector today purchases virtually all mining equipm= ent imports. The best sales prospects involve medium-sized open pit mines and s= mall- and medium-sized alluvial gold mining operations.

 

For medium-sized open pit operations, the best prospects inclu= de drills, crushers, pulverizers, conveyors, compressors, front-loaders, bulldozers, 15- to 30-ton heavy-duty trucks, gravimetric or flotation concentrators, and pumps.

 

In the small-scale sector, the best prospects include small jack-leg drills, front-loaders, crushers, concentration tables, flotation concentrators, hand tools, and explosives.

 

New developments, particularly in Potosí, could lead to significant new imports of mining equipment. With the 2004 recovery of mine= ral prices (especially gold, silver, and zinc), mining projects that were put on hold may now move forward, assuming the Bolivian government makes no dramat= ic changes to the sector’s regulatory framework.

 

Opportunities        &= nbsp;           &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; Return to top

 

The U.S. Embassy’s 2006 Mining Ind= ustry Profile is available at h= ttp://bolivia.usembassy.gov/english/commercial/MRMining2006.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Textiles: Overview        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Return to top

<= span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial'>Textiles= are an important Bolivian export. The industry has grown significantly due to pref= erential tariff treatment provided by the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA). Under the program, apparel made from regional fabric may ente= r U.S. markets duty-free, subject to a cap o= f two percent of total U.S= . apparel imports. Alpaca, vicuña, and llama products are exempt from duties.

<= span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial'>&nb= sp;

<= span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial'>Estimates suggest ATPDEA lowers the prices of Bolivian textile products in U.S. ma= rkets 17 to 20 percent. The act is set to expire June 30, 2007, with prospects for an extension linked to the Bolivian government’s willingness to negotiat= e a bilateral trade agreement with the United States.

 

Best Products/Services<= span style=3D'mso-tab-count:6'>        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;        Return to top

 

Low labor costs and high-quality raw materials, including cott= on, alpaca, angora, and llama, have made Bolivian textile products competitive = in international markets. As the sector develops, there may be sales prospects= for laundry, stamping, transfer, and packaging machinery; synthetic fibers and threads; decorative accessories; laboratory and packaging supplies; and equ= ipment and design software.

 

Opportunities        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;             = Return to top

 

The U.S. Embassy’s 2006 Textile and Apparel Industry Profile is available at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/english/commercial/MRTextilesApparel20= 06.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forestry and Wood Products: Overview  =             &nb= sp;            =             Return to top

Forests cover almost half of Bolivia’s surface area. Thirty-two million of the country’s 53 million hectares= of forest are set aside for permanent forest production, with approximately ei= ght million hectares managed under concessions. Bolivia leads the world in sustainable natural forest management, with more than two million hectares = of certified natural tropical forest.

     =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;          

<= st1:country-region w:st=3D"on">Bolivia has mor= e than 200 varieties of wood, 172 of which are considered fine or exotic, including moradillo, rosewood, and jacaranda. Mahogany represents 77 percent of total wood production, followed by oak at eight percent.

 

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Wood exports consist primarily of furniture and value-added pa= rts and pieces made of wood, rather than sawn timber. Bolivian producers have a great deal of experience in finished products made of mahogany, and the industry has recently introduced new technologies into sawing and drying processes. The best sales prospects involve related equipment, machinery, a= nd processing techniques.

 

Opportunities        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;             = Return to top

 

The U.S. Emba= ssy’s 2006 Wood Industry Profile is available at htt= p://bolivia.usembassy.gov/english/commercial/MRWood2006.pdf.=

 

= = Return to table of contents

 

= =  

Chapter 5: Trade Regulations, Customs, and Standards

 

Import Tariffs            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =          Return to top

Bolivia has a three-tier tariff structure. Capi= tal goods designated for industrial development may enter duty-free; non-essent= ial capital goods are subject to five percent tariffs; and most other goods are subject to 10 percent tariffs.

 

Luxury items such as tobacco and to= bacco products are subject to a specific consumption tax (ICE) and to an addition= al import tax of 50 percent ad valo= rem.

 

Samples and advertising materials are generally subject to regular duty rates, exce= pt when specifically prepared as samples, e.g., shoes cut in half, small patches of fabric, and pharmaceutical products and liquors in bottles clearly marked “free sample.”

 

Books and publications, gold (except jewelry), personal effects (under USD 300), goods belonging to the diplomat= ic and consular corps, and imports under government contracts or regional agreements providing for duty exemptions may enter duty-free.

 

Supreme Decree 26110 (dated March 23, 2001) also allows turnkey imports of equipment and machinery from countries outside the Andean region to enter duty-free.

Tra= de Barriers      = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;  Return to top

Supreme Decree 27340 (dated January 31, 2004) banned the importation of certain typ= es of used clothing, including old or damaged apparel articles; used bedding a= nd intimate apparel; old shoes; and certain damaged textile articles, including rags, cords, string, and rope. Supreme Decree 28761 (dated June 21, 2006) renewed these prohibitions and banned all used clothing imports after April= 20, 2007. 

Import Requirements and Documentation            =             &nb= sp;           Return to top

Imports must have the following docume= ntation:

 

  • document description form (Form 135)
  • invoice (unless a commercial sample under USD 25 in value)
  • bill of lading (when applicable)
  • proof of insurance
  • certificate of pre-shipment inspection (when applicable)
  • port expenditures (when applicable)
  • transportation invoice
  • packing list
  • certificate of origin (when applicable)
  • other certificates (= as needed)

 

Goods imported from the Andean Community (Colombi= a, Peru, and Ecuador= ) must have certificates of origin to qualify for tariff preferences.

 

Insecticides

 

Insecticide imports must have sanitary certificates issued by the National Institute of Occupational Health, along with sale permit certificates from the Vice Mini= stry of Rural Development, Agriculture, and Livestock and the National Service f= or Food Safety and Security (SENASAG) Pest = and Fertilizer Division.

 

Tobacco and Tobacco Products

 

Imports of tobacco and tobacco products must have import licenses issued by SENASAG= and the Ministry of Health.

 

Livestock

 

Live animal imports must have certificates of origin indicating their state of health. Purebred livestock imported for breeding purposes must also have pedigree certificates.

 

Seeds (Treated and Non-Treated) and Pl= ants

 

All products of vegetable origin must have SENASAG certificates in addition to phytosanitary certificates issued by agricultural authorities in the countr= y of origin and certified by a Bolivian consulate.

 

Importers must inform Bolivian customs authorities of the arrival of seeds at least o= ne week in advance and arrange for storage in an adequate warehouse prior to inspection. All seeds must comply with the quality and phytosanitary requirements of SENASAG and the National Seed Program.

 

Pharmaceuticals

 

All pharmaceutical products, including generic, brand name, and over-the-counte= r, must have sanitary registrations, as established by the Pharmaceutical Law = (Law 1737) and related regulations. Products must be registered with the Ministr= y of Health and Sports and approved by the ministry’s National Pharmacology Directorate (UNIMED). The latter grants sale permit certificates to products approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration.<= o:p>

 

UNIMED requires a detailed description (monographed copy) of each new product, with the exception of essential pharmaceutical products. The monograph must incl= ude the quantitative formula (specifying active ingredients), the pharmaceutical formula, the recommended dosage, expected product benefits, and possible si= de effects. Three samples of the product must also be provided to the National Laboratory (INLASA) so that specialists can verify content. UNIMED requires that products comply with World Health Organization and Pan-American Health Organization guidelines.

 

UNIMED takes an average of six to 12 months to review new products and one month to review essential products. Its full address follows:

 

Ministerio de Salud y Dep= ortes

D= irección Nacional de Medicamentos

C= apitán Ravelo No. 2199

L= a Paz, Bolivia

P= hone/Fax: (591-2) 244-0122

www.sns.gov.bo

 <= /p>

If pharmaceutical products contain drugs covered by the Vienna Convention, importers must obt= ain special import permits from the Ministry of Health and Sports.

 

To import, manufacture, or distribute pharmaceuticals, companies must register with th= e Ministry of Health and Sports, a process that requires from ten to 30 days. Imported products may be sold through established agents or distributors or through subsidiaries, although given their direct access to UNI= MED, it may be easier to market products through agents or representatives. If t= he latter register pharmaceutical imports, they must have exclusive rights to import and be qualified to act as legal representatives.<= /p>

 

Pharmaceutical brand names must also be registered with the National Intellectual Property Service (SENAPI) at the following address:

 

Servicio Nacional de Propiedad Intelectual

Avenida Camacho esq. Bueno, No. 1488

La Paz, Bolivia

Phone/Fax: = (591-2) 237-2047

E-mail: senapi@ceibo.entelnet.bo<= /o:p>

www.senapi.gov.bo<= /p>

 =

U.S. firms should note that <= st1:country-region w:st=3D"on">Bolivia= does not have a law prohibiting copycat registration of pharmaceutical products.= Firms may experience difficulties protecting their intellectual property rights a= nd cannot expect chemical information to remain confidential.

