WT/TPR/M/363  
2 February 2018  
(18-0740)  Page: 1/44 
Trade Policy Review Body  
14 and 16 November 2017   
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Juan Carlos Gonza lez (Colombia)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE PLUR INATIONAL 
STATE OF BOLIVIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  9 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S ................................ ................................ ........................  14 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRES ENTATIVE OF THE PLUR INATIONAL ST ATE OF 
BOLIVIA AND ADDITION AL COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ .........  38 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPE RSON  ................................ .........................  43 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by the Plurinational State of Bolivia are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 363/Add.1  
and will be available online at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The fourth Trade Policy Review of the Plurinational State of Bolivia was held on 14 and 
16 November  2017. The Chairperson, H.E.  Mr Juan Carlos Gonzalez (Colombia), welcomed the 
delegation of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, headed by H.E.  Mr Clarems Endara, 
Vice-Minister  for Foreign Trade and Integration; the whole delegatio n; and the discussant, 
H.E. Mr Francisco Lima Mena (El Salvador).  
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the trade policy review mechanism and the main 
elements of the procedures for the meeting. The report of the Plurinational State of Bolivia was 
contai ned in document WT/TPR/G/363 and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/363.  
1.3.  Questions had been submitted in writing before the deadline by the delegations of Canada, 
the European Union, Brazil, Chile, Japan, China, Mexico and the United States. The deleg ations of 
Colombia, Ecuador, Thailand and Argentina had submitted written questions after the deadline.  
1.4.  At the previous TPR Meeting in 2005, Members had expressed satisfaction at Bolivia's 
export -driven growth as well as concern at the stagnation of per ca pita income recorded 
since 1999. Furthermore, while exports were buoyant, they remained concentrated in a small 
number of products and markets. Members had therefore encouraged Bolivia to step up 
investment in infrastructure and human capital.  
1.5.  The Secretar iat report for the present review indicated that Bolivia's real GDP grew at an 
average annual rate of 5% between 2006 and 2016, thanks to a favourable international 
environment and rising domestic demand. In particular, public investment, largely in 
infras tructure, had increased sharply. During that period, per capita GDP had risen 
from US$1,227  to US$3,100. As a result of the growth of income and the social welfare policies 
pursued, there had been a significant fall in the poverty and extreme poverty indic es while income 
distribution had improved. The Secretariat report also noted that exports remained concentrated 
primarily in the mining and hydrocarbons sector, which accounted for about three quarters of the 
total in  2016. With respect to market concentra tion, there were signs of greater diversification, as 
reflected for example in Bolivia's expanding trade with Asia.  
1.6.  The two reports prepared for the present review pointed out that since  2006 Bolivia has 
pursued an economic policy based on what was known a s the economic, social, communitarian and 
productive model (MESCP), in which the State played a vital role by steering and controlling the 
strategic sectors and participating directly in the economy. According to the Bolivian authorities, 
this model sought  to redistribute income and reduce poverty by transferring resources from the 
strategic sectors that generated surpluses, above all mining and hydrocarbons, to other sectors 
that promoted income and employment. Moreover, since the implementation of this ec onomic 
model, the government had been introducing measures to increase tax revenues, including 
expanding the tax base and creating new taxes.  
1.7.  At the previous trade policy review, Members had praised Bolivia for its active participation in 
the WTO. During t he period covered by the present review, Bolivia had submitted some 
notifications to the WTO but still had a number of pending notifications, primarily in agriculture, 
import licensing, sanitary and phytosanitary measures and subsidies and countervailing m easures. 
That was a matter of interest to Members, as reflected in several of the questions that had been 
submitted prior to the review. In addition, Bolivia had not yet ratified the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement or the amendment to the TRIPS Agreement.  
1.8.  With respect to the trade policy regime, at the previous review Members had encouraged 
Bolivia to do the following, inter alia : simplify customs procedures; reduce the difference between 
applied and bound tariffs; diminish informal trade; ensure that sanitary  and phytosanitary 
measures did not create unnecessary barriers to trade; promote competition through a general 
competition law; and bolster protection of intellectual property rights by adopting new legislation. 
The Secretariat report noted that in recent  years a number of steps had been taken to facilitate 
trade, such as through the Authorized Economic Operator Programme. Specific measures had also 
been taken to enhance intellectual property protection, including the promotion of the registration 
of trade marks of artisans and MSMEs and the zero -rating of VAT on books to discourage piracy. In 
addition, a competition law had been adopted in 2008 and a competition authority set up. WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  Intellectual property and competition issues continued to be matters of intere st to Members in the 
current review, in the light of the questions that had been submitted.  
1.9.  The reports prepared for the current review indicated that Bolivia's trade policy had changed 
significantly since 2006. Thus, for example, under the 2009 Constituti on both trade policy and 
industrial and production policies had to be employed in such a way as to satisfy domestic demand 
for goods considered essential and inputs needed for the production of strategic goods. The 
reports explained that in order to achiev e this objective, imports could be regulated where 
necessary, by modifying tariffs or using quotas or prior licensing. Likewise, exports of certain 
products could be subject to a prior verification of the domestic market supply situation. Thus, the 
utiliza tion of the various trade policy instruments depended on domestic market conditions. 
Several of the questions submitted by the Members for the current review sought greater clarity 
concerning these aspects of Bolivia's trade policy.  
