Bolivian Business Development Profile

Transcription

Bolivian Business
Development Profile
DANIDA Business Partnerships
Danish Embassy in Bolivia
2799, Arce Avenue
La Paz, Bolivia
Tel.: +591 (2) 243 2070
Fax: +591 (2) 243 3150
[email protected]
www.bolivia.um.dk
June 2013
Table of Contents
Page
Executive Summary
Map of the Plurinational state of Bolivia
1
Country profile
2
Economic overview
3
Trade opportunities
3.1
Trade agreements of Bolivia
3.2
Bolivian exports
3.3
Bolivian imports
3.4
Trade Bolivia – Denmark
3.5
Infrastructure for international trade
4
Investment overview
4.1
Doing Business Report
4.2
World Economic Forum: Competitiveness Index
4.3
Incentives for Foreign Investment
5
Potential sectors
5.1
Agricultural
5.1.1
Highlands
5.1.2
Valleys and Tropic
5.1.3
Lowlands
5.1.4
Forest
5.2
Industrial manufacturing
5.3
Tourism
5.4
Services
6
Social Development
6.1
Education
6.2
Health
6.3
Gender
6.4
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
6.5
Corporate Social Responsibility
7
Useful Information
7.1
Visa applying
7.2
Trade Fairs
8
Contact
3
4
5
6
8
8
9
10
10
11
12
12
12
13
15
15
15
17
19
21
24
31
32
33
33
33
34
34
35
36
36
36
37
Bolivian Business Development Profile | 2
Executive Summary
Bolivia, located in the middle of South America, is a multicultural and bio-diverse land-locked country.
One of its main characteristics is the diversity of its territory, from the Altiplano (highland plains) to the
lowland plains of the Amazon Basin. Bolivia promotes an image of an ancient culture with ecological
production.
During the last six years Bolivian economy has been stable, favoured by the higher prices of
commodities and with limited inflation. This document contains economic (page 2) and social (Page 33)
indicators of the country.
The Danida Business Partnerships Programme seeks to contribute to the economic and social growth of
Bolivia through commercially oriented partnerships which create jobs, improve competitiveness and
promote corporate social responsibility.
This Business Development Profile is intended to provide an overview of the economic and business
outlook in Bolivia. It also identifies sectors which can generate the greatest development impact and
bring about sustainable commercial partnerships.
The DBP programme in Bolivia prioritizes projects which develop products with added value, in the
area of agri-business and industry. The main sectors identified are the following:
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Andean grains (page 16)
Timber products (page 29)
Oilseeds cluster: Soybeans and sunflower seeds (page 21)
The pharmaceutical industry, including phytotherapeutic products (page 27)
Meat and meat products (page 30)
Dairy products and technology (page 30)
Leather and leather manufactures (page 26)
Textile and clothing (page 26)
Additional subsectors with potential for productive partnerships are: coffee (page 17), cacao (page 24),
metal industry (page 30), jewellery (page 30) and lithium derivatives (page 31).
Other subsectors could also be considered as potential candidates: livestock farming, pigs and cattle,
tourism, and the sub-areas of achiote, potatoes, sesame, fruits (tropical, exotic, dried and fruit pulps),
Brazilian nuts, chia and palmetto.
Finally, all productive sectors, as well as the residential sector, need energy. Bolivia has expressed the
intention to diversify its energy matrix away from fossil fuels. Since Denmark is one of the world
leaders in energy efficiency and renewable energy technology, there is potential for creating
successful partnerships in this transversal sector.
More information about the Danida Business Partnerships programme could be found on the following
link: http://um.dk/en/danida-en/activities/business/partnerships.
Information about the activities of the Danish Embassy in Bolivia can be obtained at the following link:
http://bolivia.um.dk/da.aspx
Map of The Plurinational State of Bolivia
Source: United Nations (UN)
1 Country Profile
Facts and Figures
Official Name
Plurinational State of Bolivia
Government form
Social Unitarian State
Area
1,098,580 Km2 (28th largest of the world)
Borders
Political division
Capital
Main cities (Est. 2010)
Argentina (832 Km), Brazil (3,400 Km), Peru (900 Km), Paraguay (750 Km)
and Chile (861 Km)
9 Departments(/Provinces): Beni, Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, Oruro,
Pando, Potosí, Santa Cruz and Tarija
Sucre; La Paz (Seat of Government)
Santa Cruz (1,651,436 inhabitants), El Alto (960,767), La Paz (840,209),
Cochabamba (618,384)
Population (2013)
10,027,254 inhabitants
Density (Est. 2012)
9.4 inhabitants/Km2
Life expectancy (Est. 2011)
67.9 years
Average of age (Est. 2011)
22.5 years
Languages
Spanish and 36 other indigenous dialects
Independence Day
6 August (1825, from Spain)
Constitution
7 February (2009, last modification)
Currency
Time zone
Religion
Public holidays
Business Hours
Memberships on
Boliviano (BOB). USD are used for big transactions
1 DKK= 1.19 BOB (October 2012)
- 5 hours during Danish winter
- 6 hours during Danish summer
Catholic (90%). There is religious freedom
- New Year (1 January)
- Constitution Day (22 January)
- Carnival (2 days, variable dates between February and March)
- Good Friday (variable date between March and April)
- Labour Day (1 May)
- Aymara New Year (21 June)
- Corpus Christi (variable date between May or June)
- Independence Day (6 August)
- All Saints Day (1 November)
- Christmas (25 December)
- Each Department (Region) Day
- Public Offices: Monday to Friday 8.30 – 12.30; 14.30 – 18.30
- Private sector: Monday to Friday 8.00 – 12.00; 14.00 – 18.00
- Banks: Monday to Friday 9.00 – 16.00 Saturday 9.00 – 13.00
UN; WTO; G77; Organisation of American States (OAS); Andean Community
(CAN); Latin American Integration Association (ALADI); Rio Group; InterAmerican Developmental Bank; International Monetary Fund (IMF), Union of
South American Nations (UNASUR) and Bolivarian Alliance of Our Peoples of
America (ALBA).
Sources: National Institute of Statistic (INE), Central Bank of Bolivia, CIA World Facebook and Ministry of Labour
2 Economic Overview
In recent years, Bolivia has shown a solid economic performance, based on the exports of raw
material such as gas and minerals, helped by the higher prices in the international market;
control of inflation; and the increase of domestic demand, especially consumption.
Gross Domestic Product has grown more than 4% per year since 2004, with the exception of
2009, when the economy was slightly affected by the financial crisis. Bolivia is considered as
one of the most stable economies in South America with stable macroeconomic indicators, high
levels of international reserves, solid public finances, and increasing creditworthiness.
Bolivia: Growing of GDP and Inflation, 2007 – 2011
(In %)
GDP
11.9
11.7
Inflation
7.2
6.2
4.6
6.9
5.2
4.1
3.4
0.3
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Source: National Institute of Statistic (INE)
South America: Gross Domestic Product, 2010 – 2013
(In %)
Country
2010
2011
2012 (p)
2013 (p)
Peru
8.8
6.9
5.9
5.5
Bolivia
4.1
5.2
5.0
4.5
Chile
6.1
6.0
5.0
4.8
Venezuela
-1.5
4.2
5.0
3.0
Colombia
4.0
5.9
4.5
4.5
Ecuador
3.6
7.8
4.5
4.5
Uruguay
8.9
5.7
3.5
4.0
Argentina
9.2
8.9
2.0
3.5
Brazil
7.5
2.7
1.6
4.0
Paraguay
13.1
4.4
-2.0
5.0
Source: Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLAC) / (p): Projected data
Gross Domestic Product by economic activity, 2011
(In %)
5%
3%
Mines and quarries extraction
28%
13%
Manufacturing industry
Agriculture, hunting and fishing
Transport, storage and communication
15%
Commerce
19%
17%
Construction
Electricity, gas and water
Main Indicators
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
USD23,879 million (2011)
GDP growth
5.2% (2011)
5.5% (Est. 2012)
GDP per capita
USD2.315 (2011)
Inflation rate
6.9% (2011)
5,0% (Est. 2012)
Urban unemployment rate
6.5% (2010)
Direct Foreign Investment
External Public Debt
Net International Reserves
Exports
Imports
Labour force by activity
USD859 million (2011)
USD577 million (Jun. 2012)
USD3,523 million (Sep. 2012)
USD13,772 million (Oct. 2012)
USD6,823 million (Sep. 2012)
USD 7,673 million (2011)
USD 5,458 million (Sep. 2012)
- Agriculture: 14%
- Manufacturing Industry: 14%
- Non manufacturing industry: 22%
- Services: 50%
Sources: National Institute of Statistic (INE), Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB), and World Economic Forum
3 Trade Opportunities
3.1
Trade Agreements of Bolivia
Bolivia only maintains bilateral trade agreements with Latin-American countries. The most
important of them is the Andean Community Agreement, of which it is a founder member. It is
also an associated member of MERCOSUR. Bolivia is a beneficiary of preferential treatments
within unilateral systems, such as the Generalized System of Preferences Plus of the European
Union, which facilitates Bolivian exports to Denmark.
Bilateral Trade Agreements
Andean Community (Peru, Colombia and Ecuador)
MERCOSUR (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay)
Chile
Cuba
Mexico
Venezuela (under the frame of Bolivarian Alliance of Our Peoples of
America – ALBA)
Generalized Systems of Preferences (Unilateral)
GSP Plus of the European Union
GSP of the United States of America
GSP of Japan
GSP of Canada
GSP of Russian Federation
GSP of Turkey
GSP of New Zealand
GSP of Switzerland
GSP of Norway
Source: Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade (IBCE)
Top 5 Destination of Exports, 2011
Top 5 Origin of Imports, 2011
Nº
Country
Main Product
Nº
Country
1
2
3
4
5
Brazil
Argentina
USA
Japan
Peru
Natural Gas
Natural Gas
Tin
Zinc
Soybeans derivatives
1
2
3
4
5
Brazil
Argentina
China
USA
Japan
Main Product
Iron and Steel Bars
Diesel
Airplanes
Gas Turbines
Automotive Vehicles
External Trade of Bolivia, 2007 – 2011
(Millions of US Dollars)
Exports
Imports
Commercial Balance
9,114
2011
7,673
1,441
6,966
2010
5,604
1,362
5,400
2009
4,577
823
6,933
2008
5,100
1,833
4,822
2007
1,234
3,588
3.2
Bolivian Exports
Bolivia suffers from a huge dependence on the raw material exports, such as petroleum, gas,
minerals, soybean and wood. Natural gas is the most important product for export, and it is
totally destined to Brazil and Argentina. However, there are other interesting and potential
products to export such as nuts, quinoa, amaranth, sesame, cocoa, coffee, tea, tropical fruits and
others.
Composition of Bolivian Exports, 2011
(%)
Petroleum, gas and derivatives
45.52%
Minerals
37.56%
Soybean and derivatives
7.54%
Wood
0.96%
Sunflower and derivatives
0.86%
Leather
0.58%
Jewellery
0.58%
Textiles and Clothing
0.45%
Sugar and derivatives
0.37%
Other
5.59%
3.3
Bolivian Imports
A vast majority of Bolivian imports are considered as industrial supplies (fuels, iron and steel,
machinery and chemical products). However, there is a constant fight against contraband along
the borders of the country.
Composition of Bolivian Imports, 2011
(%)
Fuels
13.30%
Automotive vehicles
12.94%
Iron and steel
7.41%
Industrial machinery
7.37%
Machinery and equipment in general
6.19%
Electric machinery and artefacts
3.85%
Chemical products
3.38%
Metal manufacturing
3.18%
Machinery and equipment generators of power
3.03%
Cereals
2.83%
Other
36.53%
3.4
Trade Bolivia – Denmark
In 2011 Bolivia exported more than USD 1.3 million of goods to Denmark. It was the 42nd most
important market (of a total of 106 countries) for Bolivian products in terms of value. Over the
last five years, Bolivian exports to Denmark accumulated more than USD 4 million.
Bolivian Exports to Denmark, 2007 – 2011
