Bolivian president insists going through TIPNIS protected area

Today Sunday, July 31, 2011, current Bolivian president stated that the road between Cochabamba and Beni will be concluded by 2014. He said that Chapare  (a coca growing area) inhabitants should convince TIPNIS population that the road will bring development and will improve their quality of life. He also said that the government will comply with its duty and…

Bolivian agriculture downsized, why?

La Razon newspaper published today a report about the reduction of crop surface for the agricultural year. A comparison of agricultural years 2008-2009 with 2009-2010 shows a decrease of 99,000 hectares.   The chart shows in its first column “Percentage and hectares grown by agricultural year, per region” Regions are: the lowlands (Beni and Santa…

Bolivian exports in peril, July 2011

As a result of Bolivia losing its chance to export to the USA under the ATPDEA agreement. This government turned to Venezuela, Argentina and Brazil. Bolivian exports to Venezuela, mainly textiles, have been reduced this first semester of 2011 to 49% as compared with 2010. Our trade balance shows a deficit of $181.7 million dollars;…

Pedro Rivero – El Deber newspaper: summoned by Bolivian justice…

Today, Pedro Rivero Mercado, major shareholder and Director for the largest Santa Cruz newspaper was accused for “illicit enrichment”. Rivero is a well-regarded, respected journalist nationwide; he was subpoenaed and will have to obey the edict he was given. Journalists in Santa Cruz will march on Monday, to protest for this accusation. More about this, as it…