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<dcvalue element="callnumber" qualifier="null" language="es_ES">382.3 B584L(58739)</dcvalue>
<dcvalue element="contributor" qualifier="author" language="es_ES">Corden, W. Max</dcvalue>
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<dcvalue element="subject" qualifier="english" language="es_ES">FREE TRADE AREAS</dcvalue>
<dcvalue element="coverage" qualifier="spatialeng" language="es_ES">LATIN AMERICA</dcvalue>
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<dcvalue element="subject" qualifier="english" language="es_ES">NAFTA</dcvalue>
<dcvalue element="title" qualifier="null" language="es_ES">Una zona de libre comercio en el Hemisferio Occidental: posibles implicancias para América Latina</dcvalue>
<dcvalue element="description" qualifier="null" language="es_ES">Incluye Bibliografía</dcvalue>
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<dcvalue element="topic" qualifier="spanish" language="es_ES">POLÍTICA COMERCIAL Y ACUERDOS COMERCIALES</dcvalue>
<dcvalue element="topic" qualifier="english" language="es_ES">TRADE NEGOTIATIONS</dcvalue>
<dcvalue element="workarea" qualifier="spanish" language="es_ES">COMERCIO INTERNACIONAL E INTEGRACIÓN</dcvalue>
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Institutionality, logistics and
international cooperation for the
economic and social development
The case of the Plurinational State of Bolivia
Oswaldo Barriga

Project Document

Institutionality, logistics and international
cooperation for the economic and social
development
The case of the Plurinational State of Bolivia
Oswaldo Barriga

Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)

This document has been prepared by the Chamber of Exporters of Santa Cruz, Plurinational State of Bolivia (CADEX)
under the United Nations Development Account project: “Facilitating the Effective Integration of Developing Countries in
the Global Economy through Aid for Trade Schemes”, ROA 139-7. This document is based on presentations delivered at
the expert meeting “Facilitating the Effective Integration of Developing Countries in the Global Economy through Aid for
Trade Schemes” (Montevideo, 27-28 November 2013) and at the interregional forum “Facilitating the Effective Integration
of Developing Countries in the Global Economy through Aid for Trade Schemes” (Tunis, 22-24 April 2014).

The views expressed in this document, which has been reproduced without formal editing, are those of the author and do
not necessarily reflect the views of the Organization.

LC/W. 609
Copyright © United Nations, August 2014. Todos All rights reserved
Printed at United Nations, Santiago, Chile

ECLAC – Project Documents Collection

Institutionality, logistics and international cooperation for the economic…

Contents

Abstract............................................................................................................................................ 5
I.

Infrastructure and logistics in the Plurinational State of Bolivia ............................................... 7
A. Transport and logistics in the Plurinational State of Bolivia ............................................. 8
1. Infrastructure ............................................................................................................ 9
2. Transport modes .................................................................................................... 10
3. Future prospects..................................................................................................... 12
B. Status of the export sector in the Plurinational State of Bolivia ..................................... 12
1. Plurinational State of Bolivia’s national exporters meeting (ENEX) ....................... 13
2. ENEX’s objectives .................................................................................................. 13
3. National exporters survey ....................................................................................... 13
4. Data Sheet .............................................................................................................. 13
5. National exporters survey: results .......................................................................... 14
6. Conclusions by national exporters survey of the Plurinational State of Bolivia ...... 17

II.

International cooperation: recent experiencies ...................................................................... 19
A. International cooperation in context ............................................................................... 19
1. International cooperation in the world .................................................................... 19
2. International cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean .............................. 19
3. International cooperation the in the Plurinational State of Bolivia .......................... 20
B. Experiences in managing cooperation programs and projects ...................................... 22
1. CADEX institutional profile ..................................................................................... 22
2. CADEX’s project experience .................................................................................. 24

III.

International cooperation and its importance for economic and social development:
Lessons learned..................................................................................................................... 27

IV. Conclusions ........................................................................................................................... 31
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................... 33

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Tables
Table 1
Table 2

Plurinational State of Bolivia: Cooperation Indicative resources
to mobilize (2013-2017) .......................................................................................... 21
Plurinational State of Bolivia: Cooperation funds to be mobilized (2013-2017) ..... 22

Figure
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8

Plurinational State of Bolivia: Logistics circle ........................................................... 8
Plurinational State of Bolivia: Public investment in infrastructure ............................ 9
Plurinational State of Bolivia: Exporting companies by department ....................... 14
Plurinational State of Bolivia: Exporting companies according
to productive area ................................................................................................... 14
Plurinational State of Bolivia: Exporting companies by number
of employees .......................................................................................................... 15
Plurinational State of Bolivia: Factors that limit the export growth ......................... 15
Plurinational State of Bolivia: Factors that limit the
internationalization process .................................................................................... 16
Plurinational State of Bolivia: Main difficulties in transport and logistics ................ 17

Maps
Map 1
Map 2
Map 3

Plurinational State of Bolivia: Relationship with the different macro-areas and
potential market ........................................................................................................ 8
Plurinational State of Bolivia: Main road network ................................................... 10
Plurinational State of Bolivia: Fluvial and railway network ..................................... 11

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Abstract

The limitations faced by landlocked countries have an impact upon economic and social development
since landlocked countries are highly dependent on the transportation infrastructure of neighboring
countries to access maritime routes. This results in an increase in the time and cost to trade —factors
which can significantly reduce the competitiveness and complementarity of the exports of a
landlocked country as well as increase the price of imports.
Studies indicate that the Plurinational State of Bolivia’s landlockedness results in losses estimated
at 0.5% to 2% of GDP annually. However, some studies, as well as international evidence, conclude that
developing adequate logistics and infrastructure is a way of increasing efficiency and contributing to the
overall economy. In some countries, the investment in logistics reaches almost 25% of GDP.
In this vein, investing in infrastructure, transportation and logistics are significant factors in
fostering economic and social development. With this vision in mind, the Chamber of Exporters of
Santa Cruz (CADEX in Spanish), has been developing initiatives to foster economic and social
development in the Plurinational State of Bolivia over the last 28 years. These initiatives —
accomplished through ongoing collaboration with the public sector and international organizations—
include, among others, proposing public policies with measurable results.
A National Meeting of Exporters (ENEX in Spanish) took place in 2013. This national
meeting —the first of its kind in the Plurinational State of Bolivia— was an open forum where the
export sector, the public sector and international organization met to identify problems affecting the
export sector and provide adequate solutions. The ensuing dialogue resulted in a public-private
collaboration that will focus on addressing bureaucratic and administrative issues, trade facilitation
matters and work toward establishing the development and improvement of logistics as an ongoing
economic policy in the Plurinational Sate of Bolivia, both in the present and the future.