(US Dollars)
1,374,798
1,120,351
886,364
746,288
692,565
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011 (p)
Source: National Institute of Statistic (INE) / (p): Preliminary data
The Danish market is important for the Bolivian textile and clothing exports, considering that
50% of the exports belong to this sector. Food and food ingredients, wood and jewellery are
also potential sectors in order to increase Bolivian exports to Denmark.
Bolivia: Exports to Denmark, by sector 2011 (p)
(%)
0.62%
10.31%
Textiles and clothing
Food and food ingredients
11.78%
50.45%
26.85%
Other products
Wood
Jewellery
Source: National Institute of Statistic (INE) / (p): Preliminary data
3.5
Infrastructure for International Trade
Bolivia uses ports and warehousing facilities at Arica, Iquique and Antofagasta (Chile);
Matarani and Ilo (Peru); and Santos (Brazil). Other port facilities used are free ports in Rosario
(Argentina); Nueva Palmira (Uruguay); and Belem (Brazil).
Bolivia suffers from weak infrastructure. The average investment in infrastructure as a
percentage of the GDP has been only 3.3% during the last 20 years 1. Only 30% of the 16,054
kilometres of the main road network is paved, the rest is still covered by ground and gravel.
According to the Bolivian Road Administration (ABC, in Spanish) the State had a budget of USD
600 million for infrastructure for the year 2012. Between 2006 and 2011 more than 1,000
kilometres of roads were constructed.
The railroad network is divided into two parts: the Eastern part counting 1,222 kilometres that
connects the country with Brazil and Argentina, and the Western part with 2,318 kilometres
that connects with Argentina, Chile and Peru.
Bolivia has developed the exports of oilseeds through Puerto Aguirre (located in the Paraguay
River), which allows the country the transport of goods through the Atlantic Ocean. There are
also some interesting projects of economic development in this area.
The main national airlines are Boliviana de Aviación (BOA), Amaszonas and Transporte Aéreo
Militar (TAM), other international airlines operating in the country: American Airlines, LAN,
Aerolíneas Argentinas, TACA, TAM MERCOSUR, GOL and Copa Airlines.
1
Populi Centre of Studies
4 Investment Overview
4.1
Doing Business Report
In the Doing Business Report 2013, Bolivia is ranked in the position 155 of 185 economies
which shows a regression in the index compared to 2012 projections. Besides it is one of the
worst economies regarding legal rights of borrowers and lenders and in providing minority
investor protection.
Topic Rankings
Rank 2013
Rank 2012
Starting a business
174
169
Dealing with construction permits
114
107
Getting electricity
126
124
Registering property
139
138
Getting credit
129
Protecting investors
139
126
136
Paying taxes
180
179
Trading across borders
125
126
Enforcing contracts
136
135
Resolving insolvency
68
65
Source: Doing Business Report 2013. Between 185 economies
4.2
World Economic Forum: Competitiveness Index
(Between 144 economies)
Score
(1 - 7)
General
Basic Requirements
1) Institutions
2) Infrastructure
3) Macroeconomic environment
4) Health and primary education
Efficiency enhancers
5) Higher education and training
6) Goods market efficiency
7) Labour market efficiency
8) Financial market development
104
94
119
108
49
97
122
92
138
132
126
3.78
4.15
3.31
2.95
5.02
5.32
3.35
3.83
3.40
3.58
3.33
9) Technological readiness
127
2.73
10) Market size
82
3.25
100
103
83
3.28
3.55
3.01
Parameters
Innovation and sophistication factors
11) Business sophistication
12) Innovation
Rank
The most problematic factors for doing businesses
%
Access to financing
25.6
Restrictive labour regulations
19.1
Foreign currency regulations
13.3
Inefficient government bureaucracy
11.9
Inadequate supply of infrastructure
9.8
Corruption
3.9
Policy instability
3.7
Inadequately educated workforce
3.2
Poor work ethic in national labour force
2.7
Insufficient capacity to innovate
2.0
Inflation
1.1
Government instability/coups
1.0
Tax rates
0.9
Poor public health
0.7
Tax regulations
0.7
Crime and theft
0.6
Source: The Global Competitiveness Index 2012 – 2013. World Economic Forum
4.3
Incentives for Foreign Investment
According to the Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLAC) Report on Foreign Direct
Investment, Bolivia was the 8th country in Latin America to be considered a destiny for FDI in
2011. In 2011, the Direct Foreign Investment in the country represented 4% of the GDP in
relative terms, being the main investors: Sweden, Spain, Brazil, USA and France. The more
beneficiated industries with external investment were: energy, mining, manufacturing,
commerce, transport and communications.
The average wages in each private sector is a piece of key information for foreign investors, in
order to know their exact costs of production. The highest average wage (above USD 1,000)
belongs to the sector of production and distribution of electricity, gas and water; while the
lowest average wage (below USD 200) is found in the service sector of restaurants and bars.
Bolivia: Average wage by activity in private sector, 2011
Activity
General
Production and distribution of electricity, gas and water
Communications
Elaboration and conservation of fruits, beans, vegetables
and elaboration of vegetal oils and food products
BOB
USD
3,099
7,738
6,225
445
1,112
894
4,790
688
Intermediation of finances
Extraction of crude oil and natural gas
Services of housing, businesses and rent
Transport and storage
Education for adults and other types of education
Fabrication of non-metallic mineral products
Fabrication of products of paper, edition, print and
reproduction
Extraction of minerals
Construction
Elaboration of alcoholic beverages and tobacco
Primary, secondary and college education
Hostelry
Commerce
Services of cinematography, radio, television and
entertainment
Social and health services
Fabrication of chemical products and substances
Elaboration of dairy products
Elaboration of metal-mechanic products
Elaboration of starch and bakery products
Production, processing and conservation of meat and meat
products
Elaboration of sugar, confectionery, pasta and noodles
Production of wood and products of wood (except
furniture)
Fabrication of textiles, clothing, leather products and shoes
Restaurants and bars
4,383
4,195
3,835
3,559
3,151
3,090
630
603
551
511
453
444
3,035
436
3,013
2,736
2,689
2,652
2,513
2,482
433
393
386
381
361
357
2,183
314
2,013
2,009
1,947
1,708
1,619
289
289
280
245
233
1,591
229
1,544
222
1,533
220
1,341
1,222
193
176
Source: National Institute of Statistic (INE) / Official Currency Exchange: 1 USD: 6.96 BOB
Capital gains and investment incomes from production and commercialization are all taxed.
There are also sectorial taxes, for instance in the hydrocarbons industry.
Taxes
Value Added Tax (VAT)
13%
Complementary Regimen to VAT
13%
Transaction tax
3%
Tax of the Companies Utilities (TCU)
25%
Tax to Specific Consumptions
(According to Law Nº 843)
Description
To the added value in every phase of production or
commerce of a good or service.
To the income of employees (of public or private
companies). It is possible to reduce this tax with the
presentation of fiscal credit. The company is only an agent
of retention.
To the gross incomes accrued and transmissions of goods
and immovable.
To the annual utilities of the public and private
companies, independent professionals and others.
To the national production and imports of alcoholic
beverages, some non-alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cigars
and cars.
Tax to the Property of Immovable and
Automotive Vehicles
(According to Law Nº 843)
Special Tax to Hydrocarbons and
derivatives
(According to Law Nº 843; Maximum of
5,34 BOB per litre)
Complementary Tax to Mining
(According to Law Nº 843 and Supreme
Decree Nº 24780)
Tax to Financial Transaction
0,15 %
Direct Tax to Hydrocarbons
(32 % and 18 % of royalties)
To the immovable property, urban or rural, and
automotive vehicles of any type or category: cars, trucks,
jeeps, vans, motorcycles.
To the commercialization of
derivatives in the domestic market.
hydrocarbons
and
To the gross value of mineral sales, being the result of the
multiplication of the weight of the content by the official
price in USD.
To transactions superior to USD 2,000.To the 100 % of the production of crude oil by any natural
person or company, public or private
5 Potential Sectors
5.1
Agricultural
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Bolivia is the largest producer of
Brazil nuts, a product with an incredible growing of exports in the last five years. Besides,
Bolivia is the second producer of quinoa (being worldwide the first exporter of this product)
and Andean camels (lamas, alpacas and vicuñas).
Agriculture in Bolivia is divided into the production of export products (especially soya) and
food products for the domestic market in the eastern part of the country and the production of
food, mainly for the domestic market in the valleys and western zone. Bolivia has a huge
agricultural potential because of the varieties of soils and climates. It is possible to divide the
production into four main areas: highlands, valleys and tropic, lowlands and forests.
5.1.1
Highlands
The Bolivian highlands are ideal for the production of ancient Andean grains like quinoa,
amaranth and cañahua. These grains are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, do not contain
gluten and the production is predominately organic. Due to these characteristics, these grains
have steadily gained importance as an alternative to cereals throughout the world and the
demand for these products is increasing.
Potential product
Opportunities
Challenges
Exports (2011): USD
63,445,879
This Andean cereal is very estimated by
the quality of its protein. It has a balanced
composition of amino acid similar to the
composition of the protein of the milk.
The implementation of technology
is necessary in order to increase the
production and industrialization of
this product.
Main importers: USA,
France, Netherlands,
Canada and Germany
Products elaborated with quinoa have
increased: pastas, soups, cereal bars,
snacks, confectionery, among others.
It is necessary to introduce
techniques to control the strong
influence of the weather in the
productive areas.
Quinoa
Quinoa is successfully exported to many
countries as conventional and organic
grain. Some companies achieved the Fair
Trade Certification, in the last years.
Amaranth
Exports (2011): USD
87,295
Main importers: Canada,
Japan and Switzerland
Cañahua
Exports (2011): USD
93,040
Main importers: USA
and Canada
The grains of amaranth are largely
produced organically, thus giving it a
higher value than those conventionally
produced.
An increase in the healthy food trend could
be an opportunity for this product.
The grain toasted and turned into flour
called “whistle” is used in the gastronomy
for soups, bread and several drinks.
The importance of this crop is mainly due
to its high protein content in the grain,
with a great amount of amino acids.
To increase the volume of
production through the expansion
of cultivated area.
Improvement of the production
chain of amaranth derivatives
products with higher quality
parameters.
In the same way like amaranth, it is
necessary to expand the cultivated
area, introduce the product in new
markets
and
develop
its
industrialization.
Source: Ministry of Agricultural Development and Grounds; Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade (IBCE)