1.10.   Since Bolivia's previou s review in 2005, its investment regime had also changed 
considerably, as the Constitution gave the State a predominant role in the production process. 
Efforts had been made to create and strengthen public enterprises in strategic or social sectors as 
a driver of the new economic model. Some of the questions submitted by Members for the current 
review referred to Bolivia's investment regime, and Members would therefore certainly be 
interested in obtaining more information in that regard during the present r eview.  
1.11.   Lastly, in their questions in the context of the current review Members had also expressed 
interest in obtaining further information in such areas as: progress in the setting up of a single 
window for foreign trade; customs valuation; regional and p referential trade agreements; the rise 
in the arithmetic average of applied MFN duties; the import licensing regime; matters relating to 
sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade; state participation in the 
economy; government pro curement; agriculture; mining; financial services; and 
telecommunications.  
1.12.   There was undoubtedly a broad range of topics to examine in greater depth during the 
current review, and he therefore hoped that there would be an interesting and fruitful exchange of 
views.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE PLURINATIONAL ST ATE OF 
BOLIVIA ( H.E. MR CLAREMS ENDARA)  
2.1.  As you know, Bolivia's last report dates from 2005. This forum, which we consider being an 
essential mechanism for updating knowledge of the economic and trade policies pursued by our 
countries in the multilateral framework, should be seen as an opportunity for sharing the results of 
the economic model applied by each of our countries. These models should respond to the 
fundamental principles o f development, equity and poverty elimination in our countries; and 
therefore, each country will develop a model that matches its needs and focusses on the serious 
problems of poverty and underdevelopment. For Bolivia, I shall now spell out the details of the 
economic model we have been applying since 2006, which is aligned with the paradigm of "Vivir 
Bien" or "Living Well" to be achieved for our citizens.  
2.2.  Starting in 2006 and for eleven consecutive years Bolivia has implemented the economic, 
social, commun itarian and productive Model (MESCP), which has produced sustained and stable 
economic growth, bringing improvements in social indicators such as rising employment and 
declining poverty and inequality.  
2.3.  The average GDP growth rate in the period 2006 –2016 wa s 5.0% over these eleven years, 
even despite the challenging external environment of falling world prices, so that Bolivia stood out 
among the ten leading South American economies in terms of growth and stability, characterized 
by prudent economic manageme nt. 
2.4.  Over the past eleven years Bolivia has overhauled its regulatory framework for investment, 
and currently the system promotes both public investment and private national and foreign 
investment. It also recognizes, protects, respects and provides for leg al certainty in respect of all 
investment that takes place in our territory.  
2.5.  The Bolivian investment policy is reflected in the search for partners, within the framework of 
the MESCP, so as to develop the strategic sectors as well as the income - and 
employ ment-generating sectors.  
2.6.  The MESCP Model has four sentimental pillars:  
(i) economic growth and development based on the exploitation of natural resources;  
(ii) appropriation of the economic surplus by the State;  
(iii) redistribution of the economic surplus especially amo ng those with the fewest 
resources;  
(iv) a vision for society, namely to eliminate poverty and reduce social inequality.  
 
2.7.  In this Model, the State plays an important role in steering the economy in its various roles 
as planner, business owner, investor, regulator, benefactor, promoter, banker, organizer, 
income -redistributor and others as may be necessary to achieve the goals established for society 
and the economy.  
2.8.  This is a task that involves other players such as private business, the cooperative -social 
economy and the community -driven economy, which together make up a plural, participatory 
economy.  
2.9.  We cannot leave aside these players, private enterprise and the cooperative -social economy 
and the community -driven economy, who together have proved to be a source and a pillar for this 
communitarian economy.  
2.10.   Since 2006, Bolivia has had a production -based approach because it believes that the wisest 
road to reducing poverty, unemployment and inequality lies in expanding the production base 
accompanied by sou nd income redistribution.  
  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  Structural Reforms  
2.11.   Since 2006 various economic, political and social measures have been approved that have 
become genuine historic landmarks in these areas.  
2.12.   The increase in the State's social, economic and political strength has  led to the creation of 
public enterprises and the recovery of sovereignty over economic policy decisions by 
the Plurinational State of Bolivia.  
2.13.   Each year, the Ministry of the Economy and Public Finance and the Central Bank of Bolivia 
have jointly signed u p to the sovereign Fiscal -Financial Programme for the conduct of short -term 
economic policy as a domestic measure for the sovereign administration of our fiscal policy.  
2.14.    Over the past eleven years, inflation in Bolivia has been kept under control; in respo nse to 
the adverse climate events that affected agricultural production in some years and the speculation 
and external shocks that affected prices, the Government has applied various measures to 
safeguard the food supply on the domestic market.  
2.15.   In order to  boost crop and livestock farming production and productivity in rural areas and 
thus guarantee food security and improve the population's living standards, the Government has 
implemented sectoral programmes such as "More investment for water (MIAGUA)" and  "More 
investment for irrigation (MIRIDGO)".  
2.16.   Additionally, Law No.  144 on the Communitarian Agricultural Production Revolution has 
promoted the processing and marketing of agricultural and forestry products from the various 
players in the plural economy, w ith priority given to organic output in harmony and balance with 
Mother Earth.  
2.17.   Together with the implementation of policies on monetary, fiscal, foreign exchange and 
supply matters, these production measures have contributed to maintaining price stability in the 
national economy.  
