Bolivia Transport Sector Receives Credit Guarantees After Blockades

Bolivia's Minister of Economy José Gabriel Espinoza announced a package of measures to rebuild the economy after 41 days of nationwide blockades. The plan includes a guarantee fund for vehicle upgrades and a refinancing scheme that will make up to 1 000 billion bolivianos of credit available to transport operators, with debt‑reprogramming options that offer three‑ to six‑month grace periods.

Separately, the government and transport leaders in La Paz signed an agreement to create the Fondo de Garantía de Crédito para el Transporte (FONGAT). The fund will start with 100 million bolivianos and can guarantee credit operations up to 1 000 million bolivianos. Drivers will be able to obtain loans of up to 200 000 bolivianos at a 12% interest rate, with the fund covering 50% of each loan. Both initiatives aim to support small merchants, large businesses, and transport workers as the country moves toward economic recovery.