Andean grains
Andean grains, such as quinoa, amaranth and cañahua, are of considerable interest to
European markets due to their high nutritional value and purity (ecological and nongenetically modified organism, GMO). From a development perspective, they are particularly
interesting because they have the potential to improve incomes for a large numbers of poor
farmers mainly located in the highlands. The challenge is to create more value-added within
Bolivia. This job has so far been promoted mainly by the development cooperation, but Danish
businesses could also take advantage of the opportunity.
List of companies in the Andean Grains Cluster
Agrofor S.R.L: (Chuquisaca)
Andean Foods Enterprise – ANFE (www.anfebiofoods.com)
Andean Valley (www.andeanvalley.com)
Cereales Andina S.R.L. (La Paz, Ph 591(2) 2864623)
Cereales Antezana S.R.L. (La Paz)
Central de Cooperativas Agropecuarias Operación Tierra – CECAOT (La Paz, 591 (2) 2318502)
(www.quinua.com.bo)
Consorcio Comercial Imperio de los Lipez (www.delipez.com)
CORONILLA S.A. (www.coronilla.com)
Dci Amaranto (Cochabamba)
Emprotarwi (La Paz)
IRUPANA Andean Organic Food SA –IAOFSA (www.irupana.com)
JATARIY S.R.L. ([email protected])
LATCO INTERNATIONAL (www.latcointernational.com)
QUINBOLSUR – Salinas ([email protected])
QUINOA FOODS COMPANY S.A. (www.quinoafoods.com)
QUINOABOL S.R.L. (www.quinoabol.com)
Montecristo Bolivia S.R.L. (http://www.montecristobolivia.com)
Productos Andinos Bolivia - PROANBOL S.R.L. (www.realquinua.com)
Real Andina – Uyuni ([email protected])
SINDAN ORGANIC S.R.L. (www.quinuasindan.com.bo)
Sobre la Roca (http://www.sobrelarocabolivia.com)
Sociedad Agropecuaria Industrial y Técnica S.R.L. – SAITE (www.quinuasaite.com.bo)
Sociedad Industrial Molinera S.A. – SIMSA (www.princesa.como.bo)
Source: Rojas et al. (2010b)
5.1.2
Valleys and tropic
The tropical and subtropical regions allow the production of a vast variety of fruits and
vegetables, which are further processed and exported. The production is concentrated in small
and medium sized associations or by individual producers. Most of the fruit production is
conventional, but organic production is increasing due to the international demand and prices.
Potential products
Coffee
Exports (2011): USD
26,189,306
Germany, Belgium,
France and Netherlands
Tea
Exports (2011): USD
Opportunities
Challenges
In the Yungas region, located in the
Department of La Paz, high altitude coffee
(Arabic) is produced, represented by the
varieties “typical”, “caturra”, “catimor” and
“novo mundo”. The production of coffee is
organized in cooperatives of small producers.
Improvement of the production
to reach the Fair Trade
certification.
Technical expertise in genetic
resources management in order
to diversify the production.
Due to the absence of utilization of pesticides
and chemical agents in the crops and its
excellent flavour, this product also achieves a
constant and increasing international demand.
A variety of infusions is produced in the tropic
of Cochabamba, with special characteristics in
flavours.
Increasing the volume of the
limited production, with special
focus on organic certification.
189,763
Main importers: Costa
Rica, Colombia, Chile
and USA
Pineapple
Exports (2011): USD
674,273
Main importers:
Argentina, Chile, Italy,
Costa Rica and Denmark
Banana
Exports (2011): USD
20,381,491
Main importers:
Argentina, Chile,
Uruguay and Spain
Peanut
Exports (2011): USD
660,798
Main importers:
Netherlands, Peru, USA
and Spain
Palm hearts
Exports (2011): USD
13,525,598
Main importers:
Argentina, Chile, USA,
Uruguay and Venezuela
Some varieties of tea produced in the country
are: black tea, organic green tea, camomile tea,
anise tea, fruity flavoured tea (orange,
pineapple, peach and apple, among others).
Develop
standards
for
packaging and labelling for this
product.
The production in the tropic area of
Cochabamba has increased during last years in
the same way as bananas.
Implementation of organic
production and reach Fair
Trade certification.
Pineapple is one of the most consumed
tropical fruits in the world, after banana and
mango.
Diversify the offer of products:
pineapples cut in pieces, in
syrup,
confectionery
with
pineapples, among others.
Banana is the most exported Bolivian tropical
fruit. The production is located in the tropic
area of Cochabamba.
Implementation of organic
production and reach Fair
Trade certification.
The main markets for exports are located in
the region (mainly Argentina). The European
Union could be an interesting market, being
the largest importer of banana in the world.
Develop the packaging and
labelling phase within the
production chain.
The more exported variety is the “Cavendish
Valery”. However, there are more varieties in
the country.
Diversify the offer of products:
dried bananas, energy bars and
beverages, among others.
Peanuts are common ingredients in cuisines all
over the world and are also used for popular
snacks and confections such as salted peanuts,
peanut butter, and candy bars.
Peanuts are only consumed in
local markets as a snack or as an
ingredient for some recipes.
However, there is a lack of
industrialization of its oil and
other derivatives.
Moreover, peanut oil is used in a variety of
industrial products and also many cosmetics
contain peanut oil and its derivatives. Peanuts
are a rich source of protein and contain high
concentrations of antioxidant polyphenols.
Some producers in the tropic of Cochabamba
have achieved organic certification.
There is enough land in the tropic for palm
hearts crop, right now only 10% of the area is
used for production.
Technology to extract the oil is
necessary to complete that
objective.
The production of palm hearts
needs to expand the area of
production and introduce better
technology of packaging and
labelling.
Sources: Ministry of Agricultural Development and Grounds; Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade (IBCE)