2.18.   The Model emphasizes the adoption of measures that enhance the domestic market as a 
foundation for boosting demand for goods produced in the sector that generates income and 
employment.  
2.19.   The aim of the Economic and Social Developmen t Plan 2016 –2020, under the heading of 
"Sovereignty over Production and Diversification", is to build production capacity while diversifying 
and empowering the manufacturing and agro -industrial sector.  
2.20.   Bolivia's exchange -rate policy has helped to consolida te the domestic market, anchor 
expectations and "Bolivianize" the economy, the latter being the key factor that has allowed the 
State to recover control over monetary policy instruments.  
2.21.   The basic objectives of exchange rate policy are:  
(i) to contribute to ma croeconomic stability by helping to keep inflation low and stable;  
(ii) to maintain a competitive real exchange rate over time in relation to our chief trading 
partners; and  
(iii) to contribute to the policy of Bolivianization of our economy.  
2.22.   Financial policy is fram ed by the Law on Financial Services, which:  
(i) assigns a role in the financial system to the State;  
(ii) protects consumers of financial services;  
(iii) sets out a new plural structure for the financial system and a social function for 
financial institutions;  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  (iv) pays special attention to the productive rural sector and promotes access to social 
housing; and  
(v) ensures the stability and solvency of the financial system.  
Economic  Performance  
2.23.   Public investment has become an important lever of economic activity, leading to a 
reduction in the road and production infrastructure deficit and covering the population's basic 
needs.  
2.24.   Bolivian exports posted average growth of about US$8,195  million, an increase of 456% on 
the period 1995 –2005.  
2.25.   Between 2006 and 2016, the balance of payments current account was on average in 
surplus.  
2.26.   Consolidated gross foreign direct investment in Bolivia averaged US$1,218  million per year, 
as the country was considered an attractive destination for foreign investment. In its report on 
foreign direct investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2015, ECLAC singled out Bolivia as 
an attractive country for investment.  
2.27.   In 2016, net international reserves rose to US$10,081  million, 6 times higher than at the 
time of the 2005 review.  
2.28.   Thanks to the positive  macroeconomic results, the international ratings agencies upgraded 
their assessment of Bolivia's sovereign risk:  
 Standard and Poors raised its risk assessment from B -, i.e. "Negative", in 2003 to 
BB "Stable", in 2016; and  
 Fitch Ratings upped its rating fo r Bolivia from B - "Stable" in 2004 to BB - "Stable" 
in 2016.  
Social Outcomes  
2.29.   This Model has caused moderate poverty to fall from 60.6% in 2005 to 39.4% in 2016, a 
drop of some 21.2 percentage points.  
2.30.   Extreme poverty fell from 38.2% in 2005 to 18.3% in 2016,  a clear indication that 
the Model delivers tangible results.  
2.31.   Between 2005 and 2016, the Gini coefficient fell from 0.60 to 0.46, signifying an 
improvement in income distribution.  
2.32.   Various measures were taken to combat poverty and inequality and improve the  living 
conditions and quality of life of the Bolivian people, especially the most vulnerable:  
(i) Specific aids were introduced for these sectors to address the chronic problems caused 
by the narrow or poor distribution of the wealth of our countries. One exa mple is 
the Bono Juancito Pinto voucher programme, consisting of a cash payment as an 
incentive to enrol, attend and complete the academic year for primary and secondary 
school children.  
(ii) The Universal Old Age Pension Benefit "Renta Dignidad" (Dignity Pensi on Programme) 
was introduced in order to provide a dignified old age for people over the age of  60. 
(iii) The Bona Juana Azurduy voucher programme was established in order to encourage 
full health checks for pregnant women and for boys and girls who have no social 
insurance, so as to reduce levels of maternal and child mortality and chronic 
malnutrition in children.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  (iv) The literacy programmes "Yes, I can" and "Yes, I can go on" were set up to provide 
primary education to the newly literate and to the illiterate to enable them to fulfil 
their goals in later life.  
 
2.33.   The main feature of the country's wage policy was steady increases in 
the National  Minimum  Wage and above -inflation increases in the basic wage for the various sectors 
of the economy, thus increasing Bol ivian families' purchasing power. Additionally, the policy was 
applied in an inversely proportional fashion, leading to greater actual income distribution.  
Investment Policy  
2.34.   Between 2006 and 2016, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) increased by about 86%, tha t is 
to say, from US$582  million to US$1,084  million.  
2.35.   Law No. 466 on Public Enterprises has allowed private capital to participate in public 
enterprises by establishing mechanisms for partnership in the form of mixed state enterprises and 
mixed enterprises , and allowing for joint investment alliances between public and private 
enterprise.  
2.36.   All these rules recognize the principal of legal certainty, and provide that relations between 
the State and investors are subject to clear, precise and defined rules.  
Sectoral Policies  
Energy  
2.37.   In the medium and long term, the industry intends to change the energy matrix by 
prioritizing power generation from renewable sources (hydroelectricity, wind, sun, geothermal and 
biomass), which will deliver significant power surpluse s for export, making Bolivia the region's 
energy hub.  
2.38.   It is planned to construct and operate industrial plants producing potassium chloride, lithium 
carbonate and lithium batteries that will produce value -added products.  
Hydrocarbons  
2.39.   Under the industrializ ation policy, an ammonia and urea plant has been put into operation 
and it is planned to build a propylene and polypropylene plant.  
Mining  
2.40.   Enhancements to the smelting and refining projects have positioned Bolivia among the 
top ten producer countries in th e world.  