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I. Infrastructure and logistics in the Plurinational
State of Bolivia

The Plurinational State of Bolivia is located in the center of South American region. This is a key fact
to make it a hub for regional logistics integration because it is surrounded by 40% of South American
countries including Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, and Peru. The Plurinational State of Bolivia
also has fluviarium access to the Plata and Amazon Basins through a mesh of 5.000 km navigable
rivers. Morevoer, it is also an air knot of central-west South America given its strategic position and
equidistant position to major capital cities that surround it.
Due to logistics complementarity with neighboring countries, road networks, shared
fluviarium access and inter-oceanic corridors, the country can —and has— all of the capacities to
become an integral logistics area for the region.
According to the features described above, the Plurinational State of Bolivia’s potential markets
for goods and services are:
•

Brazil (Rondonia, Acre, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Goias), 12.743.811
inhabitants;

•

Paraguay, 6.541.591 inhabitants;

•

Argentina (Jujuy, Salta, Tucuman, Catamarca, Santiago del Estero, La Rioja), 4.911.412
inhabitants;

•

Chile (Tarapaca, Antofagasta, Atacama), 1.186.002 inhabitants; and

•

Peru (Arequipa, Puno, Juliaca, Puerto Maldonado, Moquegua, Tacna, Mollendo, Cusco),
3.610.387 inhabitants.

The border market potential for the Plurinational State of Bolivia totals around 28 million
people. If the total population of the Plurinational State of Bolivia is included, the potential market is
38 million people within a thousand miles when using the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra as reference.

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MAP 1
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA: RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DIFFERENT
MACRO-AREAS AND POTENTIAL MARKET
Macro
region
Central Peru

Macro región south Peru
northeast Bolivia
West Brazil

Eastern Bolivia
Chaco Paraguay

East Brazil

North Chile
Southwest
Bolivia

Pacific ocean
Southeast
Brazil

Great northern Argentina
Southeast
Paraguay

Source: Latin American Integration Association.
Note: The boundaries and names shown on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

A. Transport and logistics in the Plurinational State of Bolivia
Despite its excellent geographical location, the Plurinational State of Bolivia has yet to develop its potential
as a transport hub by integrating and offering logistics services. Greater investment in infrastructure and
transport logistics in different modes is required, as well as changes in regulations that can attract
investments in this sector.

FIGURE 1
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA: LOGISTICS CIRCLE
Difficult physical
integration
and raise
construction costs
and maintenance
Affect the
competitiveness
of the productive
sector

All other types
transport have
not been
developed

Source: Chamber of Exporters of Cruz (CADEX).

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With respect to logistics, there are various deficiencies that affect not only the Plurinational
State of Bolivia but also Latin America. This is what is referred to as the vicious circle of logistics.
In other words, that despite the geographical features of the country there is insufficient infrastructure
thus giving exclusivity to road and rail transport which carries 80% of total cargo.
These deficiencies affect the productive sector competitiveness, physical integration, raise
construction costs and are not conducive to development of other modes of transportation.

1. Infrastructure
For a country to achieve higher levels of development and progress it is fundamental to improve its
infrastructure —a cornerstone of economic and inclusive growth, cost reduction, and higher productivity.
Between 1990 and 2003, public investment in infrastructure in the Plurinational State of Bolivia
averaged nearly $USD 200M and then gradually increased between 2004 and 2012 averaging
USD$ 650M. In 2011 and 2012, public investment in infrastructure reached billions of dollars.
Analyzing the stages of investment as a percentage of GDP, it can be seen that a peak of 4.5% of
GDP was reached in 1992; in 2012, investment reached about 4.3%. In the last twenty years, the average
public investment in infrastructure as a percentage of GDP is 3.3% and if the last eight years are analyzed,
the average investment is 4.0% of GDP. In that sense, there is a gap in infrastructure as international
evidence shows that the levels of infrastructure investment should be approximately 7% of GDP.
FIGURE 2
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA: PUBLIC INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE
(In millions of dollars – left axis) - (In percentage of GDP – right axis)
I. Infraestructura (MM $us)

Inversión Infraestructura / PIB

1400
1 400

5,0
5.0
4,5
4.5

1200
1 200

4,0
4.0

1000
1 000

3,5
3.5

800

3.0

3,0
2,5
2.5
2,0
2.0
1,5
1.5
1,0
1.0
0,5
0.0
0,0

600
400
400
200
200

1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

0
0

Source: National Statistics Institute

In that sense, the low growth rate of transport supply in the country, together with the scarce
infrastructure of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, creates a bottleneck that limits the Plurinational State of
Bolivia’s potential in international trade.
At the same time, logistics systems —linked to national and international trade— showed
deficiencies in connections due to those factors mentioned above and thusinhibitng improvement in
efficiency and productivity in those sectors connected to international markets.

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2. Transport modes
The Plurinational State of Bolivia has direct access to the following transport modes: air, water,1 and
land. In 2013, cargo volumes for imports and exports —transported by different modes— were
approximately 8.5 million tones (excluding exports of natural gas). Seventy per cent of Bolivian
imports are transported by road, 18% by rail, 9.5% by fluvial routes and 3.5% by air. In terms of
exports, 60% are transported by roads, 19% by railways, 19% by fluvial routes and finally, 1% of air
transport.
The Plurinational State of Bolivia’s road system is divided in three networks: (1) Main Road
Network (RVF, in its acronym in Spanish); (2)Departamental Networks; and (3) Municipal Networks.
The RVF consists approximately of 16.054 km, of which 35% of the surface is paved, the rest being of
gravel and land.
The Plurinational State of Bolivia has two major rail networks: The Eastern Network (FCO)
that is 1.222 km in length and that connects with Brazil and Argentina —currently the only
functioning network that connects to Brazil and in which oilseed products for export are transported
and imported manufactured goods are transported. The Western Network (FCA) which is 2.318
kilometers in length and connects with Chile and Argentina. It should be noted that mainly minerals
are exported to Chile with Antofagasta and Asian markets being primary destinations; the connection
with Argentina serves for food imports.
MAP 2
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA: MAIN ROAD NETWORK
FUNDAMENTAL
ROAD NETWORK
16 054 KM
Br az i l
WEST-NORTH Runner
NORTH-SOUTH Runner
EAST-WEST Runner
WEST-SOUTH Runner
CENTRAL-SOUTH Runner
P
e
r
u

Paraguay
C
h
i
l
e

Arg entina

Source: Plurinational State of Bolivian Roads Administrator (“ABC” in its acronym in Spanish).
Note: The boundaries and names shown on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by
the United Nations.

