Authorities from both countries evaluated technical alternatives during the Third Meeting of the Joint Commission, in compliance with bilateral agreements signed in 2007.
In a key step toward consolidating integration between Bolivia and Brazil, technical and diplomatic delegations from both countries participated in the Third Meeting of the Joint Commission, which was designed to define the guidelines for the construction of an international bridge over the Rapirrán River, connecting the border towns of Montevideo (Pando, Bolivia) and Plácido de Castro (Acre, Brazil).
The meeting, held on both banks of the river, was attended by representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, departmental authorities from Pando and Acre, as well as technical infrastructure teams from Bolivia, such as the Bolivian Highway Administration (ABC) and the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT) of Brazil.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the day, the delegations inspected the existing bridge over the Rapirrán River, analyzing technical alternatives for the new structure, which will ensure the safe passage of vehicles and passengers.
BRIDGE
The project will prioritize access for students from the Amazonian University of Pando (Montevideo branch) and will boost trade and tourism in a historically isolated area.
The project, supported by the Presidential Joint Declaration of July 9, 2024, seeks to realize a bilateral commitment in place since the 2007 Agreement, ratified by Bolivia in 2010.
"This bridge will not only improve connectivity, but will also boost socioeconomic development in northeastern Pando and the state of Acre," the Foreign Ministry emphasized, underscoring its alignment with regional integration policies.
The project will facilitate the transport of local products such as chestnuts, timber, and Amazonian fruits, reduce travel times for communities that currently rely on rafts, and strengthen security along a strategic route for the bioceanic corridor.
The next steps include detailed geotechnical studies and the signing of a joint bidding and construction schedule.
This project joins initiatives such as the Guayaramerín-Guajará-Mirim Binational Bridge, consolidating Bolivia and Brazil as key partners in South American infrastructure.
The crossing on the Rapirrán River will integrate more than 15,000 residents and strengthen educational, economic, and commercial cooperation between the two countries.
