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Highlighting the energy integration between Bolivia and Brazil, the event brought together important business leaders, authorities, and diplomats from both countries during the Expocruz 2024.

ISSUE 135 | 2024

ENERGÍABolivia/Agencias

Topics of integration, infrastructure development, and commercial opportunities were some of the key subjects addressed at the second Brazil-Bolivia Business Forum 2024, held in September at the Novotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

The event, organized by the Consulate-General of Brazil in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, APEXBRASIL (Brazil’s Investment Promotion Agency), and the Bolivian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, was part of Expocruz 2024 and followed Bolivia’s recent accession to Mercosur as a full member. It gathered business leaders, authorities, diplomats from both countries, and special guests.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRADE

“The goal of the Forum was to promote and foster integration between our two countries in areas such as projects, infrastructure, and trade. Scenarios for exchange within the framework of Mercosur were also evaluated,” stated Priscilla Castelli, president of the Bolivian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.

The event was inaugurated by Ambassador Francisco Carlos Soares Luz, Consul General of Brazil in Santa Cruz; Mario Aguilera, Governor of the Department of Santa Cruz; and Cesar Miranda, Secretary of Economic Development of Mato Grosso, who addressed "Brazil-Bolivia Integration within Mercosur: A View from Santa Cruz."

This topic, along with the importance of infrastructure integration to strengthen Brazil-Bolivia trade; challenges for Brazilian franchises in Bolivia; and energy integration opportunities between Brazil and Bolivia, were part of the Forum’s agenda. Participants also discussed the bilateral agreements that were sealed during the official visit of President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva to Bolivia last July.

BIOCEANIC CORRIDOR

In the session on the Bioceanic Railway Corridor: A Multimodal Link for Connectivity and Development in South America, Ángel Augusto Chassagnez Fernández, General Coordinator of the Railway Technical Unit (UTF), spoke about the strategic importance of this corridor in connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through a railway network crossing several South American countries. The project’s potential to boost regional competitiveness, promote international trade, and stimulate economic development through a multimodal infrastructure—combining railways, ports, and highways—was highlighted.

“Delegations from different regions of Brazil participated, along with Brazilian regional authorities, secretaries of economy and business from various states, and representatives from the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (APEX Brasil), which promotes access for Brazilian products to international markets,” Castelli noted.

Additionally, this Forum served as a prelude to the preparation of another trade exchange and integration event planned for 2025 by the Bolivian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and the Brazilian Embassy in Bolivia: the Mercosur Forum.

BILATERAL AGREEMENTS

Last July, the governments of Bolivia and Brazil signed 10 bilateral agreements covering various key areas for both countries. The agreements include measures to combat human trafficking and drug trafficking, as well as strengthen cooperation in healthcare access and the development of joint initiatives in the energy sector.

These agreements reflect the commitment of both nations to strengthen their ties and work together on priority issues for the well-being and security of their citizens.

FORUM PANELS

The first panel, dedicated to “The Importance of Infrastructure Integration for Strengthening Brazil-Bolivia Trade,” was moderated by Priscilla Castelli, President of the Bolivian-Brazilian National Chamber of Commerce, and featured the participation of Marina Dockweiler, Senior Specialist in Socio-Environmental Management at Fonplata; Oswaldo Barriga, President of the Chamber of Exporters, Logistics, and Investment Promotion of Santa Cruz; and Jorge Isaías Chávez Chávez, President of the Foundation for the Development of the Amazon.

The second panel, on “Brazil-Bolivia Energy Integration,” was moderated by Carlos Leopoldo Goncalves de Oliveira, Brazil’s Commercial Consul, and included Javier Tellería, General Manager of Fluxus Bolivia; Álvaro Ríos, Managing Partner of Gas Energy Latin America; and Aécio Rodrigues, President of MT Gás.

After a presentation on “Apex-Brasil and Its Role in Developing Brazil-Bolivia Trade Relations” by Laura Mariana de Freitas Porto Cavalcanti, Analyst in the Client Relations Coordination at ApexBrasil, the third panel on “The Bolivian and Brazilian Franchise Sectors” took place. It was moderated by Erwin Roca, President of the Mercosur Chamber of Commerce of Bolivia, and included Bruno Amado, Project Manager of the Brazilian Franchising Association (ABF), and Scarlett Menacho, President of the Bolivian Franchise Chamber (Cafran).

Finally, the fourth panel addressed the “Challenges and Business Opportunities for Brazilian Franchises in Bolivia,” moderated by Erwin Roca, with presentations from Carolina Ruiz, General Manager of Lupo; Miguel Ordoñez, Managing Partner of Ratio Legis; Pablo Moscoso Roure, Manager of Arreglos Express; and Marco Antonio Justiniano Molina, CEO of Luma.

ABOUT THE BOLIVIAN-BRAZILIAN NATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Bolivian-Brazilian National Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit institution dedicated to strengthening trade and economic relations between Bolivia and Brazil. Since its founding, it has actively promoted bilateral trade, investment, and business cooperation between the two countries.

The Chamber offers its members a platform for networking, training, and resolving commercial disputes, contributing to the economic and business development of both Bolivia and Brazil. It is also recognized and supported by the Brazilian Embassy as the only national institution that promotes commercial and cultural activities between the two countries.

“…the energy integration opportunities between Brazil and Bolivia were part of the Forum's agenda…”