1

But note that sea transport is indirect.

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The fluvial transport in the Plurinational State of Bolivia is comprised of two systems: the
Amazonian and the Plata. The fluvial transport is bimodal: road-fluvial transport in the Amazonian
case and railway-fluvial transport in the Plata basin. The Amazonian region is made up of rivers and
streams located in Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Pando, Beni and La Paz, and which flow mainly to the
central axis which has 2.900 kilometers of navigable rivers. Among the main axis rivers, the
Ichilo Mamoré (Beni) River and the Madre de Dios Rivers are among the most important.
The main river is the Ichilo-Mamore which has a navigable route of 1.430 kilometeres
between the terminal ports of Puerto Villarroel and Sucre. The Beni River follows in importance with
a navigable route of 720 kilometers in length from Puerto Salinas to Riberalta and which continues up
to Cachuela Esperanza for an additional 131 kilometers. The river Madre de Dios ties Puerto Heath
with Riberalta for a fluvial route that is 483 kilometers in length and with Puerto Maldonado (Peru)
for a fluvial route that is 100 kilometers in length. (UDAPE, 2011). This means that in the Amazonian
system there are approximately 9 important ports.
MAP 3
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA: FLUVIAL AND RAILWAY NETWORK
Eastern Railroad network
Ports with access to the Hidrovia
Ports to Argentina
Interoceanic highway

Brazil

Asuncion
Tucuman

Pacific Ocean
Atlantic Ocean

Source: Plurinational State of Bolivia’s Eastern Railway.
Note: The boundaries and names shown on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the
United Nations.

The Plata Basin System is host to the Paraguay-Paraná waterway which serves as the main
system. The waterway has an area of 3 442 kilometers from its headwaters in the port of San Luis
Caceres (in the state of Mato Grosso, North of Brazil) to the delta of the Parana river at the height of the
Uruguayan port of Nueva Palmira (mouth of the Uruguay river in the Plata river), allowing the
Plurinational State of Bolivias access to the Brazilian market, starting from Puerto Suárez (Plurinational
State of Bolivia) and ending in Brazil Caceres.
The port system for imports and exports in the navigable rivers of the Plurinational State of
Bolivia is quite limited. For example, the two main ports in the Plurinational State of Bolivia are Central
Aguirre and the private port owned by the company Gravetal SA through which oilseeds and its
derivatives are exported. The infrastructure of both ports have serious problems when barges attempt to
cross the Tamengo Canal since the navigability of this area is limited to just a few months a year
(between 6 and 7 months) due to the poor maintenance and dredging of these rivers.

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This results in the Plurinational State of Bolivia having one of the lowest rankings in quality
of port infrastructure, ranking 122nd in 2013; even Paraguay —also a landlocked country— and
which attracted private investment in ports located in the Paraguay River —is ranked higher and hold
the 105th position.
In terms of irport infrastructure, the Plurinational State of Bolivia was ranked 101 in 2007 but
118th in 2013; this situation is explained by the fact that many countries made significant investments
to improve their airports and thus, led to the Plurinational State of Bolivia’s decline in its relative
position. The Plurinational State of Bolivia has 14 airports of which only four are international
terminals: a) Viru Viru International Airport located in the city of Santa Cruz; b) Jorge Wilstermann
International Airport located in the city of Cochabamba; c) El Alto International Airport located in the
city of La Paz; and d)International Airport Oriel Lea Plaza located in the city of Tarija. It should be
noted that the Viru Viru airport has a runway that is 3.500 meters long and 45 meters wide which allows
the use of aircrafts of all sizes. Due to its infrastructure and strategic position, the Viru Viru Airport is
considered the hub airport for passengers and cargo distribution.

3. Future prospects
Given the conditions in natural resources and the relative increase in the productivity levels in the
agricultural and livestock sectors, many international organizations (FAO, World Bank, OECD) project
that South America can be is a global food source. The Plurinational State of Bolivia cannot be left out of
this important opportunity.
At the same time, the development of productive chains and the emergence of Multi-Latin
firms in the region require adequate logistics and infrastructure. Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru and
Chile are demanding goods and services that the Plurinational State of Bolivia can provide.
In that sense it is imperative to improve the logistics infrastructure in the Plurinational State
of Bolivia; this will attract investment in the export sector and further enliven tourism.

B. Status of the export sector in the Plurinational State of Bolivia
The Plurinational State of Bolivia has a close business relationship with countries in the region —
especially with neighboring countries— so it is crucial that they maintain increasing levels of
consumption and investment given that 65% of Bolivian exports are to MERCOSUR and the Andean
Community of Nations (ACN) market.
Foreign trade in the Plurinational State of Bolivia recorded a record cash flow in exports and
imports during 2013. Flows from sales minus purchases resulted in a trade of surplus of goods in the
amount of USD$ 2.8804 B, positively adding to the current account of the balance of payments, and
hence to the net international reserves (RIN, for its acronym in Spanish).
On the one hand, accumulated exports through December 2013 reached USD$ 12.0427 B,
registering an increase of 2% compared to the same period the previous year. Similarly, imports
amounted to USD$ 92.823 B, representing a positive change of 12% respectively. Over the last
several years, Bolivian exports have sharply focused on traditional production with little added-value or
technological content. A high concentration is also evidenced for a group of products and target markets
which make the Plurinational State of Bolivia vulnerable to the manufacturing export sector and
macroeconomic stability.
In the last five years, the agricultural and livestock sectors have an average share of 5% of
total export value, extraction of metallic and non-metallic minerals averages 18%, manufacturing
industry has a 22% share, and the exploitation of oil represents has a 55% share.
The Plurinational State of Bolivia shows high sensitivity in its economy given the
vulnerability and dependence on international markets. In this sense, it is urgent to strengthen the
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national economy through innovation and public policies for productive development to overcome the
structural challenges in the context of a public-private partnership for:
•

Production diversification;

•

Increase in productivity;

•

Increase in capabilities of human capital; and

•

More efficient use of revenues generated by natural resources.

1. Plurinational State of Bolivia’s national exporters meeting (ENEX)
The National Chamber of Exporters of the Plurinational State of Bolivia (CANEB, for its acronym in
Spanish) —a private association that brings together all of Plurinational State of Bolivia’s Chamber of
Exporters— organized the first National Exporters Meeting jointly with the Chamber of Exporters of
Santa Cruz (CADEX). The meeting was held in Santa Cruz in November 2013.