 

Fishery Products=

 

Imports of perishable items, such as seafood products, must have sanitary health certificates and comply with product sp= ecification, labeling, and marking standards. Sanitary regulations are available through SENASAG.

 

Food Products

 

Food imports must have sanitary certificates issued by appropriate authorities in the exporting country, e.g., from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Foodstuffs may be subject to analysis by an official entity in Bolivia, and most food and beverage labels= must be registered in Bol= ivia. Exporters are encouraged to check with importers regarding relevant policies prior to shipment.

 

For specific information regarding exi= sting foreign agricultural standards and testing, packaging, and certification systems, please contact:

 

Technical Office for International Trade

U.S. Department of Agriculture<= /span>

Building 1072, Barc-East<= o:p>

Beltsville, MD 20705

Phone: (301) 344-2651

www.usda.gov

 <= /p>

For more information on export procedures relating to animals and plants and their by-products, please contact:

 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

U.S. Department of Agriculture<= /span>

6505 Beltcrest Road

Hyattsville, MD 20782

Phone: (301) 734-8073 (Em= ergency Services)

Phone: (301) 734-8097 (Ve= terinary Services)

Phone: (301) 734-8447 (Pl= ant Inspection)

www.aphis.usda.gov

 <= /p>

Air Cargo

 <= /b>

Air cargo shipments require airway bills instead of bills of lading. Exporters should follow IATA or ICAO rules governing labeling and packaging of danger= ous and restricted goods and check with air carriers for further information and appropriate forms.

 

Parcel Post

 

Authorized customs brokers must intervene for parcel post shipments valued at over USD 100. Individuals may receive parcel post shipments of lesser values by fill= ing out a customs form at a Bolivian post office.

U.S. Ex= port Controls      = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;   Return to top

Exports of defense equipment, mater= ials, and technologies must comply with the provisions of the U.S. Arms Export Control Act.

Temporary Entry            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;   Return to top

Established companies can be incorporated = into the Temporary Importation for Export Regime (RITEX), which allows the duty-free importati= on of raw materials and intermediate goods for use in manufacturing products for export.

 

 

 

Companies wishing to participate must have the following:

 

§National Commerce Registration Service (SENAREC) number

§RUC or NIT (taxpayer identification number) 

§RUE (exporter identification number)

§fiscal solvency certificate issued by the General Controller of the Republic

§technical coefficients specifications

§  warehouses and/or process= ing units locations

Labeling and Marking Requiremen= ts        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           Return to top

Supreme Decree 26510 (issued in 2003) established food product labeling requirements. Products normally retain th= eir original labels, but they must have complementary labeling showing the impo= rter or distributor’s taxpayer identification number (RUC), sanitary registration number, and ingredient translations.

Pr= ohibited and Restricted Imports   &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =         Return to top

Firms wishing= to import firearms, munitions, explosives, chemical precursors (which may be used for cocaine production), and other chemical products must register with the Ministry of Defense and obtain import licenses and appropriate ministerial resolutions.

 

Prohibited imports include:

 

  • Firearms and other w= eapons (unless approved by the Ministry of Defense)
  • Pharmaceuticals and = drugs (unless registered in Bolivia)
  • Spoiled beverages an= d food products, or products that contain noxious substances
  • Selected liquors, su= ch as pisco and similar products
  • Diseased animals
  • Plants, fruits, seed= s, and vegetables that contain parasites and/or germs and plants declared har= mful by the Vice Ministry of Agriculture
  • Foreign lottery bill= s
  • Roulette machines and gambling devices
  • Advertisements imita= ting money or bank certificates, postage stamps, and other government-valued papers
  • Pornographic books, booklets, paintings, engravings, figures, and other obscene objects
  • Merchandise with a registered trademark identical to one used in Bolivia
  • Used clothing without a sanitary certificate from the country of origin (ex= cept in personal baggage)
  • Used hats, shoes, and lingerie (except in personal baggage)
  • Vicuña skins, hair, and products
  • Certain chemical pro= ducts (unless with proper import permits)

Customs Regulations and Contact Information     &n= bsp;            = ;         Return to top

Bolivian import charges, including domestic taxes (most of whi= ch are creditable) and fees, range from 30 to 45 percent, making effective cos= ts considerably higher than the stated zero to 10 percent tariffs.<= /span>

Landed costs generally include the following:

 

  • c= ost, insurance, and freight (CIF): the value at the border

 

  • import tariffs: a 10 percent flat rate is applied to CIF unless the product is classified as a capital good, which reduces the rate to zer= o or five percent.

 <= /p>

  • = warehouse fees: customs wareh= ouses are privately owned. Rates vary according to volume.=

 <= /p>

  • Internal Revenue Ser= vice fees: the value-added tax (IVA) is 13.3 percent. Added customs fees br= ing the effective rate to 14.94 percent, which is charged on an accumulated base.

 

  • Specific Consumption= Tax (ICE): the ICE is levied on luxury goods such as automobiles, perfumes, cosmetics, liquors, cigarettes, and beer.

 

  • customs broker fees:= the following customs broker fees are applied to CIF for land shipments an= d to CIF airport value for air cargo:

 

      = ;            = From USD:      &nb= sp;            =    

      =             1=                &= nbsp;      to         = 10,000        &= nbsp;    2.00 percent

      =             1= 0,001        &= nbsp;    to         = 20,000  &nb= sp;          1.50 percent

      =             2= 0,001        &= nbsp;    to         = 30,000  &nb= sp;          1.25 percent

      =             3= 0,001        &= nbsp;    to         = 50,000  &nb= sp;          1.00 percent

      =             5= 0,001        &= nbsp;    to         = 100,000        &= nbsp;  0.75 percent

      =             1= 00,001        &= nbsp;  and above       <= /span>        &= nbsp;   0.50 percent

 <= /p>

Customs brokers also charge fees of 17= .65 percent of the total bill to cover their own IVA tax liability.<= /span>

 

  • = trade and industry associ= ation fees: groups such as chambers of commerce, industry, and construction charge fees of between 0.03 and 0.04 percent of CIF.=

 

VAT paid by the importer reduces the importer’s tax liability when goods are resold, ultimately reducing actual costs.

 

Entry and Warehousing

 =

Bolivia benefits from free trans= it arrangements covering Argentine, Brazilian, Chilean, Paraguayan, Peruvian, = and Uruguayan ports. The Chilean port of Arica is general= ly considered the best port of entry. Others include Ant= ofagasta and Iquique (Chile); Matarani and Ilo (Peru); Santos (Br= azil); and Rosario (Argentina).

 

Bolivian customs officials maintain warehouses in each port and allow storage of inc= oming goods for up to 90 days, with fees levied at 0.5 percent of CIF for each 30= -day period or fraction thereof. Once clearing documents are signed, goods must be removed from storage within eight days to avoid an additional charge of two percent of CIF.

 

Imported, stored merchandise may be considered abandoned by explicit request or by failure to claim the goods within the required 90 da= ys. By law, such goods are subject to public auction; proceeds (after expenses)= go to the interested party.

 

If importers wish to remove their merchandise after the 90-day period but before the auction takes place, they must pay a five percent cha= rge over the customs tariff plus two percent of CIF. Due to the expense and time invo= lved in reshipment, U.S. expor= ters usually prefer to sell these goods in Bolivia.

 

For additional information, interested parties may contact the following:<= /o:p>

 

Aduana Nacional

Calle Av. 20 de Octubre No. 2038

Phone: (591-2) 2152901 or 215-2904

Fax: (591-2) 215-2904

Standards            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =    Return to top

The Bolivian government imposes few specific import standards. The National Certification and Standardization Organization (IBNORCA) is charged with developing Bolivian pr= oduct standards.  =

 

NIST Notify U.S. Service

 

Members of th= e World Trade Organization (WTO) are required under the Agreement on Technical Barr= iers to Trade (TBT Agreement) to report all proposed technical regulations that could affect trade with other member countries. Notify U.S. is a free, web-bas= ed e-mail subscription service that offers an opportunity to review and commen= t on proposed foreign technical regulations that can affect access to internatio= nal markets. Interested parties may register online at: http://www.nist.gov/notifyus/=

 

Trade Agreements        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Return to top

Bolivia became an associate membe= r of MERCOSUR (a group including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela, with Chile as an associate member)= in a 1997 agreement. More than 30 percent of all products traded between Bolivia= and MERCOSUR were granted immediate duty-free treatment, and most of the remain= der will enjoy zero tariffs by 2007. Certain sensitive products will be protect= ed for up to 18 years. = Bolivia was invited to join MERCOSUR in early 2007.

