Month: Nov 2018

Mallku Khota needs $US620 million in investments

The Bolivian government has invested Bs.50 million in Mallku Khota mine since its reversion to the state in 2013. However, the Mining Minister, Cesar Navarro, noted that the project needs an injection of $US620 million to allow the exploitation of 15,000 to 40,000 tonnes of minerals per day. He added that the government consider a joint venture for the project.

Delays in the national budget reflect the financial difficulties of the government

The Bolivian political opposition is convinced that the delay in the presentation of the national budget reflects the financial difficulties of the Morales administration. According to Unidad Nacional (UN) senator, Oscar Ortiz, the delay not only goes against constitutional provisions but it reflects the difficulties of the government after Argentina announced its intention to reduce the volume of gas shipments from Bolivia.

Bolivia among the fastest growing economies in Latin America

Bolivia is among the fastest growing economies in Latin America, according to various international organisations. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLA) increased Bolivia's growth projections from 4 to 4.3% and the World Bank from 3.9 to 4.5%. These organisations place Bolivia in first or second place in regional growth. However, international experts such as CAF president Enrique Garcia, the country needs significant structural adjustments to diversify the economy that is highly dependent on hydrocarbons and minerals.

The government estimates there are still opportunities for gas exports to Brazil and Argentina 

Although Argentina and Brazil expressed their intention of buying less volume of gas, the Bolivian government believes that there are opportunities. In the case of Brazil, the Hydrocarbon Minister, Luis Alberto Sanchez, said that the new conditions of the Brazilian market offer the chance to negotiate with private companies with the prospect of better prices.  Gas exports to Brazil and Argentina reduce 16.7% since 2014. The government recognises that the development of new camp fields in these countries means strong competition, but it is confident in Bolivia's competitiveness. However, Bolivia's local governments and economic experts warned that the decrease in shipments would impact revenues, and they urged more investment in the sector.