Bolivian business groups demand government accelerate economic solutions amid crisis

Leading Bolivian business organizations are urgently calling on the government to expedite economic measures, warning that a failure to act swiftly could prolong the country's economic emergency. The Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services, and Tourism of Santa Cruz (Cainco) and the Regional Agricultural Chamber (CAO) expressed deep concern over the current economic situation.

Jean Pierre Antelo, president of Cainco, highlighted a disconnect between the real economy's immediate struggles, marked by fuel, input, and foreign currency shortages, and the state's slower pace in enacting necessary decrees, regulations, and laws. He stressed that the country requires speed in resolving its conflicts, noting that the crisis has persisted for over nine months, with lingering effects from a 53-day blockade still impacting businesses.

Klaus Frerking, president of CAO, identified fuel supply as the most pressing issue for the agricultural sector. Despite the approval of supply-related regulations, Santa Cruz service stations are reportedly receiving only 30% of the fuel needed by the city and its producers. "The country no longer waits for another signature, it waits for the existing signature to reach the tank of all producers and this entire production chain," Frerking stated.

Frerking also pointed to the agricultural sector's significant contribution to the national economy, noting its consumption of 16% of the country's fuel needs while producing 77% of its food. He advocated for a more effective state policy to promote biofuels and simplify authorization processes, urging transparency in daily fuel allocation volumes. Furthermore, concerns were raised about pending reforms in strategic sectors like hydrocarbons, mining, and electricity, with warnings that delayed decisions will have future consequences. The chambers emphasized that attracting investment requires more than just new regulations; it demands decisive and timely government action.