 

With Colombia, = Ecuador, and Peru, Bolivia= is also a member of the Andean Community, which has significantly reduced most inte= rnal trade barriers.

 

Bolivia has signed bilateral agre= ements with some South American countries to eliminate or reduce tariffs on explic= it lists of products and has been party to a free trade agreement with Mexico = since late 1994. Bolivia is = also party to an April 2006 Peoples’ Trade Agreement with Venezuela and Cuba.

 

The European Union, Japan,= and the United States allow most Bolivian exports to enter duty-free or at reduced duty rates. Mo= re than 6,000 products benefit from duty-free access to U.S. markets under the Andean= Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA), and many more benefit from pre= ferential treatment under the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

 

Bolivia’s accession to the = General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was ratified in September 1990, with ratification of Boli= via’s membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) following in 1995.

 

Return to table of contents<= /a>

 Chapter 6: Investment= Climate

 

Openness to Foreign Investmen= t        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Return to top

Bolivia is generally open to foreign investment. Foreign firms are not subject to spec= ial registration requirements and are neither screened nor officially treated in a discriminatory fashion. That said, they may be adversely affected by inconsistent and arbitrary regulatory decisions, unfavorable interpretations of laws, and an easily corrupted judicial system that may deny due process.

 

The Investment Law (Law 1182, 1990) provides for national treatment of foreign firms and guarantees the unimpeded repatriation of profits, the free convertibility of currency, and the right to international arbitration (lim= ited to contractual rights) in all sectors. Laws governing activities in the min= ing (Law 1777, 1997) and hydrocarbons (Law 1689, 1996) sectors authorize joint ventures with state-owned corporations.

 

Chapter 4 outlines recent changes to the hydroca= rbons regulatory framework and proposed modifications to the mining code.

Conversion and Transfer Policies            =             &nb= sp;            =              Return to top

Cur= rency is freely convertible at Bolivian banks and exchange houses. The official exchange rate is determined by the Central Bank’s daily auction of dollars, where the bank offers a given amount of dollars and sets an undisclosed minimum floor price. The parallel rate has tracked the official rate closely, which suggests the market finds the Central Bank’s poli= cy acceptable.

 

The Banking Law (Law 1488, 1993) establishes regulations for foreign currency hedging and authorizes banks to maintain accounts in foreign currencies, clearly accommodating popular activity, as a large percentage of deposits a= re denominated in U.S. dollars or held in dollar-linked accounts. Th= ere are no restrictions of any kind on currency transfers or remittances.

Expropriation and Compensatio= n        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;    Return to top

= Article 22 of the Bolivian Constitution allows the government to expropriate proper= ty for the public good or when the property does not fulfill a “social purpose.” It also stipulates that individuals and firms be awarded ju= st compensation.

 

The Mining and Hydrocarbons Laws outline procedures for expropriating land to develop underlying concessions.

Dispute Settlement = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;           Return to top

Pro= perty and contractual rights may be enforced in Bolivian courts, but the legal process is time consuming and may be subject to political influence and corruption.

 

Eff= orts to improve Bolivia’s justice system have generated results in some regional courts. Past decisio= ns by the Supreme Court and Constitutional Tribunal have occasionally been influenced by outside factors, but both have generally rendered fair decisi= ons. However, neither Bolivian nor foreign firms can rely on the judicial system= to effectively enforce contracts.

 

The Bolivian go= vernment accepts binding international arbitration in all sectors. The Investment Law provides for arbitration in accordance with the Bolivian Constitution and international norms, while the Arbitration and Conciliation Law (Law 1770, 1997) outlines arbitration procedures and enforcement mechanisms. The law states that international agreements, such as the Convention on the Settlem= ent of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States and the= New York Convention of 1958 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbit= ral Awards, must be honored. It mandates the recognition of foreign decisions a= nd awards and establishes procedures for the Supreme Court’s execution o= f decisions.

 

Bolivia= 217;s Commercial Code (Decree Law 14379, 1977) has roots dating from 1939. Althou= gh many of its provisions have been modified and supplanted by more specific l= egislation, it continues to provide general guidance for commercial activities.

= Performance Requirements and Incentives  &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;      Return to top

<= /a>The Bolivian government does not impose performance requirements as conditions = for establishing, maintaining, or expanding businesses. It does not generally provide tax or investment incentives for foreign investors, but some municipalities have established property tax exemptions for businesses loca= ted in their areas.

 

For= eign firms are allowed to participate in government-sponsored research and development programs, but few, if any, such programs exist.

 

Work permit, visa, and residence requirements are non-discriminatory. The govern= ment sets a minimum monthly wage each year, but many workers in the formal priva= te sector earn more.

Right to Private Ownership and Establishment     =             &nb= sp;         Return to top

Foreign and dom= estic private entities have equal right to establish, acquire, and dispose of business interests and to engage in remunerative activity. Private and publ= ic entities enjoy equal access to markets, credit, licenses, and supplies.

Protection of Property Rights        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;           Return to top

Bolivian law guarantees property rights, but rights are not always effectively enfor= ced. The Agrarian Law (Law 1715, 1996) outlines the rights and obligations of la= nd ownership and establishes an independent Agrarian Superintendent to adminis= ter the law’s provisions, while the Office of Property Registry oversees = the acquisition and disposition of land, real estate, and mortgages. In November 2006, the Agrarian Law was modified by Law 3545, which provides that proper= ty deemed unproductive in biannual reviews will revert to the state and places limits on landowners’ legal recourse.

 

Des= pite efforts to reform the National Agrarian Reform Service (INRA) and related entities, challenges to land titles are common, and Bolivia lacks an adequate sys= tem of title verification. Competing claims to land titles and the absence of a reliable dispute resolution process create risk and uncertainty in real property acquisition. Illegal squatting on rural private property is an ong= oing problem.


 

Efforts to protect intellectual pro= perty rights (IPR) are insufficient, despite the government’s 1999 creation= of the National Intellectual Property Service (SENAPI). The organization overs= ees all IPR-related activities, but its reach is limited. =

 

The Copyright Law (Law 1322, 1992) protects literary, artistic, and scientific works for the lifetime of the author plu= s 50 years. It protects the rights of Bolivian authors, foreign authors domicile= d in Bolivia, and foreign a= uthors published for the first time in Bolivia. Foreigners not domiciled in Bolivia enjoy protection to the extent provided in international conventions and treaties to which Bo= livia is a party. Bolivian copyright protection includes the exclusive right to c= opy or reproduce works; to revise, adapt, or prepare derivative works; to distribute copies of works; and to publicly communicate works. Although the exclusive right to translate works is not explicitly granted, the law does prevent unauthorized adaptation, transformation, modification, and editing.= The law also provides protection for software and databases.<= /p>

 

The Bolivian Film and Video Law (Law 1302, 1991) contains elements of IPR protection, establishing a National Movie Council (CONACINE) to oversee the domestic film industry and requiring that all films and videos shown or distributed in Boliv= ia be registered with the organization.

 

SENAPI reviews patent registrations for form and substance and publishes notices of proposed registrations in the Official Gazette; if the= re are no objections within 30 working days, the organization grants patents f= or a period of 20 years.

 

The registration of trademarks parallels that of patents.  Once obtained, a trademark is valid= for a 10-year renewable period. It can be cancelled if not used within three year= s.

 

Bolivia ha= s no laws protecting trade secrets.

 

Despite existing legal provisions – the Copyright Law r= ecognizes copyright infringement as a public offense, and the 2001 Bolivian Criminal Procedures Code provides for the criminal prosecution of IPR violations = 211; the enforcement of intellectual property rights remains insufficient, and <= st1:country-region w:st=3D"on">Bolivia= remains on the U.S. Trade Representative’s Special 301 Watch List. Video, mus= ic, and software piracy rates are among the highest in L= atin America, with the International Intellectual Property Alliance= estimating that piracy levels have reached 100 percent for motion pictures and 90 perc= ent for recorded music. 