Coffee Chain
Coffee production in Bolivia has been developed organically, given that the geographical
characteristics of the country are apt for the cultivation and obtaining of high-quality grains
(regions above 2.400 metres above sea level).
List of organizations and companies in the Coffee Cluster
Asociación de Organizaciones de Productores Ecológicos de Bolivia (AOPEB)
Federación de Caficultores de Bolivia
Asociación de Café Apolo (La Paz, [email protected])
Asociación de Cafés Especiales de Bolivia ACEB (La Paz)
Asociación de Productores de Café Ecológico – APROCAFE (La Paz, [email protected])
Cooperativa Agrícola Cafetalera San Juan Ltda. (La Paz, [email protected])
Cooperativa AGROP. Y COM. Alto Sajama (La Paz)
Cooperativa Integral AGROPEC Antofagasta Ltda. (La Paz, café[email protected])
Companies
Café Copacabana (www.industriacopacabana.com)
Café Ideal (www.cafeideal.com.bo)
Agrícola Cafetalera Buen Vista S.A AGRICABV (La Paz, www.anditradecoffe.com)
Agroecológica Flor de Camata AGREFAC S.R.L (La Paz)
Agroecológicas Pilon Laja (La Paz)
AGROTAKESI S.A (La Paz)
Coraca RI-Irupana (La Paz, www.coracairupana-blogspot.com)
IRUPANA Andean Food S.A (La Paz, www.irupana.org)
Sociedad industrial Cafetera Soinca Ltda. (La Paz)
Source: IBCE (2010).
5.1.3
Lowlands
In the eastern lowlands, soybean is cultivated under large mechanized farming systems, as well
as other products like: cooking oil, cotton, rice, sugar-cane, sorghum, maize, millet, sesame,
among others.
The agribusiness sector is one of the biggest sectors in Bolivia in the sense that it employs
more than 40% of the population. Subsistence farming constitutes the majority of the sector;
however, commercial agriculture is increasingly important, especially in the eastern lowlands.
Potential products
Soybean
Opportunities
Challenges
Soybean is the main agricultural export
product of Bolivia, and one of most
important products in terms of exports.
The production of soybean oil is
one of the most advanced industries
in Bolivia. However, some barriers
Exports (2011): USD
686,861,053
Main importers:
Venezuela, Colombia,
Peru and Ecuador
Sunflower
Exports (2011): USD
78,047,919
Its composition is of 42-48 % protein, 20 21 % oil and 34 % carbohydrates. In the
industry it is used to produce soybean
meal for animals, refined oil, soybean flour,
soybean butter, soybean milk, pet food,
poultry feed, among others.
This oilseed has a high content in fat (3858%), both mono saturated and
polyunsaturated fats help reducing
cholesterol.
Main importers:
Colombia, Chile, Ecuador
and Peru
Its extracted oil is vastly used for cooking,
considering that it is cheaper than olive oil
for example. Other industrial uses are to
produce margarine and biodiesel.
Rice
Rice has become a traditional item in
Bolivian diet and an essential ingredient in
many recipes. In Bolivia, the consumption
adds up to 38 kg per person per year.
Exports (2011): USD
802,994
Main importers: Peru
The production of this cereal generates
70,000 direct and indirect jobs. Rice is
produced in 7 of the 9 Departments (Oruro
and Potosí are the exception). However,
98% of the rice production is located in
Santa Cruz.
Sesame
Sesame is grown primarily for its oil-rich
seeds. The small sesame seed is used
completely for cooking because of its rich
nutty flavour and also yields sesame oil.
Exports (2011): USD
15,707,735
are given by government export
restrictions.
The industrialization of some
derivatives products such as
soybean milk, soybean butter,
among others is still limited.
The
premium
markets
for
sunflower seeds provide the best
opportunities
for
Bolivian
production as the conventional
market is dominated by large
multinationals
which
have
standards that are difficult to meet
for small and medium sized
companies. For this reason, Bolivian
producers might want to link up
with specialised traders.
80% of worldwide rice is consumed
in large grains; however Bolivian
rice grain is too small for export.
Therefore it is necessary to
introduce genetic management.
Market niches such as Fair Trade
certified rice, GMOs and aromatic
rice, could be reached.
90% of the production is exported.
However, the production is sold as
raw material, and therefore it is
necessary
to
develop
the
derivatives.
Main importers: Japan,
USA, Netherlands, Peru
and Germany
Sesame seed is mainly used for the
preparation of different bakery products
and it is also very important in the
gastronomic industry, being used as
cooking oil or for salad dressings.
Despite its healthy properties,
sesame is little consumed in local
markets, and is only used in the
bakery industry.
Bovine meat
The production of bovine meat has been
increasing through the incorporation of
modern genetic technology and new
methods of grass cultivation.
Exports of bovine meat are
deficient due to public restrictions
(quotas) and unfavourable weather
conditions.
71% of the production is located in the
Departments of Beni (42%) and Santa Cruz
(29%). In 2011, the production reached
8,400,439 bovines.

Oilseeds cluster: Soybeans and sunflower seeds
A large part of the department of Santa Cruz has shown excellent conditions for growing
soybeans and sunflower seeds. It has yet to implement African palm oil plantations, but that is
probably only a question of time. The cluster is relatively developed (compared with other
Bolivian chain); however the potential is not fully exploited.
List of companies in the Oilseeds clusters
Alimentos Alfa Ltda. (Cochabamba, Phone 4270094)
ALSA - Clara Bella ([email protected])
Boltagro S.R.L. (www.boltagro.com.bo)
Coinco-Bol Ltda ([email protected])
Etasa S.R.L. (Santa Cruz, 591(3) 3527744)
Fas S.A. (Santa Cruz, 591(3) 3882827)
Gravetal Bolivia S.A. (www.gravetal.com.bo)
Industrias de Aceite Fino S.A. (www.fino.com.bo)
Itika S.A. (www.itikasa.com)
IOL-Industrias Oleaginosas S.A. (www.iol-sa.com)
Montecristo Bolivia S.R.L. (www.montecristobolivia.com)
Nutrir S.R.L. (Tarija, 491 (4) 6672886)
SAO – Sociedad Aceitera del Oriente S.A. (www.admsao.com)
Semilla Mônica S.R.L. (Santa Cruz, 591(3) 3466499)
Source: Antelo (2007), Muriel and Valencia (2010)
5.1.4
Forests
The forest area located in the Departments of Beni, Pando and North of La Paz is a producer of
many products highly appreciated for their unique characteristics. A vast majority of them are
not cultivated but only harvested, and consequently are considered as organic products.
Among those products Bolivia has a variety of exotic fruits from the Amazon forest which are
collected by people in the communities for domestic consumption. The fruits can be introduced
to external market under the slogan of “exotic fruits”. Some exotic fruits are: Copoazú
(Theobroma grandiflorum); Açaí (Euterpe oleracea); Achachairú (Garcinia humilis); Guava
(Psidum spp.); Ocoró (Rheedia brasiliensis); Tumbo (Passiflora tripartita); Tuna (Opuntia fiinsindica L.); Chirimoya (Annona cherimola) and Pacay (Inga fenillea).
Potential products
Brazil nuts
Exports: (2011): USD
Opportunities
Challenges
In the northern part of Bolivia, (the
Departments of Beni and Pando) the
production of Brazil nuts from the
Amazons has reached high quality levels.
The nuts are sold to wholesalers
and brokers, without any added
value.
Main importers: UK,
USA, Germany,
Netherlands and
Australia
Bolivia is the largest producer and
worldwide exporter of this product. It is
one of the preferred ingredients for snack
bars, the chocolate industry and due to its
high content of vitamin E it is highly
appreciated in the cosmetics industry.
Cocoa
Bolivia produces a cocoa with high purity
and special taste. Cocoa is produced in the
northern area of the Department of La Paz,
and in the plains of Department of Beni
and it is usually harvested by rural
communities.
Exports (2011): USD
2,525,327
Main importers:
Switzerland, Germany,
Argentina, Denmark and
USA
After careful selection the cocoa beans are
fermented and dried, so they are ready to
be transported to the factories.
Macadamia nuts are a valuable food crop
and are highly nutritious. They have the
highest amount of beneficial mono
saturated fats of any known nut.
Macadamia
Exports (2011): USD
158,454
Main importers: UK and
Italy
Macadamia oil is prized for containing
approximately 22% of the Omega-7
palmitoleic acid, which makes it a botanical
alternative to mink oil.
Moreover, the content of palmitoleic acid
plus Macadamia’s high oxidative stability
makes it a desirable ingredient in
cosmetics, especially skincare.
Shelling is a manual work, so it is
necessary to introduce technology
for this phase of production.
Develop
the
production
of
derivatives of Brazil nuts such as
the oil for the cosmetic industry.
It is necessary to expand the
volume of the production and
improve the practices of harvesting
with quality control systems.
Introducing technical expertise in
genetic resources management.
Only
a
few
organizations
/companies are working in this
area.
Macadamia is still in a phase of
introduction for Bolivian producers.
Only some productive ventures are
developed in the north of the
country and in Japanese colonies in
the Department of Santa Cruz.
It is necessary to expand the
production in order to satisfy the
demand in developed markets.
The introduction of technology and
genetic advances are important in
order to reach this.
Bolivia: Agricultural production, campaigns 2006 – 2011
(In metric tonnes)
Description
Cereals
Rice
Barley grain
2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009
2009-2010
2010-2011
1,792,642
376,970
47,368
2,109,850
435,960
47,010
2,367,468
410,994
47,608
1,836,892
449,482
47,604
2,057,738
473,522
42,934
Corn
Quinoa
812,318
28,231
1,000,385
28,809
1,174,447
29,873
718,014
30,900
877,047
36,854
Sorghum grain
Wheat
365,040
162,715
436,133
161,553
503,038
201,508
335,536
255,356
389,534
237,847
30,727
4,028
31,760
4,357
32,917
4,510
33,570
4,652
33,064
4,729
Stimulants
Cocoa
Coffee
26,699
27,403
28,407
28,918
28,335
Fruits
Banana
853,409
151,760
853,464
149,594
880,637
154,227
905,653
158,178
903,335
160,264
Peach
Mandarin
30,780
113,868
31,719
122,465
32,811
127,337
33,636
130,108
33,274
128,516
Orange
Pineapple
157,184
47,789
161,453
46,808
165,397
48,074
170,796
48,986
170,221
48,490
Plantain
Grapes
327,362
24,666
317,757
23,668
328,495
24,296
338,901
25,048
337,910
24,660
Vegetables
Garlic
270,784
6,688
277,782
7,166
279,405
7,420
312,577
7,278
291,856
7,055
Pea
Onion
21,613
71,030
21,595
80,300
22,194
78,585
22,720
81,048
21,383
78,919
Beans
Lima Beans
41,200
55,245
38,195
56,466
38,522
57,419
67,670
58,609
57,603
55,067
Maize
Tomatoes
21,508
53,500
21,736
52,324
22,195
53,070
22,190
53,062
21,311
50,518
Oilseeds and Industrial
Cotton
8,267,695
3,323
9,004,405 10,120,298
2,480
1,357
8,143,604
386
7,936,697
3,105
Sugar cane
Sunflower
6,429,700
173,300
7,458,808
298,642
7,803,800
394,207
5,891,788
310,841
5,456,598
152,652
12,410
14,693
13,000
5,590
13,315
15,000
13,439
10,000
12,496
12,000
1,634,269
1,147,557
1,225,885
1,179,850
1,892,619
1,205,808
1,917,150
1,230,700
2,299,846
1,187,160
892,554
255,003
935,862
243,988
956,953
248,855
975,418
255,282
943,176
243,984
311,033
316,972
329,239
176,274
183,999
190,252
134,759
132,973
138,987
12,673,847 13,774,083 15,215,772
335,501
193,770
141,731
12,798,497
325,120
187,507
137,613
12,734,970
Peanuts
Sesame
Soybeans
Tubers and Roots
Potatoes
Cassava
Forages
Alfalfa
Barley Cabbage
Total
Source: National Institute of Statistics (INE)