2. ENEX’s objectives
The event organized by CADEX and attended by members of the remaining Chambers around the
country was led by CANEB and had the following objectives:
•

Inclusion of the productive export sector in the “Patriotic Agenda 2025” as a strategic
pillar to increase the production, productivity and industrialization of the country;

•

Synergies through a public-private partnership for long-term agreements and consensus,
with the aim of developing the export sector;

•

Promote a commitment by the government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to
diversify the Productive Matrix to boost Innovation and Technology; and

•

Work together to develop strategic guidelines for the National Plan for Exports
Development (PDDEX).

3. National exporters survey
The purpose of the 2013 National Exporters Survey was to obtain statistical information about the
main difficulties, needs, and requirements of the manufacturing export sector. The survey was
conducted between November 7th and 12th, 2013.
There are 2.622 registered exporters in the Plurinational State of Bolivia (See Annex IV,
Biministerial Resolution (021/2013); 809 enterprises were surveyed nationwide with a confidence level
of 97%. The survey was made online, via phone and interviews; it was conducted from November 7th to
22th; it had a national task force made up by 22 people was in charge of the survey data. The computer
processing and analysis of the results was made by 5 Technical Professionals from CADEX.

4. Data Sheet
There are 2.622 registered exporting companies in the Plurinational State of Bolivia (See Annex IV,
Biministerial Resolution (021/2013)). Eight hundred and nine national companies were surveyed with
a reliability level of 97%. These surveys were conducted online, via telephone and in person
(interviews). The survey was conducted between November 7th and 22nd; there was a team in place,
at the national level, made up by 22 professionals who were in charge of collecting data. The
processing and analysis team was made up by 5 technical professionals from CADEX.

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5. National exporters survey: results
Described below is an overview of the major findings of the National Exporters Survey of Bolivia
2013; it contains scientific and practical evidence to determine the state of the Bolivian productive
export sector.
It is noted that the largest number of exporting enterprises surveyed are based in Santa Cruz
(45.7%), Cochabamba (25%), and La Paz (22%) —a total of 93% of exporters thus indicating a high
degree of the concentration in just a few Departments.

FIGURE 3
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA: EXPORTING COMPANIES BY DEPARTMENT
(In percentage)
Chuquisaca
Beni.
1.7
1.0
La Paz
22.0
Santa Cruz
45.7

Cochabamba
25.0
Potosí
0.7

Oruro
3.8

Source: CADEX

FIGURE 4
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA: EXPORTING COMPANIES, ACCORDING TO
PRODUCTIVE AREA
(In percentage)
Jewelry
Food
Manufacturin
3.35
15.23
g 6.19
Mining
6.45
Forest
14.19

Confections
13.42

Agricutural
14.19

Agroindustrial
10.45

Source: CADEX.

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Others
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The main representativenes that answered the national survey of exporters belong to the
following sectors and economic areas: food and beverages (15.2%), forestry sector (14.2%);
agricultural sector (14.2%); textiles and garments (13.4%); and agribusiness (10.45%), respectively.
From these results we can note that there is significant representation of the manufacturing sector in
these exporting companies even though their production is low-tech.
FIGURE 5
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA: EXPORTING COMPANIES
BY NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
(In percentage)
1-5 Micro I,
9.15

101 or longer,
15.85

51-100
Medium,
9.35

6-10 Micro II,
19.72

26-50 Small II,
15.04

11-25 Small I,
30.89

Source: CADEX.

According to the results of the survey, the companies that have about 11 to 25 employees
represent almost 31% of total firms, followed by companies with between 6 and 10 employees which
represent an almost 20% share, companies that have more than 101 employees represent 16%, the ones
with 26 to 50 employees represent 15% of all firms, companies that absorb a labor force between 51-100
employees represent 9.35%, and finally, firms that have 1 to 5 employees represent a 9.15% share. This
implies that the company network in Plurinational State of Bolivia is composed my micro-, small- and
medium- sized entreprises (Mi SME’s), considering the number of employment that is generated.
FIGURE 6
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA: FACTORS THAT LIMIT THE EXPORT GROWTH
(En percentages)
Supply of raw
material
Funding

15.85
15.42

Social conflicts and blockades

14.74

Others

11.68

Increase in the price of supplies

11.69

Supply of production equipments

7.26

Labor conflicts

6.09

Lack of qualified staff

5.59

Lower demand in foreign markets

4.76

Contraband

4.45

Fiscal factor

2.84

Competition of imported products

2.72

Source: CADEX.

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Bolivian exporters consider that the main internal factors that limit their development and
company growth are: availability of raw materials and supplies (18.8%), financing (15.4%) and social
conflicts and road blocks (11.7%).
FIGURE 7
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA: FACTORS THAT LIMIT THE
INTERNATIONALIZATION PROCESS
(In percentages)

Lack of trade agreements with other
countries and blocs

21.5

Insufficient exports promotion network

20.7

Lack of preferential trade agreements

18.3

Tariffs in destination countries

15

Non-tariff barriers in destination countries

13.1

Lack of preferential systems (SGP and NMF)

11.3

Source: CADEX.

Companies in the Plurinational State of Bolivia were also asked about what they would
consider to be the main reasons that hinder their internationalization process to export their products
or services. Almost 60% of the companies’ responses relate to a lack of trade agreements, tariff
preferences and trade promotion.
The Plurinational State of Bolivia has Integration Agreements with the Andean Community
of Nations (CAN) and MERCOSUR -both of which are free trade zones. Additionally the country has
partial agreements with Chile and Mexico. There are no trade agreements with other geo-economic
zones and the preferential rates received from developed nations are through multilateral and
unilateral systems. (WTO-MFN) and (UNCTAD-SGP).
Another finding by the 2013 National Exporters Survey , is the lack of infrastructure, logistics
and means of transportation.
It should be noted that the difficulties with logistics and transport are directly related to the
public services delivered by governmental institutions such as: customs, sanitary services, quality
standardization, permits, licenses, and road maintenance, among others.
Due to the exponential growth of imports —contrary to the situation of exports— the range of
modes of transportation, especially trucks, did not grow in the same manner as international trade
grew in the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Another one of the difficulties that are limiting the normal
flux on the Plurinational State of Bolivia’s trade relates to the limited space of the maritime ports that
brings goods closer to the Pacific Ocean.

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FIGURE 8
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA: MAIN DIFFICULTIES
IN TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS
(In percentages)

Offer of road transport

27

Delays at border crossings

16

Deficient road networks

16

Delay in custom indoor enclosures

13

Air transport offer

12

Lack of fluvial brigdes and marine alternatives

5

Rail transport offer

4

Lack of place in seaports

3

Lack of rail interconxion of east to west

2

Fluvial transport offer (barges)

2

Source: CADEX.