 

Bolivia belongs to the World Intellectual Property Organization and is a signatory = to the Nice Agreement and the Paris, Bern, and Geneva Conventions.

Transparency of the Regulatory System            =             &nb= sp;            =   Return to top

The Bolivian regulatory system is generally transparent and consistent with international norms. Bolivia has no laws directly regulating competition. Instead, related articles are incorporated into laws governing activity in specific sectors. <= /span>

 

The Sectoral Regulatory System (SIRESE) Law (Law 1600, 1994) establishes general principles governing anti-competitive practices, expressly prohibiting companies engaging in regulated activities from participating in agreements, contracts, decisions, or practices whose purpose or effect is to hinder, restrict, or distort competition.

 

The= law created an autonomous regulatory body comprised of a general superintendent= and five specific superintendents to oversee the water, electricity, telecommun= ications, transportation, and hydrocarbons sectors. Market forces largely determine public utility prices, but most are periodically reviewed and approved by t= he relevant superintendent, with regulated prices occasionally established thr= ough relatively transparent procedures and formulas. An exception is potable wat= er and garbage collection, for which municipalities set local rates.

 

The Electricity Law (Law 1604, 1994), the Telecommunications Law (Law 1632, 199= 5), and the Hydrocarbons Law (Law 1689, 1996) define the characteristics and functions of their respective superintendents.

 

The Morales administration has stat= ed that it plans to modify the regulatory structure in 2007 by placing the superintendents under the control of relevant ministries, potentially decreasing the regulators’ freedom from political interference.

 

A s= imilar regulatory system governs the financial sector, but several laws have chang= ed its structure over the last five years.

Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment        &= nbsp;            Return to top

= Bolivian commercial banks were once closely held operations lending only to well kno= wn individuals or firms, but foreign institutions now play a role in the banki= ng system. Bolivian banks have developed the capacity to adjudicate credit risk and evaluate expected rates of return in line with international norms.

Cre= dit is allocated on market terms, but foreign investors may find it difficult to qualify for loans from local banks due to the requirement that domestic loa= ns be issued exclusively against domestic collateral. Since commercial credit = is generally extended on a short-term basis at high interest rates, most forei= gn investors prefer to obtain credit abroad. Most Bolivian borrowers are small= and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and have received a large share of credits = over the last four years. On January 1, 2007, the government announced the creat= ion of a Productive Development Bank designed to support SMEs and other entitie= s.

 

Est= ablished Bolivian firms may issue short- or medium-term debt in local capital market= s, which act primarily as secondary markets for fixed return securities. Boliv= ian capital markets have sought to expand their handling of local corporate bond issues and equity instruments. The Securities Law (Law 1834, 1998) laid the groundwork for creating a truly modern securities exchange, but social unre= st and economic disruptions have slowed its development. Over the last few yea= rs, several Bolivian companies and some foreign firms have been able to raise funding through local capital markets.

 

Alt= hough most accounting regulations follow international principles, Bolivian accounting and reporting procedures do not fully conform to world standards. Bolivian firms commonly maintain several sets of books: one for tax authorities, one for bankers, and another for management. Fi= nancial sector regulations restrict financial transactions for managers and senior executives.

Political Violence = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;  Return to top

Bolivia is= prone to social unrest that can quickly become violent and disrupt the transporta= tion of goods and people. In March and April 2000, protests against foreign investment in the Cochabamba municipal water system led to roadblocks and demonstrations across the coun= try.

 

Roa= dblocks were even more serious in September and October 2000, when rural indigenous groups, coca growers, and a variety of labor and social movements united in opposition to various government policies. Concessions by the Bolivian gove= rnment ended these and subsequent protests, but not before the roadblocks caused serious economic hardship and interrupted Bolivian exports.

 

Dis= ruptive and violent social protests occur regularly in La Paz and El Alto. In February 2003, u= nits of the National Police mutinied against the Sanchez de Lozada administratio= n. Spurred by a misunderstood government proposal to introduce income taxes, mutinous police units fought loyal military units, and, with the police abs= ent, rioters looted and burned government buildings and private businesses. Alth= ough order was restored within 36 hours with minimal damage to U.S. firms, the death toll in La Paz was over 30. <= /p>

 

Violence was ev= en worse during the October 2003 “gas war,” a social and political dispute that resulted in the deaths of over 60 people and ended with the resignation of President Sanchez de Lozada. His successor, Carlos Mesa, resigned after similarly violent protests in El Alto in June 2005.

 

More recently, cooperative miners, = coca growers, labor organizations, and social sector groups have blockaded roads= and staged large-scale protests in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and o= ther cities, disrupting normal economic activity and adding to the difficulties = of doing business. Political unrest will likely continue in the near future.

Corruption            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =   Return to top

Cor= ruption in the public sector and in many non-governmental institutions is endemic. = Officials accused of corruption are rarely prosecuted or convicted.

 

In = 2005, the Bolivian government introduced a series of reforms to modernize its operations, improve existing legislation, and increase citizen participatio= n in politics, adopting the Financial Administration and Control (SAFCO) Law, the State Employees Statute Act, and the Sworn Declaration of Property and Inco= me Law. The government also created a Judiciary Council, a Human Rights Ombuds= man, a Constitutional Court, and a Civil Service Superintendent. A cabinet-level presidential appointee = is empowered to investigate corruption at any level in any branch of governmen= t. As of year-end 2006, congress was considering an anti-corruption bill propo= sed by the Morales administration.

 

Bolivia= 217;s National Integrity Plan outlines proposals for judicial reform and state modernization. Under the government’s Institutional Reform Project (P= RI), the Customs Service, the National Revenue Service, and the Ministries of Ho= using, Education, and Agriculture have been reformed and professionalized. The National Road Service was disbanded for corruption in 2006 and replaced by another government entity.

 

With internatio= nal assistance, the last several governments have also worked to overhaul the Customs Service. Corruption has reportedly fallen since the August 1999 Cus= toms Reform Law, but contraband continues to flow into Bolivia. The minister of fina= nce heads a multi-agency council on contraband issues.

Bilateral Investment Agreements=         &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Return to top

Bolivia has signed bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with Argentina, Belgium/Luxembourg, China, France, Ge= rmany, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, Romania, S= pain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

 

The U.S.-Bolivia BIT entered into force in June 2001. Investors are en= titled to the better of national treatment or most favored nation (MFN) treatment = when they initiate an investment and while they maintain that investment, subjec= t to certain limited and specifically described exceptions listed in annexes and protocols.

 

Expropriation c= an occur only in accordance with international law, e.g., for a public purpose= , in a nondiscriminatory manner, under due process of law, and in a manner accom= panied by prompt, adequate, and effective compensation.

 

Investors have = the right to promptly transfer funds into and out of either country using marke= t exchange rates. This covers all investment-related transfers, including interest, liquidation proceeds, repatriated profits, and infusions of additional financial resources after initial investments.

 

The ability of = either government to require investors to adopt inefficient and trade-distorting practices is limited, and performance requirements such as local content and export quotas are prohibited.

 

Investors have = the right to submit an investment dispute with the treaty partner’s government to international arbitration, with no obligation to use the host country’s domestic courts.

 

Investors also = have the right to employ the top managerial personnel of their choice, regardles= s of nationality.

OPIC and Other Investment Insura= nce Programs      = ;            &n= bsp;     Return to top

The 1985 U.S.-B= olivia Investment Insurance Agreement provides for a full range of Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) programs, including political risk insurance = and loan financing. OPIC provides financing assistance to U.S. firms through direct loans and guaran= tees issued by U.S. financial institutions.

 

The Internation= al Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (IBRD) Multilateral Investm= ent Guarantee Agency (MIGA) has offered a complete line of investment guarantee= s to foreign investors in Bolivia since October 1991.

Labor           &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;           Return to top

App= roximately two-thirds of Bolivi= a’s population of 8.3 million is considered “economically active,” a figure that includes teenagers and children legally prohibited from working. Overall, between 60 and 65 percent of laborers participate in the informal economy, where no contractual employer-employee relationships exist. <= /o:p>

 

For= eign investors generally find the labor force stable, with low turnover rates and high levels of manual dexterity. Relatively low education and literacy leve= ls tend to limit labor productivity, a fact reflected in the low cost of labor. Unskilled labor is readily available, but skilled workers are often harder = to find.

 

Bol= ivian labor law guarantees workers the right of association and the right to orga= nize and bargain collectively. Most companies are unionized, and nearly all unio= ns belong to the Confederation of Bolivian Workers (COB). Despite international perceptions, extensive labor unrest in the private sector is uncommon, and = most foreign firms enjoy positive labor-management relations. =


 

Bolivian labor = law also restricts child labor and provides for worker safety, but enforcement = is often ineffective.