Cacao and Derivative Products
Cacao production in Bolivia has optimal climate conditions: temperatures between 15°C and
30°C, humidity of 65% to 85% and altitude between 0 and 1,300 metres above sea level. The
most favourable regions are the North of La Paz, Beni, Pando, and the wooded areas of the
Department of Santa Cruz. Bolivia’s participation in the international cacao market is low:
0.1%. However, Bolivian cacao stands out for being organic and internationally accredited,
which places the country among the main producers of this valued product.
List of companies in the Cocoa Industry
Agroecológica Flor de Camata AGREFAC S.R.L (La Paz, 591 72545365)
AGROTAKESI (La Paz, [email protected])
VICOPEX Ltda. (La Paz, www.vicopex.com)
Sociedad Agropecuaria Industrial y Técnica (El Alto, www.quinuasaite.com)
Bolivian Shoji S.R.L. (Santa Cruz, [email protected])
Chocolates el Ceibo (La Paz, www.elceibo.com)
Chocolates Belmore (La Paz, www.chocolatesbelmore.com)
Breick Chocolate Natural – INCADEX S.R.L. (La Paz, www.breick.com.bo)
Chocolates Condor S.R.L. (La Paz) (www.chocolatescondorsrl.com)
Fábrica Nacional de Chocolates Aguila S.R.L. (La Paz, [email protected])
Manjar de Oro (La Paz, www.manjardeoro.com)
Chocolates Tropical (El Alto, 591 (2) 2191969)
Itenéz (Santa Cruz, www.productositenez.com)
Chocolates Briancon (Sucre)
Chocolates del Sur (Sucre, 591 (4) 6453259)
Chocolates Para Ti (Sucre, www.chocolatesparati.net)
Harasic Ltda. (Oruro, 591 (2) 5241646)
5.2
Industrial Manufacturing
Annually, manufacturing has accounted for approximately 19% of Bolivia’s gross domestic
product since 1995. Most industry is small-scale, aimed at local markets rather than national
operations. Inadequate credit access and competition from the black market have kept Bolivia’s
manufacturing sector from developing fully.
The level of industrial manufacturing activities has been increasingly significant in the past
years as the country goes into a phase of greater competition and market expansion for
processed products.
Potential sector
Leather
Exports (2011): USD
52,809,409
Main importers:
Italy, China,
Argentina, Chile and
Germany
Opportunities
Challenges
Bolivian leather presents some optimum
characteristics in thickness, colour, texture and
finishing.
Only a few companies are capable
of giving the leather some added
value.
The vast majority part of the processed leather
in the country comes from the eastern zone and
it is used in a 50% for the fabrication of shoes,
30% in clothing and accessories and 20% for
production of leather goods.
Use of improved technology in the
production of raw material for the
elaboration of goods.
Some goods are made of exotic reptile leather
with high quality and taking into account the
developmental concerns.
Textiles and Clothing
Exports (2011): USD
41,329,678
Main importers:
Venezuela, USA,
Argentina, Chile and
Brazil
Jewellery
Exports (2011): USD
53,009,109
Bolivia has a competitive advantage in its cheap
but qualified workhand in the sector of textiles
and clothing. The country possesses a variety of
cotton fibres, alpaca and lama wool which gives
the final products a considerably added value.
The production of clothing has increased
markedly and has achieved improvements in
quality, making use of cotton and fine animal
fibres (llama and alpaca). Bolivia’s 2 million
llamas and 500,000 alpacas provide a good
potential for fibre and textile processing.
There are some companies (national and
foreign) dedicated to the production of jewellery
and imitation of jewellery, located mainly in the
Departments of La Paz and Santa Cruz.
Canada, Dominican
Republic, Panama
and Colombia
Gold and silver jewellery as well as semiprecious stone could be potential for investors
in this sector.
Bio commerce
There are six subsectors to develop within the
Bio commerce: exotic fruits, nuts, cosmetics,
dyes, natural medicines and nutritional
products.
Exports (Est. 2010):
USD
7,701,684
Main importers:
USA, UK,
Netherlands, France
and Germany
Some examples are: urucú (bixa orellana), maca
(lepidium meyenii), copaibo (copaifera paupera),
majo (oenocarpus bataua), palqui (cestrum
parqui), tara (caesalpinea spinosa), peppers,
bamboo, among others.
New trends of healthy, nutritional and nostalgic
products could be an opportunity for the
introduction of these resources of Biodiversity
into the external markets.
Timber and
manufactures
Exports (2011): USD
87,217,721
Main importers:
USA, China,
Argentina, Germany,
and Netherlands
This sector has been one of the
most affected after the loss of
ATPDEA of the USA. Many small
and medium producers with a
limited capacity are now looking
for new markets.
Increasing the capacity of
production
(financing
and
technology) in order to satisfy
new markets is the priority.
Integration of the productive
chain and involved actors within
the sector.
Local demand is limited, so the
production needs to be exported.
The main barriers for Bio
commerce development are the
financial and technological issues.
These products are in its majority
destined to local markets due to
the traditional consumption of
them. However, their presence is
insignificant for the economy.
The more important issues to
work on in this area are the
sanitary and quality control,
packaging and labelling.
48% of Bolivian territory is covered by forest,
distributed between the tropical and subtropical
regions, mainly in the Departments of Santa
Cruz, Beni, Cochabamba, Pando and Tarija.
Ensuring sustainable extraction of
timber in order to acquire
certifications such as the FLEGT
Certification in the EU.
The country possesses about 800,000 hectares
of certified forest, and 7 million hectares under
sustainable management. There are about 172
varieties of fine and exotic woods.
Introduction
of
technologic
advances in the area of
controlling the smuggling of raw
material
for
manufacturing
products.
This sector is formed by 1,200 companies that
generate about 62,000 direct employments and
250,000 indirect employments.