6. Conclusions by national exporters survey of the Plurinational
State of Bolivia
After a close reading of the Bolivian exporting sector from the the 2013 National Survey of Exporters,
it is necessary to describe some strategic guidelines that can help the public and private sectors in
working toward the growth and development of the sector:
•

86% of the exporting sector is represented by SME’s. Therefore, exports should be
diversified and developed in areas other than the main cities of the country.

•

73% of exports have a high manufacturing component and it is necessary to take
advantage of the potential of the national industry.

•

The obstacles that are limiting the growth of the exporting sector are attributable to
external factors: infrastructure, paper work, bureaucracy, and financing). Thus, it is
imperative to solve these limitations through public and private sector consensus
mechanisms.

•

67% of the companies surveyed consider it vital to generate an integration and trade
policy with the most important markets in the world.

•

The companies surveyed agree that infrastructure, logistics and transport are
determinative in rating their economic and financial performance.

•

The results demonstrate many limitations regarding trade promotion of our production
capacities in international markets. It is important to maximize this activity through
strategic alliances between the private and public sectors, trade promotion organizations
and international cooperation agencies.

•

Tax neutrality is vital to keep exporting companies sustainable.

•

Bolivian exporters agree that the procedures related to registers and exporting procedures.
So are the quotas and export licenses are a barrier to exporting productive development.

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II. International cooperation: recent experiencies

A. International cooperation in context
International Organizations emerge to keep world peace in order. This is why the United Nations was
founded after World War 2 and, presently, it is considered the most important international organization
in existence.

1. International cooperation in the world
Multinational corporations have become important promoters of development agencies and have
improved the globalization process for world economies, by supporting the social sectors by more
than 40% and productive sectors by more than 25%. Through the years, countries such as the United
States, China, Australia and the European Union have become larger supporters of international aid
which has benefitted countries such as Haiti, as well as African, Central American and South
American countries.

2. International cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is a region that for many years has been trying to improve its
presence in the international system in diverse ways. International development aid has proved to be a
fruitful road to reach development targets. This is due, in part, because presently, CID integrated into
a dynamic process of revising the means of intervention, in order to renew the support mechanisms to
deliver capacity to achieve its purposes, particularly those relating to the Millennium Objectives
(MDG) that must be delivered by 2015.
Latin America and the Caribbean is experiencing the changes that are being reconfigured by
the International development aid, since this generates important challenges on an individual and
collective level, wherein a consensual position regarding key issues could raise the possibilities for
Latin American and the Caribbean to obtain an improved position in this process.2
Over the last several years, multilateral-based cooperation has been present in the Latin
American region —at the regional and subregional levels— in matters such as science, technology and
2

http://www.fundacioncarolina.es/es-ES/publicaciones/avancesinvestigacion/Documents/AI78.pdf.

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innovation and, in certain cases, in novel ways such as within the framework of the Biregional
Association of Latin America and the Caribbean with the European Union (ALC-EU) or the
Iberoamerican Community. The presence of these subjects on political agendas demonstrates the
importance of these matters among the countries of the region. Such is the case of the Inter-American
Development Bank (IDB) —the main point of reference for international cooperation in science,
technology and innovation in the region. Other related initiatives have been approached in the
framework of LAC-EU cooperation and Iberoamerican cooperation, where Spain has played an active
and relevant role. Finally, South-South cooperation must be highlighted as it has been an important
boost for cooperation in Latin America as well as on an international level.
Spanish cooperation in research and innovation should be highlighted as it has undertaken
activities that place a special emphasis on Latin America. The main Spanish international
organizations/agencies donors are:3
•

The Inter-American Development Bank and its Multilateral Fund of Investment (FOMIN);

•

The Organización de Estados Iberoamericanos para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura (OEI)

•

Economic Comission for Latin American and the Caribbean (ECLAC) of the United Nations.

The IDB’s main initiatives related to innovation has been through its multilateral fund,
FOMIN. This fund was established in 1993 with the purpose of stimulating private sector growth in
Latin America and the Caribbean. FOMIN has a wide and flexible mandate to attend the continuously
changing needs of the private sector with a special emphasis in labor force needs and the competitive
environment in which SME’s must participate.
By way of the General Funds of Spanish Cooperation, Spain has been one of FOMIN’s main
donors since its early days. Moreover, ECLAC,in collaboration with AECID, has developed different
programs that are improving innovation, training, infrastructure, productive sustainability, among
many others.

3. International cooperation in the Plurinational State of Bolivia
International cooperation in the Plurinational State of Bolivia can be separated into 4 different groups:4
•

Multilateral Institutions made up by Development Banks and other organizations;

•

Bilateral Cooperation Agencies made up in part from country representatives present in the
Plurinational State of Bolivia;

•

Organizations that are part of the United Nations, nine of which are present in the
Plurinational State of Bolivia; and

•

Technical Cooperation from Developed Countries.

The Plurinational State of Bolivia is a founding member of the United Nations. Since its
inception, the United Nations has supported the country’s development goals.
The Country Team is formed by 9 United Nations agencies working in the Plurinational State
of Bolivia. These include: the World Bank, FAO, UNHCR, PAHO-WHO, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA,
UNICEF and UNODC. There are also six additional agencies or programs in the country: UNIC
IFAD, IOM, UNIDO, UN Women and UNDSS.
Other entities from the UN have activities in the Plurinational State of Bolivia are: UNHCR,
IMF, HABITAT, ICAO, OCHA, OAS, ILO, WMO, UNAIDS, UNEP, ITU, UNESCO y UNV.
3

4

http://cooperacioninternacional.mx/documentos/09_Polucy_Visiones%20enfoques%20y%20tendencias%20d
e%20la%20CID.pdf.
Vice-Ministry of Public Investment and External Financing.

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The Bolivian Government and the United Nations system interact together and in consultation
with civil society. They have agreed the new frame of Development International Cooperation
(UNDAF – United Nations Development Assistance Framework), for the period 2013-2017.
This framework of cooperation serves as a reference point for joint and coordinated actions
between the government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and the different United Nations
agencies, funds and programs that support the Plurinational State of Bolivia’s development goals.
Cooperation activities are focused on human rights in order to guarantee harmony and respect
among people and create basic conditions to foster equality everyone.
In order for these principles to apply, there are four strategic and determinative areas must be
focused on: Civil rights and political and social rights, social and cultural rights, economic rights and
environmental rights.
The United Nations defines its mission as:
•

To contribute to a culture of peace and to reduce poverty by promoting sustainable
human development and the full respect of human rights.