2.41.   In the short term, in order to generate value -added products derived from iron, it is planned 
to open a steel plant in Mutùn in addition to the zinc smelting and refining plant, and to prospect 
and work seven new deposits that will increase the co untry's mineral reserves. This will in turn 
increase mining revenues and generate more employment.  
Agriculture and Livestock  
2.42.   The agriculture and livestock development sector seeks to ensure food security and 
sovereignty through diversified organic producti on with extensive opportunities to expand in line 
with existing potential in harmony with Mother Earth. Over the last eleven years, policies have 
been implemented with a view to promoting fairness in land tenure through land distribution and 
access mechani sms. 
  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  Public Works  
2.43.   In communications, the launch of the Túpac Katari Satellite brought Bolivia into the space 
age, making it possible to expand coverage of telecommunications services. By  2020 it is planned 
to launch a second satellite that will provide a  monitoring mechanism for the development of the 
neediest sectors.  
2.44.   The construction of the Bi -oceanic Integration Rail Corridor is a regional project backed by 
most of the Southern Cone countries. Under this Project, the biggest infrastructure project of the 
decade in the region will be built on Bolivian territory in order to address Bolivia's land -locked 
confinement, an injustice from which Bolivia has suffered since 1879. The project also has the 
backing of the German and Swiss Governments on the financi ng side, including private consortia, 
in the interests of speedy effectiveness.  
Integration  
2.45.   Economic and Trade Cooperation Agreements have been signed with Russia, Belarus and 
Viet Nam, in addition those that Bolivia has with the whole region under 
the Latin American  Integration Association. These complementarity agreements, including those 
with our brother country Venezuela, enable Bolivia to be able to achieve a high level of trade 
relations within the region and take advantage of the mechanisms of the ge neralized system of 
preferences made available by developed countries.  
2.46.   I should like to conclude by expressing our sincere thanks to the whole Secretariat team 
responsible for this trade policy review, as well as to the Ambassadors who have kindly read our  
report and made comments on it, bearing in mind that this updated report enables us to lay before 
you the tangible results achieved through the development of our plan.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  I should like to welcome the high -level delegation of the  Plurinational State of Bolivia headed 
by H.E.  Mr Clarems Endara, Vice -Minister for Foreign Trade and Integration, and give a special 
welcome to H.E.  Mrs Ambassador Nardi Suxo Iturry and the officials from the Mission.  
3.2.  It is an honour to be the discussant for this fourth Trade Policy Review of 
the Plurinational  State of Bolivia, an exercise in transparency after eleven years since the previous 
review.  
3.3.  My thanks go to the WTO Secretariat for its assistance and support in the preparation of this 
exercise and for the detailed report it has prepared.  
3.4.  Bolivia has a total area of 1,098,581 km2, the sixth largest in Latin America, with a 
population of nearly 11.1  million inhabitants. It has a variety of geographical regions, such as 
the Andes  mountains, the Altipla no, Amazonia, the Moxos plains and the Chaco, and is thus one of 
the countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world.  
3.5.  Taking up the subject before us, and with reference to the period under review, we should 
note the context of the significant change s that have occurred with the arrival of President  Morales 
and have also marked Bolivia's trade policy, including above all the recovery of the country's 
natural resources, including the nationalization of hydrocarbons.  
3.6.  The promulgation of the new Constitu tion in 2009 reshaped Bolivia's nationhood. For the 
purposes of this review it is important to note that one of the principles enshrined in 
the Constitution is that the ownership of natural resources is vested exclusively in the Bolivian 
people, with the G overnment playing a preponderant role as administrator in the public interest.  
3.7.  Thus, in order to fulfil the economic precepts set forth in the Constitution, the Government 
has established the so -called Economic, Social, Communitarian and Productive Model ( MESCP). In 
this Model, the State plays a leading role in steering and controlling strategic sectors, and 
participates directly in the economy through the state enterprises. The Model enables the State to 
ensure that the sectors that generate surpluses, suc h as hydrocarbons and mining, can support 
the sectors that generate income and employment. It also gives priority to the satisfaction of 
domestic demand over supply for export.  
3.8.  With regard to macroeconomic policy during the period under review, Bolivia was  one of the 
leaders of Latin American economic growth, with a sustained rate of about 5%.  
3.9.  The most favourable sectors for foreign and domestic investment in Bolivia are construction, 
agro-industry, tourism, commerce and light industry.  
3.10.   It should be highlig hted that, according to the International Monetary Fund estimates, 
in 2017 GDP reached US$37,776  million. It is also striking that the gross domestic product 
doubled during the review period, despite a number of natural and economic factors that seriously 
affected the world economy. These figures are in striking contrast with the average growth shown 
by the Bolivian economy during the previous review period.  
3.11.   Per capita GDP during the review period rose from US$1,227 to roughly US$3,100. Thanks 
to this growt h and improvements in macroeconomic policies, social welfare and the better use of 
resources, family incomes have been raised and the number of people below the poverty line has 
been reduced.  
3.12.   This has led to an improvement in the social indices. Extreme po verty fell from 38.2% 
in 2005 to 16.8% in 2015, while the Gini coefficient dropped from 0.60 in 2005 to 0.49 in 2014, 
according to the data in the Secretariat report.  