Fr= ee Trade Zones      &n= bsp;               &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;             &= nbsp;           &= nbsp;   Return to top

The Bolivian government created free trade zones (FTZs) under Supreme Decrees 2= 2410 and 22526. The National Council on Free Trade Zones (CONZOF) oversees all industrial and commercial FTZs and authorizes operations. Free trade zones exist in the cities of El Alto, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Oruro, Puerto Aguir= re (on the Brazilian border), and Desaguadero (on the Peruvian border). <= /o:p>

 

A proposed FTZ = in Guayaramerin in the Beni Department is not yet fully operational. The FTZ in Cobija, meanwhile, has proven unattractive to investors due to a lack of ro= ads and other basic infrastructure.

Foreign Direct Investment Statistics<= span style=3D'mso-tab-count:4'>        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;            Return to top

U.S. investments accounted for approximately one-third of net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of USD 1.4 billion between 2001 and 2005, followed by Brazil, Argentina, Italy, and Spain (each with about 10 percent) and France and the United Kingdom (each with about f= ive percent). Total net FDI for the first three quarters of 2006 reached USD 166 million. 

 

In late 2006, U.S. companies had invested an estimated USD 610 million in the mining sector, USD 380 million in the hydrocarbons sector, USD 220 million in energy production and distribution,= and USD 145 million in telecommunications.

 

Return to table of contents<= /a>

Chapter 7: Trade and Project Financing

 

How the Banking System Operates&n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;         Return to top

The Central Bank and 13 privately owned banks comprise Bolivia= ’s banking system, with commercial banks representing approximately fourth-fif= ths of the whole. The remaining one-fifth is comprised of savings and loans organizations, credit unions, and other financial institutions. As of Novem= ber 2006, deposits totaled an estimated USD 3.47 billion, of which almost 75 percent were U.S. dollar-denominated deposits.

 

The 1993 Banking Law significantly modernized Bolivia’s banking syste= m, establishing rules governing factoring and leasing and setting parameters f= or bank holding companies. The 1995 Central Bank Law later redefined the Centr= al Bank’s control over the banking sector, setting higher reserve requirements and eliminating the insider lending that led to the collapse of many Bolivian banks.

 

The Bolivian government enacted additional changes to the financial regulatory framework in the late 1990s. Several laws have established norms for the non-banking financial system and introduced regulations governing pensions, insurance, and securities; the laws have not interfered with foreign exchan= ge and monetary policies, which remain the purview of the Central Bank. Recent laws also authorized the creation of private financial funds, savings and l= oans cooperatives, and non-governmental organizations to improve access to credit and other financial services.

 

Supreme Decree 28999 (dat= ed January 1, 2007) created a new state-owned financial institution to provide low-rate credit to small businesses. The Morales administration simultaneou= sly announced plans to change pension regulations due to high costs.

Foreign Exchange Controls        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;         &= nbsp;   Return to top

Bolivia places no controls on fo= reign exchange transactions, beyond those intended to curb money laundering. Local currency is freely convertible for all transactions. As of January 2007, the exchange rate was approximately Bs 8 per USD 1.

 

Traveler’s checks, dollars, and major currencies may be exchanged in banks, exchange houses, and major hotels. Most automated teller machines (ATMs) in large ci= ties offer cash withdrawals in either Bolivian currency or U.S. dollars.

U.S. Ba= nks and Local Correspondent Banks    = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;  Return to top

Citibank offers limited commercial services. No other U.S. banks operate in Bolivia.

 

All commercial banks provide regular b= anking services, accepting deposits for both checking and savings accounts and offering short- and medium-term loans. Local banks are authorized to hold U= .S. dollar-denominated time deposits.

 

The following banks have correspondent= banking arrangements with U.= S. banks:

 

B= anco de Crédito de Bolivia S.A.

B= anco Do Brasil S. A.

B= anco Económico S. A.

B= anco Ganadero S.A.

Banco Industria= l S.A. (BISA)

B= anco Mercantil S.A.

B= anco Nacional de Bolivia

Banco Santa Cr= uz S.A.

Banco Solidari= o S. A.

   =          <= /p>

For additional information, interested parties should contact the National Association of Banks (ASOBAN) at the following address:

 

Asociaci&oacut= e;n de Bancos Privados de Bolivia (ASOBAN)

   =          Edificio Cámara Nacional de Comercio, Piso 15

   =          La Paz, Bolivia

   =          Phone: (591-2) 236-1308

   =          Fax: (591-2) 239-1093

        &= nbsp;   E-mail: info@asoban.bo =

        &= nbsp;   www.asoban.bo

Project Financing        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;      Return to top

Credit is generally difficult to obtain without using unencumbered l= ocal assets as collateral. Collateral requirements for all but the most valued clients are very high. Interest rates are influenced by the Central Bank’s certificate of deposit rates, as well as by high administrative costs resulting from general operational inefficiency (as measured by overh= ead costs) among local banks. Although there are no formal restrictions on fore= ign companies borrowing locally, few large investors do so because of the finan= cial system’s limited capacity.

 

International and bilateral financial institutions such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank, and the Andean Development Corporation (CAF) may provide credit lines for Bolivian exporters at below-market interest rates.= The credit lines are generally channeled through the Bolivian Central Bank for on-lending through local private banks.

 

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the U.S. Export-Import B= ank (EXIM) may offer insurance and/or financing to the private sector when U.S. exports are part of a project and, in the latter case, when financing arrangements eliminate or externalize country risks.

 

 

 

 

Web Resources            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;      Return to top

Export-Import Bank of the United States: http://www.exim.gov

 

EXIM Country Limitation Schedule: http://www.e= xim.gov/tools/country/country_limits.html

 

OPIC: http://www.opic.gov

 

U.S. Trade and Development Agency: = http://www.tda.gov/

 

SBA's Office of International Trade= : http://www.sba.gov/oit/

 

USDA Commodity Credit Corporation: = http://www.fsa.usda.gov/cc= c/default.htm

 

U.S. Agency for International Devel= opment: http://www.usaid.gov

 

Inter-American Development Bank: http://www.iadb.org/

 

World Bank: http://www.worldbank.org/

 

Andean Development Corporation: http://www.caf.com/

 

Return to table of= contents

Chapter 8: Business Travel

 

Busin= ess Customs      =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;      Return to top

Many members of Bolivia’s private sector have ample direct exposure to U.S. and European business cu= stoms and practices.

 

The importance of occasional personal visits from U.S. ex= ecutives, as well as prompt, responsive handling of communications, cannot be overstated, given the crucial role of local agents and representatives. Aft= er establishing a relationship, local representatives generally expect to visit the parent = company’s facilities and head offices to become better acquainted with the company’s personnel and operating techniques.

 

<= span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial'>Although capitalization and privatization have placed most former state-owned enterprises in private hands, public sector decisions continue to influence= Bolivia= ’s economy. Foreign firms should be prepared to deal with government officials= and occasionally convoluted procedures. Investors should also note that the Mor= ales administration has taken steps to increase state control over capitalized companies in the energy sector and has stated that it may do the same in ot= her sectors, including telecommunications, transportation, forestry, and mining= .

 =

Business practices in both the public and private sectors may involve standards unli= ke those in the United States, some of which may be illegal or unethical under = U.S. law. U.S. co= mpanies should exercise discretion in their business dealings and consult with the = U.S. Embassy for advice on how to proceed if confronted with corrupt practices.<= o:p>

Travel Advisory        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;         Return to top

To access the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Information Sheet, please go to http://trave= l.state.gov/travel/warnings_consular.html.

Visa Requirements        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;    Return to top

Foreigners wishing to work in = Bolivia must obtain appropria= te permits from the Ministry of Labor. Foreigners must file an application with the ministry and present a passport and valid visa; the process generally t= akes three to four weeks.

 

Bolivia has three non-immigrant visa categories:

Tourist Visas

 

U.S. citizens traveling to Bolivia= now require tourist visas. The Bolivian government announced the change in Janu= ary 2007, but information about when and how the policy will be implemented is = not yet available.

 

Specific Objective Visas=

 

Specific objective visas allow travelers to remain in Bolivia= for 30 days, with an additional 60-day extension available. The price of the first= 30-day extension is USD 102, and the price of the second is USD 65. Applicants for this type of visa must include documentation supporting the purpose of trav= el.