•

Consolidate the democratic rule of law and promote modernization of the State; and

•

The values that guide these actions are based on intercultural respect, reciprocity and
solidarity to achieve a prosperous, inclusive society with equity and justice.

As can be observed by Highest United Nations Comission for Human Rights (UNHCR), is the
one with most funds (22.7%), followed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization
(UNIDO) with 22.5%; the Food and Agriculutural Organization (FAO) contributes 17.9% of the total
finance resources to be used.
TABLE 1
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA: COOPERATION INDICATIVE RESOURCES TO
MOBILIZE (2013-2017)
(In dollars)
Agency
WORLD BANK
FAO

Financial resources
28 000 000
9 200 000

Agency
PAHO-WHO

Financial resources
6 860 000

PMA

36 650 000

UNHCR

150 000

UNDP

46 270 000

OCHA

100 000

UNEP

800 000

OAS

550 000

UN DESA

100 000

OIM

400 000

UNESCO

650 000

ILO

5 460 000

UNFPA

13 600 000

ONUDI

1 520 000

UNICEF

45 900 000

UN WOMEN

1 300 000

UN AIDS

170 000

UNODC

5 600 000

UNV

1 000 000

Total

204 280 000

Source: CADEX with information from UN in the Plurinational State of Bolivia.

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TABLE 2
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA: COOPERATION FUNDS
TO BE MOBILIZED (2013-2017)
(In dollars and percentages by area)
Indicative financial
resources

Area and results

Fundraising goal

% Per area

26

Civil and political rights

53 520 000

64 470 000

1.1 Protetion and guarantee of rights

39 600 000

45 350 000

1.2 Political participation, peaceful culture and cohabitation

9 070 000

13 570 000

1.3 Non-discrmiation and respect for human rights

4 850 000

5 550 000

Social and cultural rights

77 650 000

82 400 000

2.1 Terms and access to universal education

23 850 000

23 850 000

2.2 Improving health conditions

29 670 000

29 870 000

2.3 Right to food and nutrition

24 130 000

28 680 000

Economic Rights

20 730 000

21 650 000

1 730 000

1 850 000

11 530 000

11 330 000

3.1 Social expenses
3.2 Productivity and employment.
3.3 Ecological production

8 470 000
52 380 000

52 380 000

4.1 Reduction of risk of disaster

29 320 000

29 320 000

4.2 Concessions and sustainable use of the environment

12 660 000

12 660 000

4.3 Mitigation and adaptation to climate change

10 400 000

10 400 000

204 280 000

220 900 000

10

8 470 000

Environmental Rights

38

Total

26

100

Source: CADEX with information from the United Nations in the Plurinational State of Bolivia.

B. Experiences in managing cooperation programs and projects
CADEX has been making efforts for nearly 28 years to seek the best opportunities for the Bolivian
exporting business and its progress and is the entitiy that best knows the caracteristics and needs of this
sector. CADEX has supported various entrepreneurship company initiatives (big, medium and small)
through the implementation of programs and projects - with international cooperation funds - that include
training, technical assistance, international coaching, creating partnerships between Bolivian and foreign
companies, supporting the ongoing improvement process of the Plurinational State of Bolivia’s productive
capacity in international markets, value added, international marketing management, and others that are
equally important.

1. CADEX institutional profile
The Chamber of Santa Cruz Exporters (CADEX), is a private entity that was founed on July 1, 1986
as a not-for--profit association that represents all persons and legal entities engaged in the export of
goods and / or services and which are located in the Department of Santa Cruz or other regions where
there are not similar institutions. CADEX has a network of close to 400 exporting companies from all
over the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Its main objective is to provide competitive solutions for the
development of the exporting sector through the continued contribution and support to the
development, diversification, value-added and support to enter new markets.

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CADEX gives support to the export sector through strategic alliances with national and
international entrepreneurs. Enabling and improve added value to the production activity, is primary.

(a)

Institutional Infrastructure
CADEX has a range of services tailored to the needs of the exporting sector.
•

Representativeness and support to exporting activities including:
(i) Project
Management, (ii) Management in Trade Agreements and (iii) Management Policies on
Exports Promotion.

•

Support and advice to exporters and potential exporters in formalities and procedures,
information on legislation, trade agreements, etc. We provide technical assistance and
advice depending the sector and in specific needs.

•

Logistics and transport that facilitates and transfers knowledge of the variables related to
International Distribution Channels and Logistics as well as the cost structure for exports
from the Plurinational State of Bolivia to the world. The methodology used is the one
developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), based in Paris.

•

Market research and trade promotion. The main objective is trade promotion of Bolivian
exports including:
–

Trade Fairs and Missions: An annual corporate calendar of trade missions is
provided. We encourage participation as the trade missions , are held in international
major which have been identified as potential buyers of Bolivian exports.

–

Exporters Lounge Oswaldo Barriga Cuellar has been a specialized pavilion since
1986 and serves as a display of Bolivian nontraditional export supplies at the
International Santa Cruz Fair EXPOCRUZ.

–

CADEX has successfully promoted Bolivian participation in national and
international trade fairs and business missions in recent years to several destinations
including: Andean Community, MERCOSUR, CENTRAL and NORTH AMERICA,
EUROPEAN UNION AND ASIA (Japan).

•

Consultation and advice through the Client Assistance Unit - geared toward companies
and the public in general on key issues related to foreign trade.

•

Advice on export procedures and requirements.

•

Business opportunities: Trade Point Santa Cruz provides a link to global information
networks and information sources on trade. Facilitates trading and provides access to all
the services offered by those involved in foreign trade transactions such as Customs,
dispatchers, banks, insurance companies, and transportation, among others.

In addition to its physical infrastructure, CADEX 20 professionals with experience in
international trade and business are available to support initiatives to pursue commercial and investment
opportunities to its members and related companies. CADEX covers several sectors and products
including: jewelry, food (fresh, dried, organic, natural ingredients, rice, sugar, etc.), nutraceuticals ( Chia,
Quinoa, Sesame) lumber  wood manufacturing, clothing (cotton), tannery and leather articles, coffee,
crafts, oleaginous chains (soy bean, sunflower), and minerals, wines, and fruits.
CADEX interacts with large, medium and small businesses, in order to help generate
necessary diversification and tailored services processes according to the needs of each of the sectors.