3.13.   It would be interesting to know the Government's strategic vision concerning 
the Economic  and Social Development Plan 2016 -2020, which aims to maintain the 5% growth 
levels that underpin poverty reduction.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  3.14.   Another fundamental feature that deserves our attention is the reduction in the total public 
debt during the period under review, which has  fallen from 81.8% of GDP at the previous review 
to 30.2% in  2016. It is noteworthy that this new debt policy has enabled Bolivia to shift from being 
a highly indebted country to being the country with the lowest debt levels in the region.  
3.15.   It would be inte resting to hear from the Bolivian authorities about the current impact and 
future challenges that the MESCP has had or may have with respect to containing public debt at its 
present level.  
3.16.   Natural gas is the leading export product, while zinc and silver ar e the main mineral 
exports.  
3.17.   With regard to export promotion, the absence of export taxes is a highly positive point. 
Moreover, the drawback system is also an incentive for exports of value added goods. In this 
connection, it would be useful for the authori ties to go further into the criteria for the exclusion of 
some products from these incentives and the criteria used to determine the fair price as a 
requirement for entitlement to this incentive.  
3.18.   As mentioned in the Secretariat report, the balance of payme nts averaged a surplus during 
the period under review. These figures are also the result of large surpluses in the trade balances 
prior to 2014. However, as from 2015 the trend has reversed with the result that the 2016 balance 
now shows a deficit in real terms of some US$2,415  million.  
3.19.   Imports consist mostly of raw materials and capital goods, primarily from China, Brazil, 
Argentina and the United States.  
3.20.   It is therefore important to learn from the authorities what short -term action is being taken 
to stimu late exports, primarily those of products with higher value added, as well as to diversify 
destination markets beyond those mentioned.  
3.21.   With regard to investment, since the previous trade policy review in 2005 the legal 
framework has changed with the entry into force of the new Political Constitution, as well as the 
economic policy pursued since 2006. It is worth mentioning the entry into force of 
the Investment  Law and the Conciliation and Arbitration Law, both of which are aimed at greater 
openness to priv ate investment and legal certainty for investment. It is important to stress that 
even with the major changes we have mentioned earlier the average investment flow increased 
substantially, from US$394  million in the period 1990 –2005 to US$706  million in th e 
period  2006-2016.  
3.22.   According to the Government report, the new investment policy focussed primarily on the 
creation of public enterprises as the driver of the new economic model in strategic or social 
sectors. According to the Secretariat report, 12 enter prises considered to be strategic have been 
nationalized since 2006.  
3.23.   As for foreign direct investment, most FDI is still concentrated in the sector of exploitation 
and exploration of crude petroleum and natural gas. While this sector presents major challenges, 
we see great opportunities for boosting it through incentives aimed at new and clean technologies 
and value added under the medium -term and long -term plans, given the existing potential and the 
wealth of Bolivia's resources.  
3.24.   It is important to mention that Bolivia has denounced 22 bilateral reciprocal investment 
promotion and protection agreements (BIPAs) that were deemed contrary to the Constitution. In 
this connection, it would be useful to hear first -hand what measures Bolivia will take to gu arantee 
the direct foreign investment concerned after the expiry of the ten -year period for which they 
remain valid following this denunciation.  
3.25.   Trade policy objectives are set out in the Patriotic Agenda 2025 and the Economic and Social 
Development Plan 2016–2020, which set clear targets for export sectors, both for manufactures 
and for agricultural goods, using the various regional trade agreements available. Import 
substitution is also promoted, to be replaced by high -quality domestic products. That sai d, I would 
invite the Bolivian authorities to explain how the fulfilment of these targets is being monitored and 
by whom.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  3.26.   Bolivia has been a WTO Member since 1995, and undertook commitments under the fourth 
and fifth protocols of the Agreement on Services.  It is not a signatory to the Information 
Technology Agreement. It has not had recourse to the dispute settlement mechanism, nor has it 
adopted any anti -dumping or countervailing measures.  
3.27.   According to the Secretariat report, a large number of routine noti fications are pending 
under the various Agreements. It would be important to know whether the authorities have 
encountered problems in fulfilling their transparency commitments.  
3.28.   Bolivia takes part both in the regular work and in the ongoing negotiations in  the WTO. With 
regard to the agricultural reforms that are being promoted, it advocates a reduction in trade 
distorting aids. As mentioned in the Government report, Bolivia firmly believes that development 
should always be focus of the WTO's work.  
3.29.   With reg ard to intellectual property rights, there have been no major changes in the 
protection system during the review period. The Andean Community regime and domestic laws are 
applied.  
3.30.   The competent national administrative authority may grant compulsory license s when a 
patent has not been worked or for reasons of public interest, emergency or national security. It is 
a constitutional principal that access to medicines cannot be restricted by intellectual property 
rights.  
3.31.   Hence, as regards international instrumen ts governing intellectual property, 
the Bolivian  Government is encouraged to ratify the Amendment to the TRIPS Agreement.  
3.32.   It should be noted that Bolivia has been very active in defending nature and biodiversity, 
and prohibiting forms of private appropriat ion for the use and exclusive exploitation of plants, 
animals, micro -organisms and any living matter.  
3.33.   Again, given the inclusiveness sought by the Marrakesh Agreement to facilitate access to 
published works for the blind and visually impaired, the Bolivian  Government is also encouraged to 
take the necessary steps for its ratification.  
3.34.   With regard to its tariff regime, Bolivia has bound its entire Customs Tariff, for the most part 
at 40% with some lines at 30%. The MFN tariff structure ranges from 0 % to 40%. 