Leather and leather manufactures
Another way to create more value-added (mainly) from the cattle sector is to produce leather
and leather products, which has comparative advantages. Denmark could contribute to
business partnerships through machinery and technology for producing leather and design
and market access for products with higher value-added. Bolivia also has potential to develop
the production of more exotic skins, such as alligator skins for very high value-added products.
List of companies in the Leather cluster
Manufactura Boliviana S.A MANACO (Cochabamba, www.bata.com.bo)
AKÖE (Cochabamba, 591 (4) 4457373)
Altco Leather Trading Company (Cochabamba, 591 (4) 4588492)
Andino Internacional Ltda. (La Paz, [email protected])
Bolivian Pelli Asociados (Santa Cruz, [email protected])
Compañía Industrial de Cueros CIENSA Ltda. (Cochabamba, www.ciensa.com)
Cueros Abalos (Santa Cruz, 591 (3) 3477894)
Curtiembre y Marroquinería D’addario S.R.L (Santa Cruz, www.daddario.com)
Enphesa S.R.L (Cochabamba, [email protected])
Exim-Cuer Boliviana Ltda. (La Paz, www.eximcuer.com)
Fabrica Nacional del Calzado y Curtiduría Zamora S.A (Oruro, 591 (2) 5274740)
Industria de Cueros Diamante Ltda. (Santa Cruz, [email protected])
Industrias del Cuero Bonanza XXI (La Paz, www.companex.com)
MACAWS S.R.L (Cochabamba, www.macaws.net)
Manufactura Boliviana S.A MANACO (Cochabamba, www.bata.com.bo)
Source: Miranda (2003) and webpages.

Textile and Clothing
Bolivia has potential for developing the textile and clothing subsector, principally by its
camelid fibre production. This would mainly be for exports, as the domestic demand for
textiles and clothing is covered by much cheaper clothing imports and even used clothing.
Several highland indigenous groups have a very sophisticated weaving tradition, which could
add to this potential. The Danish contribution would be mainly in the form of design and
market access.
List of companies in the Textile and clothing Industry
Agencias Generales (Oruro, 591 (52) 2434854
Appecal S.R.L (El Alto, 591 72082477)
Aries Confecciones (El Alto, 591 (2) 2386518)
Ballivian Asociados (El Alto, 591 (2) 2121643)
Beltex Corp. (Cochabamba, 591 (4) 4352321)
BOSHAMI S.R.L. (La Paz, 591 (2) 2261953)
COEX S.R.L (Santa Cruz, 591 77389770)
Comercial Mercedel (El Alto, 591 76248001)
Contagio (Santa Cruz, 591 77343002)
COTEXCO (Cochabamba, 591 (4) 4268353)
Creaciones Paola (El Alto, 591 (2) 2395896)
D Fashion Centes (Cochabamba, 591 (4) 4550625)
DINATEX (La Paz, 591 (2) 2222324)
FABATRI Jeans (El Alto, 591 71587437)
JEN (El Alto, 591 (2) 2796023)
JOSDO Ltda. (La Paz)
JT Jeans (Santa Cruz, 591 70935984)
Lijori Sport (El Alto, 591 76227240)
MAKAM (Santa Cruz, 591 (3)3453796)
MAYPECC (Cochabamba, 591 71756966)
Mazal S.R.L (La Paz, 591 (2) 2111906)
Mitsuba (Santa Cruz, 591 (3) 3480003)
SUMAISI (El Alto)
SURI Export (La Paz, 591 (2) 2413663)
Textiles Novotel (El Alto, 591 71217213)
TOMICHIS (Cochabamba, 591 73509886)
VAL y FAL (El Alto, 591 (2) 2815108)
YES Diseño y Alta costura (El Alto, 591 (2) 2752135)
Source: information based on www.gnb.com.bo .

The pharmaceutical industry (including phytotherapeutic products)
Notwithstanding the low level of development and technology employed, the pharmaceutical
industry is considered one of the most competitive subsectors in Bolivia, generating
considerable economic resources which is however low as compared to other countries
(Jordán, n.d.). Furthermore, the great number of medicinal plants produced in the country
(many of them native to Bolivia) place the subsector in a position of potential comparative and
productive advantages, which may be exploited through new investments and strategic
partnerships.
A) Approximately 2.500 different medicinal plants are used in pharmacy and cosmetology in
Bolivia. Among those with greatest potential are:
List of Medicinal Plants with Great Potential in Bolivia
Common Name
Uses
Category A: With markets and research
Wira wira
Ajenjo
Carqueja, tres espigas
Green tea
Quina, husk
Artichoke
Sangre de Drago, Llausa, Mora
Curcumina
Kidron
Paico Quenopodio
Echinacea
Coca
Eucalyptus
Hinojo Sweet Anis
Nogal blanco
Maca
Marrubio
Chamomile
Melissa
Mint
Basil
Llantén
Maracujá
Boldo
Quilquiña
Rosemary
Zarzamora Silvestre
Expectorant
Stimulant of appetite, parasitosis
Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, cholagogue
Stimulant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic
Fever, malaria, antiseptic, anaemia
Choleretic, cholagogue
Cicatrizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Antiflatulent, Sedative
Antispasmodic, anthelmintic
Antiviral, immunomodulatory
Analgesic and others in study
Antiseptic, expectorant, rubefacient
Galactogogue, antiflatulent, antispasmodic, carminative
Antidiarrheal, cicatrizing
Immunomodulatory, dietary supplement
Expectorant, diuretic
Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory
Sedative, choleretic, antispasmodic
Antispasmodic, antiflatulent, choleretic, halitosis
Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiflatulent,
galactogogo
Sore throat, diarrhea, liver problems
Sedative, antispasmodic
Laxative, choleretic, colagogo
Flavoring agent
Antispasmodic, carminative
Astringent, antidiarrheal, headache, varicose veins, hemorrhoids,
skin problems
Estevia
Mallow
Huacataya, suico-suico
Amargen, diente de león
Uña de gato
Valerian
Hypoglycemic action against obesity, cariotonic, diuretic, antirheumatic, anti-caries, anxiolytic, antimicrobial
Expectorant, anti-inflammatory, laxative
Nervous system regulation, stomach pain, digestive, flatulence, loss
of appetite
Choleretic, diuretic, mild laxative
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory
Sedative, relaxing, antispasmodic
Category B: With insufficient research
Akhana, Kita Retama
Achiote
Ipecacuana, Ipeca
Copaiba
Casca Sacaca
Pinco pinco, sanu sanu
Manzana bi
Wapi Trompillo de monte
Piñón
Camu-Camu
Kalawala
Apainichij apainiki
Cedrillo
Airampu
Limoncillo
Antimicrobial
Anti-inflammatory
Intestinal infections, amoebic dysentery, colds, asthma
Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, healing, skin sore, Psoriasis
Antidiarrheal, reduces the cholesterol
Cough, asthma, fever, bronchitis, arthritis, edema
Food medicine
Medicinal use
Emetic, antiparasitic, gastric purgative, rubefacient, antiinflammatory
Astringent, antioxidant, anti–inflamatory, emollient, nutritional
supplement, hypertension
Mid purgative, remedy for coughs, stimulant of appetite
Leishmanicidal
Astringent, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory
Inmunomodulator, antiviral, antimicrobial, hermostatic, pesticide
Digestive, flavoring, antimicrobial, pesticide
Category C: With no research
Carqueja
Chima Tembe
Evanta hembra
Banana Sap
PuliPuli
Matico
Muña, Khoa
Guirakilo
Surucuina
Flor de Nieve
Source: Terceros et al. (2007).
Rheumatism, anridiabetic, anticancer, antiviral
Medicinal use
Leishmanicidal, antiparasitic
Immunomodulator, tuberculosis, astringent
Skin healing
Fungal infections, leishmanicidal, astringent for bleeding, ulcers,
antidiarrheal, antiseptic vaginal
Antiparasitic, insecticide, food preservation
Antifungal, fever
PLA2 inhibitor, antiarthritic, anti – pancreatic
Ant prostatic
List of companies in the pharmaceutical industry
ABL PHARMA BOLIVIA Ltda. (www.ablpharma.com)
COINCOCA (Cochabamba, 591 (4) 4618077)
FARMAGE (www.farmage.com.bo)
Grupo ALCOS (www.grupoalcos.com)
Industrias Torrico Antelo S.R.L. (www.itasalud.com)
Industria Farmacéutica Boliviana Ltda. (Cochabamba, 591 (4) 4226001)
Laboratorios ALEPH (www.aleph-cosmetologia.com)
Laboratorios Bago de Bolivia S.A. (www.bago.com.bo)
Laboratorios Alfa Ltda. (www.pharmalabalfa.com.bo)
Laboratorios COFAR S.A. (www.cofar.com.bo)
Laboratorios CREPAL S.A. (www.crespal.com)
Laboratorios Esfasa S.A. (La Paz, 591 (2) 2410766)
Laboratorios Droguería INTI S.A. (www.inti.com.bo)
Laboratorios FARCOS y ARGEBOL Ltda. (www.laboratoriosfarcos.com)
Laboratorio Hahnemann (www.labhahnemann.com)
Laboratorios IFA S.A. (www.laboratoriosifa.com)
Laboratorios IFARBO Ltda. (www.ifarbo.com)
Laboratorios LAFAR S.A. (www.lafar.net)
Laboratorio MALENA (Cochabamba, 591 (4) 4226847)
Laboratorio MINERVA (La Paz, 591 (2) 2411845)
Laboratorio Químico Farmacéutico Industrial DELTA S.R.L. (La Paz, 591 (2) 2411845)
Laboratorio Químico Farmacéutico Galeno - LAQFAGA S.R.L. (La Paz, 591 (2) 2225511)
Laboratorio REX (www.farmacia-rex.com)
Laboratorios VALENCIA (Cochabamba, 591 (4) 4265641)
Laboratorios VITA S.A. (www.laboratoriosvitasa.com)
Naturalcos S.A. (www.naturalcosbolivia.com)