 

Temporary Residence Visas=

=  

Temporary residence visas are valid for up to two years and ma= y be extended to immediate family. Visas may be obtained through the National Immigration Service. The process costs approximately USD 190 and generally requires 10 business days. Applicants must present the following documents:=

 

  • a passport valid for at least six months with a valid specific objective visa (for any purpose other than tourism); =
  • a= legal petition addressed to the Director General of Immigration requesting temporary residence;
  • a= work contract certified by the Ministry of Labor specifying the duration of= the contract;
  • a= certificate from the entity for which the applicant expects to work (or for studen= ts, a certificate of studies);
  • a= security clearance issued by the Bolivian National Police;
  • a= legal address registered with the National Police;
  • a= temporary residence request form; and
  • a change of visa request form (even for first-time visa requests). =

 

Bolivia also offers permanent residence permits. To obtain them, applicants must have had two-y= ear temporary residence visas. Applicants must pay a USD 380 fee and present the following documents:

 

  • a= passport valid for at least six months with a two-year temporary residence visa= ;
  • a= legal petition addressed to the Director General of Immigration requesting indefinite residence;
  • a= medical certificate issued by the National Institute of Employment Health;
  • a= security clearance issued by the Bolivian National Police;
  • a= legal address registered with the National Police;
  • a= birth certificate certified by a Bolivian consulate;
  • a= police security clearance issued in the country of origin and certified by a Bolivian consulate;
  • a= n indefinite visa request form;
  • a change of visa request form; and
  • a work contract certified by the Ministry of Labor.

 

The Bolivian government reserves the right to accept or deny r= equests for indefinite residence.

 

Temporary residence visas and permanent residence permits cover principals, managers, and trained and specially qualified employees involve= d in a foreign firm’s operations. No special qualifications are required f= or entry, and individuals are not limited in the type of work they can perform after receiving visas. The visa holder’s spouse and children may ente= r Bolivia= with the visa holder provided their names are included in the legal petition presented to the Director General of Immigration.

 

For additional information, please contact:

 

Servicio Nacional de Migración

Ministerio de Gobierno

La Paz, Bolivia

Phone/Fax: (591-2) 211-0960

 

U.S= . companies requiring the travel of foreign businesspersons to = the United States should note that security procedures are handled via an interagency process. Foreign visa applicants should use the following links:

 

State Department Visa Website: http://travel.state.gov/vi= sa/index.html

 

United States Visas.gov: http= ://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/

 

<= span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial'>U.S. Emb= assy consular section:

http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/consulado/ni= vspanish.htm

Telecommunications        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; Return to top

Several firms offer local, long-distance, and international telephone services, including= two U.S. companies: AXS Communications (previously owned by AES Corporation) and Nuevatel/Viva (Western Wireless).

 =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =          <= /p>

Cellular phones are increasingly popular, as aggressive competition has led to some = of the lowest prices in the hemisphere. The four service providers include Ent= el (Italia Telecom), Telecel (Millicom), Nuevatel/Viva (Western Wireless), and COTAS (in the Santa Cruz area).

Transportation        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;           Return to top

Poor infrastructure hinders transportation. Of Bolivia’s 60,000 km of = roads, fewer than 5,000 km are paved. Another 18,000 km are gravel, and 38,000 km = are dirt. Paved roads connect La= Paz to Desaguadero (on the Peruvian border), Arica (in northern Chile), Oruro, Potosí, Cochabam= ba, and Santa Cruz. A new paved road from Santa Cruz to Trinidad was recently inaugurated. Other roads, including those to Brazil, are often impassable = or extremely slow due to seasonal rains and poor maintenance.

=  

<= span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial'>The Boli= vian railroad system has a total of 3,960 km of track, divided into two non-connecting segments. The western segment is 2,500 km long and connects = La Paz to the Pacific ports of Arica and Antofagasta (both in Chile), the lake port of Guaqui, and major cities in the Altiplano and Andean valleys. Much of the segment i= s in disrepair, however, and is no longer operational. The eastern segment is be= tter maintained and links Santa Cruz to Brazil and Argentina. =

 

Two airlines, American Airlines and Lloyd Aereo Boliviano (LAB), offer service from Miami = to La Paz and Santa Cruz. A second domestic carrier, Aerosur, introduc= ed charter flights to Miami in late 2006. A third airline, Amazonas, provides services to more remote domestic destinations. A variety of foreign airlines offer flights to neighboring countries, most on a daily basis.

 

Taxi fares from the El Alto airport= to La Paz range from= 50 to 60 Bs (USD 6.25 to 7.5). Within the city, fares range from USD 0.75 and USD 1.50, depending on the length of the trip. Rental cars are available but ma= y be expensive, as some companies require clients to hire drivers.

Language           &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;    Return to top

Bolivia’s official language is Spanish.

Health            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;          Return to top

The El Alto airport is 13,200 feet above sea level. The altitu= de poses risks of illness, hospitalization, and even death, regardless of whet= her travelers have medical conditions that affect blood circulation or breathing. Since e= ven healthy individuals have problems, travelers may wish to consult a doctor before arrival. Recent arrivals should limit physical activity, drink plenty of wa= ter, and refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages until they acclimate, which = can take anywhere from a few hours to several days.

 

To help prevent complications caused by the altitude, some travelers take acetazolamide (Diamox) 125 mg twice a day, beginning two days before arrival in La Paz, on the day of the trip, and two to three days after arriving. The medication inhibits the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, has a slight diuretic effect, and stimulates respiration. In the United States, it is availabl= e only by prescription. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those with severe allergies to sulfa drugs cannot take Diamox.

 

<= span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt'>Sanitary conditions are such that t= ravelers and residents generally consume only bottled water, refuse ice, and wash fr= esh fruits and vegetables with special disinfectants or bleaches. Even the best restaurants may inadvertently serve tainted food. Americans have been victi= ms of e-coli, typhoid, salmonella, and other diseases. Hepatitis and rabies ar= e fairly common, but with proper vaccinations, both can usually be avoided. Malaria, leishmanioses, and yellow fever are found in the jungles in Bolivia’s northern and eastern regio= ns, and white leprosy and yellow fever are sometimes found in the Yungas region= of La Paz.

Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays      = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;   Return to top

Office hours vary somewhat from city to city. In La Paz and Cochabamba= , office hours are generally 09:00 to 12:30 and 14:30 to 18:30. In Santa Cruz, office= hours are generally 08:30 to 18:30 with a two-hour lunch break.

2007 Holidays=

 

National Holidays=

 

New Year’s Day          = January 1

Carnival &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;         February 19-20 (varies, usually falls in February or March)

Good Friday&nbs= p;            &= nbsp;  April 6 (varies, usually falls in March or April)

Labor Day  = ;            &n= bsp;    May 1

Corpus Christi        &= nbsp;    June 7 (varies, usually fa= lls in May or June)

Independence Day     August 6

All Saints Day            = November 2

Christmas Day            December 25

 

Departmental Holidays*

 

Oruro Day     &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; February 10

Tarija Day            =        April 15

Sucre Day    &n= bsp;            = ;  May 25

La Paz Day            =      July 16

Cochabamba Day    &n= bsp; September 14

Santa Cruz Day          September = 24

Pando Day            =       October 11

Potosí Day        &= nbsp;         November 10

Beni Day    &n= bsp;            = ;    November 18

 

<= span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt'>*As per a 2002 decree, all departme= ntal holidays falling on a weekend are observed on the previous Friday or the fo= llowing Monday.

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings    =             &nb= sp;       Return to top

Personal effects not exceeding USD 300 are exempt from duties.

 <= /o:p>

Return to table of contents

 Chapter 9: Contacts, Market Research, and Trade = Events

Contacts           &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;     Return to top

All addresses are in La Paz unless noted. “Casilla” means P.O. Box.

