The president of the National Customs of the highland country, Karina Serrudo, highlights the increase in Tambo Quemado and Pisiga (towards Chile), and Cañada Oruro (towards Paraguay). She started negotiations with Brazil to apply the same work scheme.
The entry of exports to Bolivia through the border crossings of Tambo Quemado and Pisiga (towards Chile), and Cañada Oruro (towards Paraguay) grew on average by 50.6% in FOB value after enabling international trade attention 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The FOB value is the sum of the factory cost of the merchandise, cleared from Customs for export, plus the internal transport freight.
The president of the Bolivian National Customs Office, Karina Serrudo, highlighted the efforts made by the Government of Luis Arce with its counterparts in Chile and Paraguay to increase the hours of operation at these border points.
The official explained that the data compares the first and second quarters of this year, since the borders of Tambo Quemado and Pisiga were opened 24/7 in May and that of Paraguay in July.
In the case of Tambo Quemado, with 24-hour service since May 15, exports grew by 38.4% in the last four months compared to a similar period without 24/7 service.
EXPORTS
The main exported products include metal ores, slag and ash, tin and its manufactures; in addition, residues and waste from the food industry; cereals, fruits, oilseeds, inorganic chemical products, sugars, confectionery, salt, sulfur, copper and its manufactures, among others.
Regarding Pisiga, also authorized under this scheme in May, exports grew by 45.7% in the same period compared. Among the most exported products are meat and its by-products; metalliferous minerals, sawn wood, charcoal and wood products, soybean oil and flour, natural borates and cereals.
In the case of Cañada Oruro, opened in July, there was a growth of 63.1%, with products such as urea, liquefied petroleum gas, borates, leather, oilseeds and vegetable preparations, among others.
“When we opened the borders, we expected a 10% growth, but we have exceeded that expectation. Our international trade is taking advantage of this opportunity,” Serrudo said.
He also announced that negotiations with Brazil began this week to open the country's four borders on a 24/7 basis, with results expected by the end of the year.
He also indicated that 50 new foreign trade operators were registered at these three border points, which demonstrates the benefits of the new work scheme.