Timber products
Half of Bolivia’s territory is covered in forest, but the economic value produced from these
forests is currently very low, indicating severe underutilization. Several hundred thousand
hectares are burned every year to make room for agriculture, and in dry years even more is
lost to wildfires. Even in managed timber concessions, half of the wood logged is lost in the
process of cutting the logs into timber for exports. A very small part of the wood is further
processed into furniture, doors, floors and other products with higher value-added. The main
limitation is technology and design, which is where Danish firms could make a big difference.
List of companies in the Wood Cluster
Altmann Montero Exportaciones S.R.L (Santa Cruz, [email protected])
Bolivian Exotic Wood (Santa Cruz, www.bolivianexoticwoods.net)
CIMABEN S.R.L (Beni, [email protected])
Ecowood bo (Cochabamba, www.ecowoods.net)
Escala Design (La Paz, www.escaladesign.com)
Forestales MULTIAGRO (Cochabamba) (www.multiagro.org)
Industrias Nobleza (Cochabamba, 591 (4) 4761770)
Jacaranda S.A (Cochabamba, 591 (4) 4268053)
La SENDA (El Alto, 591 (2) 2808367)
Maderas de Bolivia KBOL (Consorcio Maderero)
Maderera Forest for Ever Ltda.
Maderplus S.R.L (Cochabamba, www.maderplus.com)
Madervaf S.R.L (Cochabamba, www.madervaf.com.bo)
Martínez ultra tech doors (Cochabamba, www.utddoors.com/frame-in.htm)
Miles S.A (Santa Cruz) (www.miles.com.bo)
Muebles Fátima (Santa Cruz, www.fatimamuebles.com)
Muebles SOMAIN (Santa Cruz, www.somain.itgo.com)
Sociedad Boliviana Maderera, SOBOLMA (Santa Cruz, www.sobolma.com)
SUMA PACHA (La Paz, www.sumapacha.bo)

Dairy products
One of the ways to create more value-added in the cattle sector is to produce milk and dairy
products. This is one of Denmark’s specialties. Denmark produces almost 5 million tonnes of
milk and 350 thousand tonnes of cheese from its stock of 1.5 million cattle. In contrast, Bolivia
produces only 350 thousand tonnes of milk and 7 thousand tonnes of cheese from 7.3 million
cattle. Thus, technology transfers from Denmark could potentially create enormous
productivity gains, reducing the pressure to clear more forest for cattle pastures.
List of companies in the dairy industry
Alsa Clara Bella (Santa Cruz, www.alsa-clarabella.com)
Compañía de Alimentos CAL (Delizia) (La Paz, www.delizia.com.bo)
Cooperativa Integrala Ganadera Pil Beni Ltda. (Beni)
Delicruz S.A (Santa Cruz, 591 (3) 3644642)
Flor de leche S.R.L. (La Paz, www.flordeleche.com)
Ilpaz Ltda. (La Paz, [email protected])
Industrias Lácteos del Valle Alto (ILVA) (La Paz, 591 (2) 2416772)
La Campiña S.R.L (Santa Cruz, [email protected])
Lácteos de Bolivia LACTEOSBOL (La Paz, www.lacteosbol.sedem.gob.bo)
Pil Andina S.A (Cochabamba, www.pilandina.com.bo)
Pil Chuquisaca (Chuquisaca, 591 (4) 6461732)
Pil Tarija S.A (Tarija, [email protected])
Productos Lácteos VIGOR (Cochabamba, [email protected])
Productos MAUERY (Cochabamba, [email protected])
Productos Maya (La Paz, www.quesosmaya.com)
Prolac Tarija (Tarija, [email protected])
Soalpro S.R.L (La Paz, www.soalpro.com)
Sociedad de Productores de Leche Chuquisaca S.A SOPROLECH (Chuquisaca, [email protected])

Meat and meat products
Bolivia has large expanses of natural pastures for llamas, alpacas and sheep in the highlands
and cattle in the lowlands. Considerable extensions of lowland forests are also being cleared
for pastures, since cattle’s ranching is considered one of the most attractive economic activities
in sparsely populated areas with labour scarcity, such as the Bolivian Amazon. However, both
primary productivity and value-added are, in general, low. This is in contrast to Denmark,
which manages to be one of the top exporters of meat and dairy products, despite the small
area and population dedicated to this activity.

Metal Industry
The industrial machinery also holds great potential for mutually beneficial partnerships, as
Bolivia has the raw materials as well as a long tradition in metalworking. In addition, its central
location in South America could provide a good platform for production and exports of heavy
machinery to the whole continent.

Jewellery Industry
Jewellery in Bolivia has potentially comparative and productive advantages as a result of the
raw materials employed. Bolivia has traditionally been a mining country, with resources such
as gold, silver, and copper, among others. These minerals may be combined with precious and
semi-precious stones such as Bolivianita.
Also, jewellery products have become part of an important non-traditional export industry in
the country, with an average participation of 5.4% in these exports in 2000-2011.
Lithium derivatives
Bolivia is the owner of one of the largest lithium reserves in the world (approximately 6 million
of tonnes in 12,000 Km2). Lithium properties have been allowed to be used as an energy source
for automotive vehicles, cell phones, computers, among others products of last technology.
That makes the lithium a potential product for Bolivian economy. The DBP programme can
promote projects which seek to produce lithium derivatives.
Difficulties of manufacturing industries
2009
2010
Raw material supply
8.86%
17.68%
Qualifying staff supply
-
3.9%
Contraband
19.08%
13.06%
Less demand
26,15%
22.73%
Social conflicts
4.98%
5.08%
Increase of raw material prices
11.05%
18.06%
Other factors
29.80%
19.41%
These key factors, with high-priority for the DBP Programme, have competitive advantages,
because they are articulated in value chains. Competitive improvements in some companies
have effect even on the level of producers of raw materials and on employment opportunities.
The reduction of unemployment is one of the most important challenges in Bolivia.
5.3
Tourism
Incomes of tourism in Bolivia have grown four times since 2002, based on a better knowledge
of the diverse opportunities and an increasing promotion of the country as a touristic
destination. Since 2012, Bolivia is developing the “Country Brand” with a campaign known as
“Bolivia is waiting for you”.
Bolivia offers a wide range of natural and cultural diversity to attract tourists interested in
nature and ancient culture. The geographic configuration of the country gives it a vast
biodiversity that begins in the Cordillera, reaching altitudes above 6,000 meters with glaciers
and extraordinary summits for rock climbing/trekking, but also offers lowland where
adventurers can reach deep into de tropical Amazon jungle.
The unique biodiversity has made it possible to establish 64 protected areas, natural parks
occupying around 17 % of the country.
The extraordinary diversity of the 32 ethnic groups and the folkloric values of music, dance and
handicrafts, represent a great cultural variety. This variety of natural and cultural aspects
allows a vast opportunity and potential for the tourism sector. However, the levels of
infrastructure, road and air transport, and the quality of services, including hotel, restaurants,
cafes etc. need to be improved, before Bolivia can be turned into a major tourist destination.
Frequent conflicts causing blockades and strikes are other challenges. In spite of this, Bolivia’s
tourist industry has grown gradually over the past 15 years.
5.4
Services
Services in Bolivia have incremented their importance in last years motivated by the
telecommunication improvement and development of agroindustry, mining and hydrocarbons
industries.
Main Services Sectors








Trading companies
Banks and finance companies
Freight and transportation
Custom services
Storage and distribution
Insurance
Tourism, hotels and restaurants
Business services


