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• GDP: US$9.7 billion (2005 estimate).
• Main imports: Petroleum products, paper, aircraft, prepared foods, insecticides and soyabeans.
• Main exports: Natural gas, soyabeans and soya products, crude petroleum and tin.
• Main trade partners: USA, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and Peru.
• Main imports: Petroleum products, paper, aircraft, prepared foods, insecticides and soyabeans.
• Main exports: Natural gas, soyabeans and soya products, crude petroleum and tin.
• Main trade partners: USA, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and Peru.
Economy
Bolivia has the second-lowest per capita income in Latin America. Economic growth of 4% was estimated in 2005. Agriculture employs nearly half the working population, although it suffers from relatively low productivity. The main cash crops are timber, soya, 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 – its economic value is thought to be approximately US$1 billion annually.
Bolivia has large mineral deposits, especially of tin – of which it is one of the world’s leading producers. Oil and gas deposits serve to meet much of the country’s energy needs and are increasingly valuable export commodities. Reliance on primary products has made Bolivia vulnerable to fluctuations in world commodity prices.
In 2005, the G8 announced a US$2 billion debt-forgiveness plan over the next few decades that should help reduce some fiscal pressures on the government.
There is also a substantial illegal trade in coca, the plant source for cocaine, which provides a livelihood for many peasants – its economic value is thought to be approximately US$1 billion annually.
Bolivia has large mineral deposits, especially of tin – of which it is one of the world’s leading producers. Oil and gas deposits serve to meet much of the country’s energy needs and are increasingly valuable export commodities. Reliance on primary products has made Bolivia vulnerable to fluctuations in world commodity prices.
In 2005, the G8 announced a US$2 billion debt-forgiveness plan over the next few decades that should help reduce some fiscal pressures on the government.
Business Etiquette
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).
Office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1430-1900; Sat 0900-1200 (some offices).
Business Contacts
Cámara Nacional de Industrias
Edificio Cámara Nacional de Comercio, Piso 14, Avenida Mariscal, Santa Cruz 1392, 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
Edificio Cámara Nacional de Comercio, Piso 14, Avenida Mariscal, Santa Cruz 1392, 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