3.35.   The average applied MFN tariff has increased compared with the previous period, rising 
from 8.2% in 2005 to 11.1% in 2017.  
3.36.   Tariff protection for the agricultural sector is higher than for the industrial sector at an 
average of 13.3% and 10.8% respectively . 
3.37.   Bolivia does not have tariff quotas either in the WTO or under the preferential agreements 
negotiated.  
3.38.   Bolivia has not reserved the right to use the special agricultural safeguard.  
3.39.   As for the Customs regime, I would highlight the efforts made under the S trategic Plan 
2011–2015, which include implementation of an authorized economic operator programme that is 
designed to facilitate trade by strengthening the relationship between Customs and the private 
sector, as operators certified under the programme ben efit from simplified Customs procedures.  
3.40.   I also wish to emphasize the modernization and simplification of Customs procedures for 
exports through the Single Customs Modernization System (SUMA). However, some elements of 
the export procedure arouse concerns among Members, such as the domestic supply and fair price 
certificates, as well as the fact that responsibility for issuing the various export permits is spread 
among various authorities, which may constitute a constraint when it comes to exporting.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  3.41.   It wou ld be very useful to have some clarification concerning the "selective or random" 
criteria used by the Customs for the application of the green, yellow and red channels for export 
declarations.  
3.42.   Given the progress made in Customs matters, I believe that pro mpt ratification of 
the Trade  Facilitation Agreement would be in order.  
3.43.   I should now like to make some comments on the various sectors that have been impacted 
by the constitutional reforms carried out.  
3.44.   During the review period there have been major changes  in the regulations governing the 
mining sector, primarily with the entry into force of Law on Mining and Metallurgy, which reformed 
the procedures for the grant of exploitation authorizations on the basis of the constitutional 
principles to which I have a lready referred.  
3.45.   The hydrocarbons sector, one of the most important for the Bolivian economy, has been 
nationalized and is governed by the Political Constitution and the new hydrocarbons law. 
Since  2006 private sector participation has been limited to the supply of related services.  
3.46.   Bolivia has the largest natural gas reserves in Latin America and is a major oil producer.  
3.47.   Minerals represented 28.2% of total exports of goods in 2015. The Salar de Uyuni is the 
largest salt flat in the world, with an area of 1 2,000 km2, and contains 50% of the world's lithium 
reserves.  
3.48.   According to the Government report, minerals and hydrocarbons constitute a strategic 
sector generating economic surpluses within its market Model. We consider that such heavy 
dependence on this s ector could represent a risk for the sustainability of the Model, both owing to 
the changing market conditions and also because of trends in energy demand. It would therefore 
be important to know if there is a contingency plan or a specific diversification  plan to meet this 
concern.  
3.49.   With regard to agriculture, Bolivia's rural development policy is based on the Constitution, 
the Agricultural Production Revolution Law and the Economic and Social 
Development  Plan 2016-2020. The fundamental objective is to achi eve food sovereignty through 
adjustments to the agricultural and livestock sector. Agricultural policy is aimed at ensuring food 
production and supply at a fair price. With regard to this term of "fair price", it would be important 
to know how this fair pr ice is determined. The agricultural sector has a high concentration in a 
limited number of crops, in particular oilseeds. A plan for greater diversification of agricultural 
production would therefore be advisable in the short -term.  
3.50.   As for services, the tra de balance continues to show a deficit in comparison with the 
previous period. However, the telecommunications, information technology and information 
sectors post surpluses.  
3.51.   It is important to highlight that, generally speaking, the International Monetary  Fund is 
highly satisfied by the action taken in this sector. However, it sounded a note of caution for the 
banking system in light of the expansion of credit that could pose liquidity problems for some 
banks, as well as with regard to loan quality to ensu re that it does not affect credit recovery.  
3.52.   With regard to the telecommunications sector, under the policies implemented since  2008 
telecommunications were nationalized and through ENTEL the Bolivian State became the principal 
supplier of telecommunication  end services. Tariffs in the sector are regulated by the 
telecommunications and transport regulatory and supervisory authority (ATT). Number portability 
is planned for the end of 2017.  
3.53.   A salient feature is that the level of penetration of mobile telephony  services tripled during 
the period under review. The penetration of mobile Internet services has also increased, as has 
that of fixed telephony and fixed Internet, although to a more modest degree.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  3.54.   As for transport, in 2016, 81.6% of exports of goods were  transported by pipeline, 
10.7%  by road, 3.9% by rail, 3.6% by river and 0.2% by air. The high share of pipeline transport 
is due to the fact that hydrocarbons represent a major part of Bolivian exports.  
3.55.   The telecommunications and transport regulatory and supervisory authority sets maximum 
reference tariffs for the air transport and air services sectors.  
3.56.   It is important to note that, as Bolivia is a landlocked country, transport costs may be high 
and thus affect the competitiveness of exports and the cost o f imports.  
3.57.   The energy sector has a significant impact, as during the period under review the national 
electricity company ENDE was reorganized and the State recovered the generation, transmission 
and distribution companies. The sector is governed by the Po litical Constitution and by the new 
Hydrocarbons Law. Since 2006 there is no private participation in this sector, but there is in the 
supply of derived services.  