 

Government Ministries

 

Ministry of t= he Presidency

 

Palacio de Gobierno

Casilla 7832

Phone: (591-2) 215-3869 or 215-3866

Fax: (591-2) = 215-3870

http://www.comunica.gov.bo/

 

Ministry of Foreign Relations and Worship

 

Plaza Murillo esq. Ingavi

Phone: (591-2= ) 240-8900 or 240-9114

Fax: (591-2) = 240-8642

http://www.rree.gov.bo/

 

Ministry of Government

 

Av. Arce 2409 esq. Belisario Salinas

Phone: (591-2) 244-0213 or 244-0114

Fax: (591-2) = 244-2589

http://www.mingobierno.gov.bo/<= o:p>

 

Ministry of D= efense

 

Plaza Abaroa

Phone: (591-2) 243-4249 or 243-0130

Fax: (591-2) 243-3159

http://www.mindef.gov.bo/<= o:p>

 

Ministry of Finance

 

Palacio de Comunicaciones, Piso 19

Phone: (591-2) 239-2220 or 239-2779

= Fax: (591-2) 235-9955

= http://www.hacienda.gov.bo

 

Ministry of Production

=  

Palacio de Comunicaciones, Piso 20

= Phone: (591-2) 235-7829 or 212-4931

= Fax: (591-2) 212-9213

= http://www.desarrollo.gov.bo/

 

Ministry of E= ducation

 

Av. Arce 2147=

Phone: (591-2) 244-1200 or 244-0160

Fax: (591-2) = 244-2144

http://www.minedu.gov.bo/=

 

Ministry of H= ealth and Sports

 

Plaza del Estudiante

Phone: (591-2) 237-1379

Fax: (591-2) = 249-2900

http://www.sns.gov.bo/

 

Ministry of L= abor

 

Yanachocha esq. Mercado

Phone<= span lang=3DES-BO style=3D'mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-langu= age: ES-BO'>: (591-2) 214-9502

Fax: (591-2) = 241-1086

http://www.mintrabajo.gov.bo/

 

Ministry of Rural Development

 

Av. Camacho 1471

Phone<= span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial'= >: (591-2) 211-3013 or 211-1103

Fax: (591-2) 220-3826

http://www.infoagro.gov.bo

 

Ministry of Planning

 

Edificio Ex-C= omibol, Piso 5

Mariscal Santa Cruz esq. Oruro

Phone: (591-2) 233-0704 or 233-0590

Fax: (591-2) = 231-2641

http://www.planif= icacion.gov.bo/

Ministry of Public Works

 

Palacio de Co= municaciones, Piso 5

Phone: (591-2) 211-4994 or 231-1010

Fax: (591-2) 212-4379

 

Ministry of Hydrocarbons

 

Palacio de Comunicaciones, Piso 12

Phone: (591-2) 233-7264

Fax: (591-2) = 214-1307

http://www.hidrocarburos.gov.bo/<= /a>

 

Ministry of Mining

 

Palacio de Comunicaciones, Piso 14

Phone: (591-2) 23= 1-0846

Fax: (591-2) 239-1241

 

Ministry of Justice

 

Av. 16 de Julio 1769

Phone: (591-2) 212-4725

Fax: (591-2) 211-4814

 

Ministry of Water

 

Edificio Orion

Sánchez Lima esq. Ecuador 2072

Phone: (591-2) 211-5571=

Fax: (591-2) 211-5582

<= o:p> 

For a complete list of ranking officials, please contact the <= st1:place w:st=3D"on">U.S. Embassy’s commercial section.

 

Other Government Contacts

 

Bolivian Central Bank

 

Ayacucho esq. Mercado

Casilla 3118

Phone: (591-2) 240-9090 or 240-6280

Fax: (591-2) = 240-6598

http://www.bcb.gov.bo=

 

National Customs Service

 

= Calle Av. 20 de Octubre No. 2038

= Phone: (591-2) 2152901 or 215-2904

Fax: (591-2) 215-2904

 

Trade Associations/Chamber= s of Commerce

 

Private Businessmen’s Confederation (Confederación de Empresarios Privados de Bolivia)=

 

Calle Mendez Arcos No. 117

Casilla 4239

= Phone: (591-2) 242-0999

Fax: (591-2) 242-1272

E-mail: cepbol@ceibo.entelnet.bo

=  

Na= tional Chamber of Commerce
(Cámara Nacional de Comercio)

 

Av. Mariscal Santa Cruz No. 1392
Edificio Cámara Nacional de Comercio

Piso 1

Casilla 7

Phone: (591-2) 237-8606

Fax: (591-2) 239-1004

E-mail: cnc@boliviacomercio.org.bo

= www.boliviacomercio.org.bo

 

Na= tional Chamber of Industry
(Cámara Nacional de Industria)

 

Av. Mariscal Santa Cruz 1392

Edificio Cámara Nacional de Comercio

Piso 14

Casilla 611=

Phone: (591-2) 237-4476

Fax: (591-2) 236-2766

E-mail: cni@entelnet.bo 

http://www.bolivi= a-industry.com

 

National Cha= mber of Exporters

 <= /o:p>

Avenida Arce 2017 esq. Goitia

Phone: 591 2 244 0943

Fax: 591 2 244 1491

E-mail: caneb@abslmail.entelnet.bo

http://www.caneb.com

 

American Chamber of Commerce of Bolivia (AMCHAM= )
(Cámara Americana de Comerc= io de Bolivia)

 

Av. 6 de Agosto

Edificio Hilda, Piso 2, Oficina 204

Casilla 8268

Phone: (591-2) 244-3939

Fax: (591-2) = 244-3972

http://www.amchambolivia.com

 

Bolivian-American Chamber of Commerce

 

P.O. Box 6721, FDR Station

New York, NY 10150

Phone: 1 212 = 233 7776

Fax: 1 212 233 7779

E-mail: info@bolivia-us.org

www.bolivia-us.org

 

Santa Cruz Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services, and Tourism (CAINCO) (Cámara de Industria, Comercio, Servicios y Tur= ismo de Santa Cruz)

 

Avenida Saavedra esq. Las Américas

Casilla 180

Santa Cruz

Ph= one: (591-3) 333-4555

Fax: (591-3) 334-2353

http://www.cainco.org.bo

 

Bolivian Private Bankers Association (Asociaci&oac= ute;n de Bancos Privados de Bolivia)

 

Avenida Maris= cal Santa Cruz 1392

Edificio Cám= ara de Comercio

Casilla 5822

Phone: (591-2) 233-4794

Fax: (591-2) 239-1093=

E-mail: info@asoban.bo

http://www.asoban.bo

<= o:p> 

Bolivian Chamber of Construction Compani= es (Cámara Boliviana de la Construcción)

 

Av= . 20 de Octubre No. 1948
Edificio Terranova

Casilla 3215

Phone: (591-2) 242-3139

Fax: (591-2) 211-7530

 

National Chamber of Small Mining Firms (Cámara Nacional de Minería)

 

Av. Villazon Pasaje Bernardo Trigo 429<= /span>

Casilla 2022

Phone<= span lang=3DES-BO style=3D'mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-langu= age: ES-BO'>: (591-2) 244-1651

Fax: (591-2) 244-1651

 

National Association of Medium-Sized Mining Firms (Asociación Nacional de Min= eros Medianos)

=  

Calle Pedro Salazar No. 600

Casilla 6190

= Phone: (591-2) 241-2232

Fax: (591-2) 241-4123

 

Ea= stern Bolivia Agricultural Chamber
(CAO) (Cámara Agropecuaria del Oriente)

 

Casilla 116

Santa Cruz

Phone: (591-3) 352-2200

Fax: (591-3) 352-2621

 

Forestry Chamber of Bolivia

<= o:p> 

Prof. Manuel Ignasio Salvatierra 1055

Santa Cruz

Phone: 591 3 333 2699

Fax: 591 3 333 1456

E-mail: camaraforestal@cfb.org.bo

http://www.cfb.org.bo

 

<= b> 

<= b> 

<= b> 

<= b> 

<= b> 

 

Country Market Research Fi= rms

 

All market research and consulting companies are required to register with:

 

National Chamber of Consul= ting Companies

 

Edificio Los Jardines, Piso 5, Oficina 5D

Casilla 8560

Phone<= span lang=3DES-BO style=3D'mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-langu= age: ES-BO'>: (591-2) 244-3819

Fax: (591-2) 244-3819

 

Commercial Banks

 

Banco de Crédito Bolivia = S.A.

 

Calle Colon 1308

Casilla 907

Phone<= span lang=3DES-BO style=3D'mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-langu= age: ES-BO'>: (591-2) 239-1722

Fax: (591-2) 233-2203

http://www.bancodecredito= .com

 

Ba= nco do Brasil

 

Av. 16 de Julio No. 1642

Phone: (591-2) 231-0909

Fax: (591-2) 231-1788

http://www.bancobrasil.co= m.br/

 

Ba= nco Económico S.A.

 

Ayacucho 166

Santa Cruz

= Phone: (591-3) 336-1177

Fax: (591-3) 336-1184

E-mail: bane= co@baneco.com.bo

http://www.b= aneco.com.bo

 

Banco Ganadero S.A.