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2. CADEX’s project experience
CADEX has extensive experience in foreign trade and knowledge of national and international
regulations related to the export sector. It has expertise in the the internationalization process of
companies. It is important to mention that CADEX has 30 professionals with specialties in areas
related to commerce, international trade, law, and human resources, among others subjects. It also has
knowledge in the technical areas of international business such as logistics, customs, taxes and others.
To complement and strengthen the export sector as well as the capabilities of enterprises,
CADEX has executed programs and projects funded by multilateral agencies such as the
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), World Bank, CAF; FAO as well as with the cooperation of
the Netherlands, Denmark, the United States, Japan and the European Commission, among others.
Throughout its existence, CADEX has worked with twenty international cooperation
programs and projects. Some of the most important projects and programmes are described below.
Similarly, other programs were implemented with its institutional funding for the sole purpose
of creating high quality services in matters related to exports, investment, and production, among other
issues, and which can provide substantial support to Bolivian companies, particularly small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs), in order to find partners abroad. These partnerships foster sustainable
businesses that generate employment that can reduce poverty in the Plurinational State of Bolivia
through programs such as: Private Sector Investment - PSI, Match Making Facilitties - MMF, Businessto-Business - B2B and Danida Business Partnership - DBP.
With respect to strategic partners that have been working with the CADEX in different
areas and activities, it is important to highlight the following:

(a)

Al invest IV program experience

The the European Union’s Al Invest IV project supports internationalization of SMEs in the
Andean Community with the objective of taking advantage of the opportunities offered by
globalization, regional integration and free trade agreements.
One of the program’s main objectives is to improve the competitiveness of SMEs and to
foster internationalization. The program contemplated as the starting point, the initiation of associative
mechanisms (“nucleos empresariales” in Spanish). As indicated by the SMEs, one of the ways of
generating capabilities is through group consultancies (sectoral business cores and NES
methodology). The NES methodology has allowed identification, prioritization and resolution of
problems experienced by SMEs through the exchange of knowledge, external consultancies and
through implementation of joint activities.
As a final outcome, there are now experiences in at least 8 sectors (leather, food, clothing,
timber products, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, handicrafts and services) which have allowed
generating capabilities for the internationalization of some 300 companies through trainings, technical
assistance, consultancy, associations (15 core business sectors), promoting of female entrepreneurship,
participation in trade fairs, business round tables, and international missions, among others.
CADEX facilitated the participation of 30 Bolivian SMEs in 12 promotion events (fairs and
trade missions) in Europe and in the Latin American region. It has also made contacts and established
links to carry out business meetings. These efforts have resulted in businesses garnering more than
than 251 potential buyers and business promises worth more than€ 15.000.000.
Some of the most important trade fairs by sector and country were MADERALIA (forestry Spain), ANUGA (food - Germany), Alimentaria (food - Spain), SIAL PARIS (food - France),
BIOFACH (food - Germany), and INTERZUM (forestry - Germany).

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(b)

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Centre for the promotion of imports from developing countries
(CBI): The Netherlands

The objective of the joint work between CBI and CADEX was, and still is, to contribute
towards to the Plurinational State of Bolivia’s economic prosperity by promoting the capabilities of
exporting companies with a focus on the European Union market. The agreement allows a promotion
of synergies between the two organizations under a common mission: contribute to the development
of trade through the strengthening of the competitiveness of enterprises and the promotion of their
products to inside the European Union.
The contributions of the association include, among others:
•

Strengthen CADEX to support the inclusion of Bolivian companies in the European
Union market; and

•

Expand CBI’s services for the benefit of the Plurinational State of Bolivia’s business
community.

Over the last three years, CADEX, with the support of CBI, has worked intensively to promote
and develop the forestry sector. Among the most important activities are:
•
•

Develop a Sector Market Intelligence System (SMIS) website;

•

Train and enhance the capabilities of the companies (in the Netherlands and the
Plurinational State of Bolivia);

•

Provide assistance to participate in European fairs specialized in certain sectors; and

•

(c)

Devleop and Export Sector Marketing Plan;

Facilitate business meetings between legal timber suppliers and companies.

BDM (Business Development Module – CBI, the Netherlands)

BDM is a project to improve the capacities of SMEs in production management, business
management and commercial management of timber non-exporting enterprises to direct them towards
its internationalization and international call for bids by CBI. This project was awarded to CADEX in
order to lead Bolivian Timber Consortium which is comprised by: CANEB and its network,
CADEFOR, IBNORCA, the Forestry Engineering program at the University in Santa Cruz, and the
National Indigenous Forestry Association (AFIN).

(d)

Export Coaching Program (ECP)

CADEX’s role was to oversee the program developed and implemented by CBI. The goal of
the program was to assist 15 companies in the forestry sector to increase its exports to the European
Union. Activities in this regard included: training, technical assistance, trade missions, and other
productive exercises.

(e)

Private Sector Investment Program (PSI)

The Private Sector Investment Program, funded by the Dutch Government, seeks to
encourage established firms as well as investment in new businesses in developing countries like, for
example, the Plurinational State of Bolivia.
This program provided reimbursement, under certain conditions (environmental sustainability, CSR,
gender equality and innovation), up to 50% of the investment costs of a joint project between a
Bolivian company and a foreign company.
CADEX, alongside other Bolivian institutions, has been a promoter of this program that
managed to match 30 national companies with foreign companies in 2013 alone.

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(f)
PROCOIN: The Delegation of European Commission to the Plurinational
State of Bolivia and the Deputy Ministry of International Trade and Integration
The work of the PROCOIN with CADEX related to:
•
•

Implementation of the Road Map Program: Business plans for 20 SMEs were developed
and implemented;

•

Institutional strengthening: three publications were developed (transportation, export and
promotion guides), an institutional video and CADEX’s website;

•

(g)

Provide support to SMEs in forming consortiums. In this regard, three consortia were
formed: furniture, clothing and leather;

Participation of SMEs in trade missions: 5 SMEs in the furniture sector participated in a
trade mission in Buenos Aires, Argentina which was organized by PROCOIN in
coordination with CADEX;

JETRO – Japan

CADEX was hired by Jetro Lima conduct a study on Legumes in the Plurinational State of
Bolivia. The resulting publication was a detailed description of the productive situation, developed
industrial and commercial plans (both for the local market and at an international level) and detailed
the major legumes that are produced in the country. The study was delivered to the consultant whom
indicated a high level of satisfaction for the study.

(h)

DANIDA business partnership program
DANIDA hires CADEX as a local partner to match Bolivian and Danish companies.

This experience in a variety of substantive areas and with different strategic partners and
customers, is evidence that CADEX can work effectively and efficiently in promoting exports and
encouraging investments Moreover, it also promoted Bolivian companies in order to create business
ties, investments and partnerships mutually beneficial and with a long-term view.