Construction and engineering services
Computer and telecommunication services
Computer and telecommunication services have experimented an impressive growing over the
last years. Almost 87% of the population is registered in a cell phone service company.
However, only 30% have access to the internet.
Users of mobile telephony in Bolivia
Year
Users
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
June 2012
2,421,492
2,740,636
3,812,241
5,038,600
6,464,390
7,179,293
8,353,273
8,974,291
Access to the Internet in Bolivia
Topic
Position
% of the
population
Active mobile broadband subscription
per 100 inhabitants
Percentage of households with Internet
(developing countries)
Percentage of individuals using the
Internet (worldwide)
Percentage of individuals using the
Internet (developing countries)
1.9
-
66 (between 127
countries)
99 (between 177
countries)
53 (between 132
countries)
9.4 %
30.0 %
30.0 %
Source: The State of Broadband 2012: Achieving Digital Inclusion for All. ITU – UNESCO
6 Social Development
In the last quarter of 2011, the Government proposed a new “National Development Agenda”,
inclosing the social sectors and institutions, with the perspective to prioritize the needs of the
country and optimize the economic resources. In Bolivia extreme poverty has been reduced by
about 36% in 20002 to 22% in 2011 according to the official data from the United Nations. One
factor that helped to reduce the extreme poverty was the distribution of conditional bonus,
which has permitted broader access to food, education and health.
6.1
Education
Indicators of Education (2010)
Population in school age (4 – 17 years)
Population with secondary education level
achieved
Primary education level achieved (urban)
Primary education level achieved (rural)
Secondary education level achieved (urban)
Secondary education level achieved (rural)
Women
Men
1,653,106
1,716,878
1,308,538
1,369,775
95.6%
93.2%
94.1%
93.6%
93.8%
92.0%
88.6%
90.4%
The country has achieved improvements in education during the last five years. Almost the 33% of the population is in
school age (4 – 17 years). The formation in technical areas after the secondary education has increased. The number of
universities also has grown. The adult literacy rate in Bolivia is between 85% and 95%.
Source: Ministry of Education
6.2
Health
The health system in Bolivia presents huge differences between rural and urban areas. There is
a lack of skilled health personnel and technologic advantages in rural areas. However, the
country has improved the access to the basic medical care for pregnant women and children.
Indicators of Health (2010)
Life expectancy at birth
Life expectancy at birth (Male)
Life expectancy at birth (Female)
Under five mortality rate (per 1,000 live births)
Maternal mortality ratio (per 100,000 live births)
Prevalence of HIV (per 1,000 adults aged 15 to 49)
Prevalence of Tuberculosis (per 100,000 population)
Country
average
Global
average
68
66
70
54
190
2
209
68
66
71
57
210
8
178
Source: World Health Organization. Region of the Americas
2
COSUDE Magazine “Food Security: promoting a necessary debate”. Page 6
HIV/AIDS in Bolivia
In Bolivia, HIV/AIDS is still a relatively limited problem. According to the Ministry of Health
and Sports, between 1984 and 2011, 7,642 cases of HIV/AIDS were reported as positive
(63% men, 36% women and 1% unknown). Only in 2011, there were 1,384 cases reported.
90% of the infected people live in Santa Cruz, Cochabamba and La Paz, in that order of
importance.
6.3
Gender
According to The Global Gender Gap Report 2012, elaborated by the World Economic Forum,
Bolivia is in the position 30 among 135 countries. The country has the best position in South
America.
Bolivia: Position in Gender Indicators
General Position
(between 135
countries)
Economic
and
Opportunity
Educational
Attachment
Health
and
Survival
Political
Empowerment
30
79
98
84
20
Source: The Global Gender Gap Report 2012. World Economic Forum
Gender parity in education has been achieved for primary and secondary education. However,
in tertiary education males are favoured. In terms of labour there is a higher participation of
male employees in secondary sectors (industrialization companies) and females in service
sectors.
Labour: Participation by gender in Bolivia, 2010
Sector
Men
Women
Primary sector
Secondary sector
Tertiary sector
Total
33.1%
26.1%
40.8%
100
33.0%
10.3%
56.7%
100
Source: Labour Overview in Latin America 2011. International Labour Organization (ILO)
6.4
Indigenous Peoples´ Rights
Indigenous people are protected by the Constitution and the International Agreements and
Protocols in this area. Bolivia has become the first country to ratify the UN Declaration of
Indigenous Rights (September 13th, 2007).
The 2009 Bolivian constitution recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples to their original
communal lands, guaranteeing the use and improvement of sustainable natural resources—in
line with an alternative vision of development that seeks the spiritual and collective well-being
of people as well as greater harmony with nature. However, in recent years, conflicts such as
the conflict over a highway through the TIPNIS national park, which is also a titled area for the
indigenous peoples living in the area, has challenged the actual implementation of these rights.
6.5
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an important trend in the Bolivian business
environment. There is a greater commitment and interest in introducing this issue in the
productive sectors. However, vast majority of companies in Bolivia are still in the first stage of
the CSR. Only big companies achieve the main parameters of CSR.
CSR in Bolivia is deficient in the agriculture sector, especially in the area of labour rights,
because of the existence of child labour, poor social conditions and very low salaries. However,
there are companies in the secondary and tertiary sector that implemented quality control
mechanisms in its productive chain.
Population occupied with social security contributions and employment contract, 2010
Sector
Social security contributions
Employment Contract
Agriculture
Industries
Construction
Commerce
Transport
Services
8.2%
23.9%
14.7%
20.3%
24.1%
58.0%
35.2%
82.1%
55.6%
20.7%
26.5%
75.9%
Source: Labour Overview in Latin America 2011. International Labour Organization (ILO)
Organic and Fair Trade Certification
Between the most important Bolivian products commercialized with Organic Certification are
the Andean cereals, chocolates, coffee and infusions.
There are almost 10,000 small producers grouped into more than 500 organizations in La
Paz, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz and Tarija, working under the Organic denomination with a
commerce focused on fair prices and with the potential of selling under the Fair Trade
Certification. In 2011, as a whole they exported almost USD500 million of their production.
Besides, there were born some associations of little producers of handicrafts, alpaca textiles
and clothing and other organic products applying the principles of Fair Trade Certification.
7 Useful Information
7.1
Visa applying
Danish citizens do not need a visa to enter Bolivia as tourists. However, to be able to work in
the country it is necessary to have a visa.3 Bolivian citizens need a visa to enter Denmark and
other Schengen countries.
7.2
Trade Fairs
Trade fairs as a promotional element are very common in Bolivia. Many of the businesses done
in the country have been promoted into a trade fair. Some of the more important fairs in
Bolivia are listed below:
Fair
EXPOCRUZ
FEICOBOL
FIPAZ
EXPOSUR
3
Sector
Live animals, food and beverages,
manufacturing products, agricultural
and industrial machinery, vehicles,
cosmetics, furniture, construction and
services
Food and beverages, manufacturing
products, industrial machinery,
vehicles, cosmetics, furniture, and
services
Food and beverages, manufacturing
products, vehicles, cosmetics, furniture
and services
Food and beverages and manufacturing
products
City
Web Site
Santa Cruz
http://www.fexpocruz.com.bo/
Cochabamba
http://www.feicobol.com.bo/
La Paz
http://www.fipaz.com.bo/
Tarija
http://www.exposur.tarija.gob.
bo/
General Direction of Migration: http://www.migracion.gob.bo/web/
8 Contact
A list of public and private institutions or associations, which can be useful in case of establishing businesses,
dealing with procedures or getting information, is detailed below:
Institution
Web Site
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.rree.gob.bo/
Ministry of Economy and Public Finances
http://www.economiayfinanzas.gob.bo/
Ministry of Agricultural Development and Grounds
http://www.agrobolivia.gob.bo/
Ministry of Productive Development and Plural Economy
http://www.produccion.gob.bo/
Ministry of Environment and Water
http://www.mmaya.gob.bo/
Ministry of Labour and Social Prevision
http://www.mintrabajo.gob.bo/Principal.asp
Ministry of Inst. Transparency and Fight against Corruption
http://www.transparencia.gob.bo/
Promueve Bolivia
http://www.promueve.gob.bo/
National Service of Taxes (SIN)
http://www.impuestos.gob.bo/
Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB)
http://www.bcb.gob.bo/
National Customs of Bolivia (ANB)
http://www.aduana.gob.bo/index2/index_direct
o.htm
Bolivian Institute of Normalization and Quality (IBNORCA)
http://www.ibnorca.org/inicio/noticias
National Service of Agricultural Sanity and Food Safety
http://www.senasag.gob.bo/
National Service of Exports Verification (SENAVEX)
http://www.senavex.gob.bo/
Bolivian Institute of Metrology (IBMETRO)
http://www.ibmetro.gob.bo/
Register of Commerce (FUNDEMPRESA)
http://www.fundempresa.org.bo/
National Chamber of Industries (CNI)
http://www.bolivia-industry.com/aldia.php
National Chamber of Commerce (CNC)
http://www.boliviacomercio.org.bo/
National Chamber of Exporters (CANEB)
http://www.caneb.org.bo/
Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade (IBCE)
http://www.ibce.org.bo/
Forestry Chamber of Bolivia (CFB)
http://www.cfb.org.bo/CFBInicio/
Confederation of Private Entrepreneurs of Bolivia (CEPB)
http://www.cepb.org.bo/
Agricultural Chamber of the Eastern (CAO)
http://www.cao.org.bo/
Association of Producers of Oil seeds - Wheat (ANAPO)
http://www.anapobolivia.org/
Official Tourism Web Site
http://www.bolivia.travel/
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR Bolivia)
http://www.coborse.org/
http://www.rsebolivia.org/
Exclusively Bolivian (Potential Suppliers)
http://www.exclusivamenteboliviano.com/
La Razón (Main Newspaper of La Paz)
http://www.la-razon.com/
El Deber (Main Newspaper of Santa Cruz)
http://www.eldeber.com.bo/
Los Tiempos (Main Newspaper of Cochabamba)
http://www.lostiempos.com/
Official Site of Bolivian Legislation
http://www.gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo/

Bolivian Business Development Profile

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