The shift in the economic model begins to benefit the country | Cambio de modelo económico comienza a favorecer al país

By El Diario:

REFERENCE. PHOTO: FR

The change of government and economic model after nearly 20 years has improved Bolivia’s economic indicators, according to analyst and former president of the Tarija College of Economists, Fernando Romero.

The new government of Rodrigo Paz Pereira has sent positive, concrete signals of a pragmatic State willing to work with the private sector, sensibly seeking international financial support to stabilize the economy, and convinced that foreign investment is another key factor for overcoming the crisis. Although the improvements are evident, Romero warned that a long and winding road still lies ahead to strengthen the country’s financial health, with an uncertain cost for the population.

According to the expert, the October 19 runoff election was an important turning point that marked the beginning of Bolivia’s economic stabilization, affecting sensitive variables both economically and politically.

A clear example, he said, is the downward stabilization of the parallel dollar rate, which reached a peak of Bs 15 on the day of the runoff; but it dropped in less than two hours and has since shown a downward trend with relatively short spikes, currently standing near Bs 10.48.

“This phenomenon reflects a recovery in market confidence, while the official exchange rate has now gone 11 years without significant changes,” he stated.

Regarding country risk, on October 20, one day after the runoff, it stood at 1,132 points. Since then, the trend has moved downward, although with some increases at the end of October and the beginning of November.

“As of the 13th of this month the indicator had fallen to 854 points, representing a 25% drop since the runoff — a level not seen since 2023, showing greater attractiveness for international investors,” he added.

“As for sovereign bonds maturing in 2028 and 2030, both were trading until mid-October at 0.81 and 0.85 cents on the dollar, respectively. From the runoff to now, both bonds have risen to approximately 0.88 cents on the dollar, reflecting improved perceptions of debt and economic stability,” he noted.

Regarding fuels, although diesel and gasoline prices have remained fixed at Bs 3.72 and Bs 3.74 per liter for the past 20 years, the new government has made notable efforts to improve fuel supply, significantly reducing lines and ensuring broader access throughout the country.

Romero stressed that Bolivia is going through a complex historic moment, with an economy in recession and high inflation — a dangerous combination that erodes purchasing power and increases poverty. However, since the runoff, there has been a drastic shift in expectations and outlook for Bolivia’s economy at both national and international levels.

External support and the easing of fuel shortages are sensitive indicators that have improved, boosting confidence in the country’s economic direction.

“In short, the current administration is pushing a paradigm shift toward a more financially stable country, even though major challenges lie ahead. The stabilization of the parallel dollar, the reduction in country risk, and improved access to external financing mark positive progress, but the path toward a solid and sustainable recovery is still long and costly for the Bolivian population,” he concluded.

Leave a comment