Bolivian briefs: cocaine; takeovers; TIPNIS; phone interventions

Cocaine: The US Government expressed their concern over the “growing cocaine trade” in Bolivia, such view is part of the new American strategy against transnational criminal organizations. http://www.paginasiete.bo/2011-07-26/Nacional/Destacados/37Aldia01-260711.aspx It is frightening to see Bolivia becoming not only coca leaf producers but also being immersed more and more in violent cocaine trafficking. While Colombia is beginning to…

South Korea interested in Bolivian lithium potential

Bolivia holds one of three largest concentrations of lithium in the world. The Uyuni salt lake, which was reported to be seen clearly from the space by an astronaut some time ago, is in the eyes of South Korea. According to the Korean Agency, Yonhap, a mission headed by Lee Sand-deuk, brother of current South Korea President, Lee…

Bolivian wood prices rise by 200%!

In economy, when a price rises, it is generally because there is a shortage of the commodity. This time there is no exception: 35% of the timber supply comes from Guarayos Province in Santa Cruz. Some of the species are scarce in the market and prices went up more than 200% as stated by the…

Bolivian Economics 101, July 2011

Interesting economic data and analysis from El Dia editorial, Sunday, July 24, 2011: Editorial starts by commenting how current president has spoken about how bad the Bolivian finances are, although  he obviously does not admit in those terms and also does not understand, in its full concept, what is going on. Otherwise, he shouldn’t have…

Bolivian miners demand urgent meeting with president

The FSMTB (Union Federation for Bolivian mining Workers) met and decided to declare in emergency and want to meet with the Bolivian president ASAP. Miners from public, private and cooperative sector are extremely worried about all the violent take overs they have been experiencing. According to one of their leaders, Cesar Lugo, they have declared…