Bolivian forestry sector seeks aid for timber detained in Chile

The Bolivian Chamber of Forestry (CFB) has criticized the Bolivian government's response regarding timber shipments currently detained in Chilean ports. Walter Rioja, manager of the CFB, expressed disappointment following statements from the Vice Minister of Foreign Trade, Rodrigo Arce, who clarified that the Bolivian government is not a formal party to the ongoing investigation conducted by the Chilean Public Ministry.

The CFB reports that 19 timber loads remain in the ports of San Antonio and Valparaíso, following the reported destruction of wood previously held in Arica. Rioja requested government intervention to protect these remaining shipments and the reputation of Bolivian exports, noting that while the state may not need to fund legal defenses, it should perform diplomatic or administrative management to prevent further destruction.

Vice Minister Arce emphasized that the investigation is being handled by Chilean authorities under Law 20.000, which allows for the destruction of seized controlled substances. He stated that Bolivia's position is to request that the investigation be technical, fact-based, and transparently communicated.