Bolivia's industrial sector reports $2.1 billion losses amid 35‑day blockade

The Bolivia National Chamber of Industries (CNI) said the 35‑day blockades have caused economic damage exceeding US$2.1 billion. CNI president Gonzalo Morales described the situation as an emergency, noting that the shortage of raw materials has led to scarcity of staple goods in La Paz and threatens other departments. He announced the launch of a “National Plan for Productive Recovery and Employment,” which will seek legislative approval for new investment, mining, hydrocarbons, tourism and public‑private partnership laws, and will ask the government to lift export restrictions, open new markets and promote tourism to bring foreign exchange.

The plan also calls for financing mechanisms such as productive credit to support small, medium and large firms, and stresses the need for legal certainty to attract private investment. The CNI urges the Bolivian Assembly to pass the required statutes urgently to mitigate the damage to businesses and workers.