• GDP: US$12.8 billion (2007).
• Main imports: Petroleum products, paper, aircraft, prepared foods and insecticides.
• Main exports: Natural gas, soybeans and soya products, crude petroleum and tin.
• Main trade partners: USA, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and Peru.

Despite its wealth of natural resources, notably mineral deposits, oil and gas, Bolivia has the second-lowest per capita income in South America. The GNI per capita stands at US$1,010 (World Bank, 2006) and two thirds of the nation's population lives in poverty (compared to a Latin American average of 43 per cent).

Agriculture today accounts for roughly 15% of Bolivia's GDP with soybeans the major cash crop, sold into the Andean Community market, plus sugar and coffee, while beef and hides are valuable export earners. There is also a substantial illegal trade in coca, the plant source for cocaine, which provides a livelihood for many peasants.

Bolivia's trade with neighboring countries is growing, aided by preferential trade-agreements with the Andean Community. The United States remains Bolivia's largest trading-partner, but the influence of Venezuela is increasingly felt.

Bolivia's government remains heavily dependent on foreign assistance to finance development projects.

 A suit or a shirt and tie should be worn. Appointments should be made in advance.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1430-1900; Sat 0900-1200 (some offices).

Conference and meetings are mainly arranged at chain hotels. Major events can be held at Expocruz in Santa Cruz and Fexbol in La Paz.

Cámara Nacional de Industrias
Avenida Mariscal, Santa Cruz 1392, Edificio Cámara Nacional de Comercio, Piso 14, La Paz, Bolivia
Tel: (2) 237 4477.
Website: www.bolivia-industry.com

Cámara Nacional de Comercio de La Paz
Avenida Mariscal, Santa Cruz 1392, Edificio Cámara Nacional de Comercio, Pisos 1 and 2, La Paz, Bolivia
Tel: (2) 237 8606.
Website: www.boliviacomercio.org.bo