Bolivia's microenterprise sector hit by rising dollar, fair to revive

The Federación Departamental de la Micro y Pequeña Empresa (Fedemype) of Oruro is organizing the Feria Exposición de la Micro y Pequeña Empresa (FexpoMyPE) from 17 to 22 August in Plaza Sebastián Pagador. President Veronica Ayala said the fair aims to boost local production, generate sales and restore jobs after more than 50 days of blockades and an economic crisis that has forced many small firms to declare bankruptcy, lay off workers and close.

Across the country, Helen Rivero, president of the Confederación de Micro y Pequeños Empresarios de Bolivia, warned that the surge in the flexible dollar price is driving up the cost of imported inputs, threatening the survival of numerous micro‑ and small‑enterprise units. She announced a national congress on 20 August in Cochabamba to seek urgent government measures, including an official dollar quotation and support policies, to prevent further closures and preserve employment.