3.58.   Lastly, given the nationalization reforms undertaken since 2006 that position state 
enterpris es as key players for administration and management in all the strategic sectors, it would 
be important to know how they work together and how in this type of arrangement foreign direct 
investment is promoted effectively.  
3.59.   It only remains for me to wish Bol ivia a successful review; I am sure that in the course of 
the next two days Members will have an opportunity to update their knowledge concerning 
developments in Bolivia's economic and trade situation. Thank you very much.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
CANADA  
4.1.  To start, we would like to congratulate Bolivia for its strong overall economic performance in 
recent years, as outlined in reports from the IMF, the World Bank and in this forum in the reports 
of the Secretariat and Bolivia. Bolivia has much to be proud o f given its recent record of sustained 
economic growth and poverty reduction.  
4.2.  Since the WTO 's last review in 2005, Bolivia 's real GDP grew at  an average annual rate of 
5%. Bolivia managed to almost triple its per capita GDP and to reduce the total public debt by over 
50% during the review period, thanks to its sound macroeconomic management, the so -called 
economic, social, communitarian and productive model (MESCP), its monetary policy and other 
tools it implemented. Between 2014 and 2016, during adverse e xternal economic conditions, 
Bolivia was also the fastest growing economy in South America. Since the last review, extreme 
poverty fell from 38 % to 17 % and moderate poverty rate fell from 60 to 38 %. Similarly, income 
inequality reduced significantly over t he past decade. These achievements are very encouraging 
and should rightfully be a source of pride for Bolivia.  
4.3.  It is important to note however, that the State benefited from a cancellation of its debt and 
other external positive contributing factors such  as the high prices of minerals, oil and other raw 
materials up to 2014. Strong presence of the State in economic activities, prioritization of the 
domestic market and heavy regulation seem to have served it well, but now that the prices of 
minerals, raw m aterials and oil have dropped, it is our opinion that Bolivia should intensify its 
efforts to diversify exports, encourage increased participation of the private sector in Private Public 
Partnerships and to develop a greater number of trading partners in o rder to consolidate its 
economic and social improvement and not hinder progress.  
4.4.  At the same time, there are areas that, if left unaddressed, could undermine Bolivia 's 
long-term growth. Taking good note of recent investment promotion initiatives abroad, wi th 
delegations led by President Evo Morales himself and other distinguished representatives, one 
could expect Bolivia to pursue further Trade Facilitation processes, investment promotion and 
integration in world trade, especially as a founding Member of th e WTO. Indeed, as noted by the 
Secretariat, Bolivia has yet to ratify Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Amendment to the TRIPS 
Agreement.  
4.5.  The State ranks 149 out of 190 countries in the most recent World Bank 's Ease of Doing 
Business survey, and places  113th out of 176 in Transparency International 's Corruption 
Perceptions Index. This data echoes the statements from several foreign private businesses 
regarding the burden they face in doing business in Bolivia. While great consideration was put in 
new in vestment policies to open up to private investments, dealing with bureaucracy, very 
complex norms, corruption and legal uncertainty from an investor point of view, especially in the 
mining sector, is still having a negative impact on the opportunities that  could emerge from a 
more predictable and transparent investment and business environment. For Bolivia to achieve its 
ambitious growth objectives, it will have to consider taking steps to improve further these 
environments and to consider seriously the con tribution that open markets can make to the 
achievement of its economic, social, communitarian and productive goals. I also fully concur with 
the report by this Secretariat when it states that a more active role in the WTO would provide 
Bolivia with opport unities to improve its integration in world trade.  
4.6.  Again, Canada applauds the encouraging results achieved and I am confident that the 
exchanges of views in policies governing the economy of Bolivia will be most fruitful.   
4.7.  Finally, I would like to wish th e delegation every success in carrying out its task and would 
like to convey Canada 's appreciation for the opportunity to participate in this review. We want to 
thank Bolivia for its responses to Canada 's adv ance written questions in this Trade Policy R eview. 
We are reviewing these and will return with any follow -up questions by Thursday.   WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  EUROPEAN  UNIO N  
4.8.  We should like to pay tribute today to an exceptional Bolivian, Mr  Willy Alfaro, Director of the 
Trade Policy Review Division, whom we thank for his com mitment to the work of this important 
pillar of the Organization.  
4.9.  After more than ten years since the previous review it is a pleasure for the European  Union to 
participate in this fourth review of the trade policies and practices of 
the Plurinational  State  of Bolivia. In this context, we are grateful for the fact that Bolivia has 
decided to use the "alternative" time -frame, which has enabled us to analyse the replies to our 
questions prior to this meeting.  
4.10.   With your leave, I shall now  switch to English for the rest of our statement.  
4.11.   As mentioned, more than 10 years have passed since the last review of Bolivia. This is 
unusually long. We welcome the reports made by the S ecretariat and by the Bolivian G overnment, 
which try to fill the 12 -years gap. This is in itself a bit of a challenge as a lot has happened.  
4.12.   Since his election, President Morales has been implementing an ambitious reform process 
marked by the creation of a "plurinational S tate", the granting of greater rights to the larg e and 
poor indigenous population and the adoption of a new constitution in 2009, which was quite a 
significant step.  
4.13.   The active redistribution policy resulted in a reduction of extreme poverty from 38% in 2005 
to 17% in 2016, improving access to basic rig hts and services, and increasing social inclusion.  
