For the passage of cargo transportation from Bolivia through Paraguay, the foreign trade operator must pay a tax rate, while on the Bolivian side no payment will be made.
Since this Monday, cargo transport transit was enabled 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the border crossing of Cañada Oruro, Bolivia, and Infante Rivarola, Paraguay, which benefits foreign trade between both countries.
This measure responds to a request from the National Customs of Bolivia whose objective is to facilitate foreign trade operations, contribute to the internal supply of products and fuels, and increase exports.
“Bolivia has achieved this, and we say it with great satisfaction, because with this Government the expansion of border crossings has been achieved in an unlimited manner,” said the president of the National Customs, Karina Serrudo, at a press conference.
He recalled that this decision is the result of the negotiations carried out at the II Meeting of the Bolivia-Paraguay Border Integration Committee, held in the Integrated Control Area (ACI) of that border point, south of Villamontes, between the 18th and July 19.
During this event, National Customs requested 24-hour opening, as has already occurred at the border crossings with Chile in Tambo Quemado and Pisiga since May 15. Paraguay responded positively, and accepted the 24/7 opening for cargo transportation, but with the condition that users pay a tax rate. In contrast, the National Customs of Bolivia will not charge any fee for the extension of its opening hours.
Passengers
In addition, Paraguay proposed carrying out a pilot test for the passage of people and tourism vehicles, with the aim of evaluating its impact. It was therefore agreed that a 24/7 opening will be implemented between October 1 of this year and January 31, 2025, after which an evaluation will be carried out to consider its permanent implementation. In this case, no additional cost will be applied at any of the border customs.
Serrudo recalled that, until now, this border was open 12 continuous hours, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. With the opening, transporters or their agents may request authorization for the passage of means of transport outside these hours, that is, between 7:31 p.m. and 7:29 a.m., with five hours' notice. This request can be made through the National Customs toll-free line: 800-105-001.
Regarding Paraguay Customs, the possibility of extending 24/7 hours without the additional charge for extraordinary attention is being evaluated.
“Bolivia seeks to consolidate itself as a key country in regional integration, improve its economic, social and geopolitical position, and increase foreign trade through Pacific and Atlantic ports,” Serrudo highlighted.
This opening aims to increase foreign trade through the Southern Bioceanic Corridor. Last year, Customs inaugurated one of the largest multipurpose facilities in the country, with 22 hectares, which has contributed to the increase in trade flow between both countries. The value of imports has registered an increase of 19.2% compared to the previous year.
The most imported goods from Paraguay include diesel, gasoline, aluminum, iron and other metal manufactures, fertilizers, corn and cassava starch, pet food, plastic manufactures, electrical materials and herbicides.
As for exports, they have also increased in value by 24.4% compared to last year. The main exports are products of animal origin, liquefied petroleum gas, urea, lead electric batteries, hides and skins, cleaning products, as well as soybeans, which are exported to Congo, and rice, which reaches Gambia.