 

Bolívar 99

Santa Cruz

Phone<= span lang=3DES-BO style=3D'mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-langu= age: ES-BO'>: (591-3) 336-1616

Fax: (591-3) 336-1617

www.bancoganadero.com.bo/=

 

Ba= nco Industrial S.A. (BISA)

 

Av. 16 de Julio No. 1628

Phone: (591-2) 236-5625

Fax: (591-2) 239-0033=

www.bisa.com/

 

Ba= nco Mercantil S.A.

 

Calle Ayacucho esq. Mercado

Casilla 423

Phone: (591-2) 240-9040

Fax: (591-2) 240-9362=

www.bancomercantil.com.bo/

 

Banco Nacional de Bolivia S.A.

 

Av. Camacho esq. Colon No. 1312

Casilla 360

Phone: (591-2) 231-3232

Fax: (591-2) 231-0695

E-mail: info@bnb.com.bo

www.bnb.com.bo/

 

Banco Santa Cruz S.A.=

 

Junin 154

Casilla 865

Santa Cruz

Phone: (591-3) 336-9911

Fax: (591-3) 335-0114

E-mail: bancruz@mail.bsc.= com.bo

www.bsc.com.bo/

 

Banco Solidario S.A.<= /span>

 

Nicolas Acosta No. 289

Phone: (591-2) 248-4242

Fax: (591-2) 248-6533

E-mail: info@banco= sol.com.bo

http://www.bancosol.com.bo

 

Ba= nco Unión

 

Calle Libertad No. 156

Santa Cruz

= Phone: (591-3) 336-6869

Fax: (591-3) 334-6869

http://w= ww.bancounion.com.bo

 

 

Multilateral Development Banks

 

World Bank

 

Fernando Guachalla No. 342<= /span>

Edificio Victor, Piso 9  

Phone: (591-2) 215-3300

Fax: (591-2) = 215-3305

http://www.worldbank.org= /

 

Inter-American Development= Bank (IADB)

 

BISA Building, El Prado, Piso 5

Phone: (591-2) 235-1221

Fax: (591-2) = 239-1089

http://www.iadb.org

 

An= dean Development Corporation (CAF) (Corporación Andina de Fomento)

 

Edificio Multicentro, Torre B, Piso 9

Phone: (591-2) 244-3333

Fax: (591-2) = 244-3049

http://www.caf.com/=

 

U.S.= Embassy Pers= onnel

 

Philip S. Gol= dberg

Ambassador

      =

Kris R. Urs

Deputy Chief = of Mission=

 

Andrew S. E. = Erickson

Political/Economic Counselor and Commercial Attaché

 

Colleen Cren= welge

= Economic/Commercial Officer=

=  

= Dovie Holland

= Economic Officer

 

Ramiro Alborta

Economic Specialist

 

Tabbie Saenz

Commercial Sp= ecialist

 

Luisa San Mar= tin

Commercial As= sistant

 

Luis Ernesto Beccar

Political Specialist

 

Patricia Viscarra=

Legal Advisor

 

Americo “Mack” Tadeu

Commercial Co= unselor

U.S. Embassy Santiago, Chile

 

Eugene Philho= wer

Agricultural Attaché

U.S. Embassy Lima, Peru

 

Embassy personnel may be reached at commercelapaz@state.gov.

 

Washington-Based U.S. Government Contacts

 

Trade Information= Center

U.S. Department of Commerce

Phone: (800) USA-TRADE

Email: tic@ita.doc.gov

 

U.S. Department of Commerce

Julie Anglin<= o:p>

Bolivia Desk Officer=

Phone: (202) = 482-0428

Fax: (202) 48= 2-4726

Email: Julie_Anglin@ita.doc.gov

 

Office of the Coordinator = for Business Affairs

U.S. Department o= f State

Phone: (202) = 647-1817

Fax: (202) 64= 7-3953

 

U.S. Department of State

Lawrence Petroni=

Bolivia Desk Officer=

Phone: (202) = 647-4193

Fax: (202) 64= 7-2628

Email: Petron= iLJ@state.gov

 

 

 

Trade Assistance and Promo= tion Office

Foreign Agric= ultural Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Phone: (202) = 720-7420

Fax: (202) 69= 0-2489

http://www.fas.usda.gov

 

Bolivian Government Representation in the United States

=  

Juan Guzman, Ambassador

= 3014 Massachusetts Av= . NW

Washington, D.C. 20008

= Phone: (202) 483-4410

Fax: (202) 328-3712

= E-mail: webmaster@bolivia-usa.org

= http://www.bolivia-usa.org

 

Consulates

=  

= Mosies Jarmuz

9100 S. Dadeland Blvd. 
Suite 406
Miami, FL 33156
Phone: (305) 670-0709 or 670-0710
Fax: (305) 670-2548

=  

Jorge Heredia= Cavero

211 East 43rd St, Room 702

New York, = NY 10017

Phone: (212) 687-0530 or 499-7401

Fax: (212) 68= 7-0532

 

= Fernando Francisco Lazcano O.

870 Market Street= , Room 575

San Francisco, CA 94102

= Phone: (415) 495-5173

= Fax: (415) 399-8958

 

Honorary Consuls

 

Jaime R. Escobar Claros

1111 W. Superior Street, Suite 309

Melrose Park, = IL 60160

Phone: (708) = 343-1234

Fax: (708) 34= 3-4290

 

= Diana Galindo de Walker

= 800 Willcrot, Suite 100

Houston, TX 77042

= Phone: (713) 977-2344

= Fax: (713) 977-2362

 

= Gloria Steine

20550 Hackamore Rd.

Hamel<= span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black'>, MN 55340

= Phone: (763) 478-9495

= Fax: (763) 478-6631

 

= Russel David Leblang

85 Devenshire Street, Su= ite 1000

Boston= , MA 02109

= Phone: (617) 742-1500

= Fax: (617) 742-9130

 

George Handel= sman

1401 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 240

Atlanta, GA 30309

Phone<= span lang=3DES-BO style=3D'mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-langu= age: ES-BO'>: (404) 522-0777

Fax: (404) 873-3355

 

Maria Urioste Hensley

1881 Sylvan Avenue, Suite 110

Dallas, TX 75208

Phone<= span lang=3DES-BO style=3D'mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-langu= age: ES-BO'>: (214) 571-6131

Fax: (214) 651-9514

 

Jaime Escobar Claros

1111 W. Superior, Suite 309

Melrose Park, = IL 60160

Phone: (708) = 343-1234

Fax: (708) 34= 3-4290

 

Thomas J. Pur= vis

3413 Canacer Drive

Mobile, AL 366693<= /o:p>

Phone: (334) = 661-2873

Fax: (334) 66= 1-2873

 

Vacant<= /p>

210 Park Avenue, Suite 1600

Oklahoma City, = OK 73102

Phone: (405) = 239-5789 or 239-5726

Fax: (405) 23= 5-585

 

 

 

Market Research        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;        Return to top

To view market research reports pro= duced by the U.S. Commercial Service, please go to http://www.export.gov/ma= rketresearch.html and click on Country and Industry Market Reports.

 

Please note that these reports are = only available to U.S. citizens and <= st1:country-region w:st=3D"on">U.S. co= mpanies. Registration is required but is free of charge.

Trade Events            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;          Return to top

For information on upcoming trade e= vents, please see the following websites:

 

http://www.export.gov/trade= events.html  http://www.buyusa= .gov/bolivia/en/tradeshows.html

 

Return to table of= contents

 

Chapter 10: Guide to Our Services

 

The U.S. Commercial Service offers customized solutions to help American businesses enter and succeed in marke= ts worldwide. Its global network of trade specialists will work one-on-one wit= h firms through every step of the exporting process, helping to:

 

  • Target the best markets with world-class research<= /li>
  • Promote products and services to qualified buyers<= /li>
  • Meet the best distributors and agents
  • Overcome potential challenges or trade barriers

 

For more information on the service= s offered by the U.S. Embassy’s commercial section, please go to http://l= apaz.usembassy.gov/english/commercial/goldkey.htm.

 

Return to table of contents<= /a>

 

U.S. exporters seeking general export information/assistance or country-specific commercial inform= ation should consult with the nearest Export Assistance Center or the U= .S. Department of Commerce's Trade Information Center at (800) USA-TRADE= or go to the following website: http://w= ww.export.gov

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained in this report is accurate as of the date of publication. The Department of Commerce d= oes not take responsibility for actions readers may take based on the informati= on contained herein. Readers should always conduct their own due diligence bef= ore entering into business ventures or other commercial arrangements. The Department of Commerce can assist companies in these endeavors.<= /p>

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