(i)

Strengthening program for female leaders

Cadex and the Yente Foundation from the Netherlands have implemented a program to
strengthening female leadership in the business world. It has formed a network of Bolivian women
entrepreneurs (25 in the city of La Paz and 25 in Santa Cruz) in order to support and to develop their
management skills, leadership, build decision-making skills, and provide them with business
management tools. The goal is to create a benchmark of female national and international
entrepreneurship. The businesswomen who participate in this programme are involved in the
productive and services sectors.

(j)

Training and technical assistance for the timber sector in the “Chiquitania”
region (Santa Cruz)

Cadex, in coordination with Pro Bolivia —a governmental entity to promote exports—
implemented programs to support the timber sector with funds from the European Union. The
programs provided vocational training, technical assistance transfer of technology, and best practices
of production units in the Chiquitania region in order to effectively manage its resources. Moreover,
other goals included increase in sales, access new markets through management tools and training in
the export business area.

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III. International cooperation and its importance
for economic and social development:
Lessons learned

Problem 1- Business Environment Reforms better focused
1.Is it possible to collaborate more effectively with representatives from the private sector to
identify the needs of the business environment?
Promoting the best practices achieved through reforms, as has been done in certain countries
and in certain sectors, foster development. In addition encouraging a dialogue between the business
sector with the public sector helps build consensus in work agendas to create reform to improve
business, economic and social environments.
2.Should collaboration with intermediate-level business organizations be intensified to
improve awareness about reforms and support businesses?
Yes. This collaboration should be because intermediate-level organizations are those that have
direct contact with micro-enterprises and with the government. Business Organizations can provide
this link. Public policy can also play a positive or a negative role in the productive sector. Therefore
international cooperation must focus on, and support, the strengthening intermediary business
organizations.At the same time, this dialogue can reduce costs.
3.Do international agreements and forums play a useful role in improving the business
environment in your country?
If we analyze the recent past, international agreements and forums can play a useful role if
they are accompanied by efforts that establish or promote public – private agreements.

Problem 2- Increase the impact of programs designed to the private sector create jobs
and reduce poverty.
1.What actions should the EU follow in relation to limitations women and young people face
in developing countries and which limit their ability to be entrepreneurs or workers?

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It should support public policies that encourage broad participation by the private sector in
promoting the participation of women and youth in firms or in becoming entrepreneur (e.g., business
start-ups,). The EU should also work with universities and training centers to create a labor market
that can meet present day needs. Moreover, it should also encourage the adoption of good practices
such as learning-by-doing and training methodology.
2.What could companies do to contribute to the improvement of labor standards and worker’s rights?
Bolivian firms in the export sector should comply with current international norms and
regulations and work with public the actors to promote mechanisms to ensure compliance of same by the
private sector.

Issue 3-Strengthen support for SMEs
1.What best practices in SME support are available at European level that could be relevant in
development cooperation?
Training programs for strategic alliances between European SMEs and Latin American SMEs
(e.g., PSI and the MMF from Holland, B2B and DBP of Denmark) have had positive results in
assisting SMEs to develop capacities and access financial resources to support their
internationalization process.
2.How can policies for the internationalization of SMEs contribute to the achievement of the
development goals?
Public policies can serve as a model that can later be adapted to adequately address the needs
and issues of Latin America. Another interesting issue is that the EU promotes initiatives focused on
innovation, research and development, market access, joint and business cooperation and SME
financing to support the development and consolidation of SMEs in the international context.
3.What instruments could be used by the EU to promote innovation, development and transfer
of technology, and to ensure learning opportunities and the adaptation of new technologies in
developing countries, including clean and low carbon technologies?.
PSI (Netherlands) and DBP (Denmark) which promote strategic alliances between European
firms and Latin American firms. These alliances are based on principles of social, environmental and
economic alliances and also promote the exchange of good practices between them.

Issue 4-Training and capacity building
1.How can a collaborative public-private partnership be built that is more systematic in
implementating reforms and programmes related to vocational training?
A comprehensive study of the labour market shows that there is ample demand for qualified
human resources and a desire to engage the private sector to define guidelines for public policies
related to the vocational and technical training.

Issue 5-Access to financial resources
1.What strategy should the EU follow to support microfinance and financial inclusion?
This should be achieved through innovative business models such as those developed in
Europe including model matching-funding, establishment of mobile banks, and soft loans, among
other things.

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Issue 6-Working closer with the private sector
1. Should the EU become more involved in supporting a public-private dialogue that can
contribute to creating policies, programs and partnerships?
Yes. Many times the public sector creates policies that apply to the private sector without taking
into account the real needs of the private sector. Ultimately, this results in little impact. On the contrary,
increased collaboration would yield greater achievements.

Problem 7-Use the private sector as a distribution channel for the development
1.Under what conditions can public-private collaborations be an effective tool to provide
infrastructure services and public goods?
It is important that cooperation play a role in establishing effective public–private partnerships.

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IV. Conclusions

Limited access to maritime ports on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, along with deficits in productive
infrastructure, have resulted in transport and logistical costs being more onerous in the Plurinational
State of Bolivia compared to other economies in the region. In this sense, the Chamber of Exporters of
Santa Cruz in the Plurinational State of Bolivia, has been working toward the development of logistics,
investments and trade facilitation as important alternatives to foster growth and economic efficiency.
Intermediate institutions in the Plurinational State of Bolivia, such as trade chambers, have
been fulfilling a transcendental role in the development of productive capacities in the business sector.
Moreover, they have created bridges with the public sector for increased coordination by way of a
dialogue that promotes important social and economic initiatives. The First National Exporters
Meeting has become a public-private platform to unblock the main problems that affect the exporting
productive sector in the Plurinational State of Bolivia.
Throughout CADEX’s institutional life, it has formulated and executed more than twenty
international cooperation programs and projects in different productive areas and with different
financing sources. This has allowed it to develop capacities in institutional management and in the
exchange of experiences and knowledge. In the same way, there are high levels of reliability when
working with international cooperation networks due to the impact of programs and projects upon
beneficiaries as well as financial-economic management.

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Bibliography

ALADI (2002-2012), “Comercio interregional de Bolivia 2002-2012: características y perspectivas.”
CADEX, Memorias Institucionales.
Ferroviaria, Oriental, Memorias Institucionales.
Ruibal Handabaka, Alberto (2010), “Perfil Logístico de Bolivia”, consulting for CADEX.
Sabsa, Memorias Institucionales.
Solares Gaite, Alberto (2011), “Integración Teoría y Procesos, Bolivia y la Integración”, Académica
Española Publishing.

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