4.14.   However, Bolivia remains one of the poorest countries in South America with significant 
disparities in income distribution, which affect rural areas in particular. Its economy remains 
dependent on exports  of hydrocarbons and mining, which are vulnerable to international price 
fluctuations. In fact, Bolivia is currently facing the challenge of continuing to implement its 
ambitious social and political reform programme, in a less favourable global e conomic 
environment, characteriz ed by falling commodity prices and a regional downturn.  
4.15.   Still, there are good news: Bolivia 's GDP has grown by an average of ±5% since 2006 and 
the Central Bank reaffirmed recently the forecast of a GDP growth of 4.7%, which would place the 
country as the fastest growing economy in the region for the fourth consecutive year, despite the 
fall in commodity prices which affects the country.  
4.16.   As regards our bilateral trade, it is still modest: it amounted to €1,238 billion in 2016, which  
represents a 65% increase compared to €748 million in 2011, but a 11% decrease compared to 
2015. The EU is Bolivia 's 5th trade partner with 11 % of total trade after Brazil (21.9%), China 
(13%), the US (12.3%) and Argentina (11.3%). Bolivia 's main export products to the EU are 
mineral products (37 % of total exports) and  vegetable products (about 26.7 %).  
4.17.   Regarding the economic environment, the EU notes the Government 's efforts to attract 
foreign investment, but over the past years, Bolivia has terminated a  series of Bilateral Investment 
Treaties with EU Member States. We have followed these developments with concern because EU 
investment in Latin America has been made possible inter alia thanks to these Bilateral Investment 
Treaties which offer protection o f investments, thus reducing investment risks and increasing legal 
certainty for investors. We take note that Bolivia has drafted a new template for its bilateral 
investment protection agreements and we are interested in having more details about its plans  to 
replace terminated investment agreements, to ensure legal certainty for investors operating or 
considering investment in Bolivia.  
4.18.   The EU notes that the business environment remains difficult for the private sector as there 
is often a lack of transpare ncy and of legal certainty. Let me share one example: certain items are 
subject to non -automatic import licensing systems which restricts trade.  
4.19.   Regarding trade facilitation and customs procedures, the EU attaches the highest 
importance to the implementat ion and ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The WTO 
Secretariat reports some progresses on the ground (such as permitting the single import WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  declaration or implementing of the authorized economic operator (AEO) programme since 2015) 
and we are  pleased to read in Bolivia 's replies to our questions that the process for the ratification 
of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in the Parliament is moving forward. We hope that the 
ratification is now in sight and that Bolivia will be able to indicate it s commitments A, B and C as 
some of the deadline set in the TFA have already passed and the others are due early next year.  
4.20.   We cannot finish our intervention without saying a few words on our cooperation with 
Bolivia. Notably, Bolivia is the largest recip ient of bilateral EU development assistance in Latin 
America with €281 million in the period between 2014 and 2020. Our current bilateral 
development cooperation with Bolivia is focused around three sectors, namely justice reform and 
fight against corrupti on, fight against illicit drugs, and integral water resources management.  
4.21.   In conclusion, the EU hopes that this review - which was long due - will provide Bolivia with 
useful input to bring back home for further consideration. We wish Bolivia a very good review.  
BRAZ IL 
4.22.   Brazil congratulates Bolivia on its noteworthy economic performance in recent years, with an 
average annual GDP growth rate of 5% between 2006 and 2016, one of the highest in 
South  America. This result was accompanied by a significant reduct ion in poverty levels, while at 
the same time the Government sought to maintain a policy of fiscal responsibility and balance.  
4.23.   Brazil notes with satisfaction that Bolivia implemented a number of trade facilitation 
measures during the review period despite not having ratified the TFA. Imports have been 
facilitated enormously, by allowing the submission of the Single Import Declaration (DUI) before 
goods arrive in Bolivian territory. The use of a customs broker is now optional, and, in some cases, 
clearance m ay take place outside the customs zone. In addition, the authorized economic operator 
(OEA) programme is now being applied for both importers and exporters, and this year the single 
window for foreign trade was set up.  
4.24.   With regard to its multilateral oblig ations, Brazil encourages Bolivia to continue improving 
the transparency of its trade policy. The Secretariat report notes that notifications are pending in 
areas such as agriculture, import licensing, sanitary and phytosanitary measures and subsidies and 
countervailing measures. We would also encourage Bolivia to ratify the Protocol  Amending 
the TRIPS Agreement.  
4.25.   Brazil recognizes the efforts made by the Bolivian Government to open up to private 
investors and, more generally, to make the business environmen t more attractive. These 
measures include the adoption of a broad range of rules on financial services; a legal and 
institutional framework for investment promotion; a specific standard to attract investment in the 
hydrocarbons sector; and the subordinatio n of public enterprises to the commercial code. 
However, further efforts could be made as regards the government procurement system, 
particularly for public works, and in measures to improve legal certainty, which is essential for 
guaranteeing the long -term flow of investment and to provide stability for decision -making by 
foreign businesses.  
4.26.   Bolivia is a very important partner for Brazil, not only because it shares its longest land 
border with Brazil but also because it is our biggest supplier of gas and a  key partner in the fight 
against drug trafficking in South America. Bolivia is also in the process of joining MERCOSUR . 
4.27.   Brazil is Bolivia's main trading partner and main destination market for Bolivian exports, 
accounting for 19% in 2016. Our imports are still highly concentrated in natural gas. There is room 
for diversification, and Brazil is committed to developing it. With the economic recovery now 
underway in Brazil, the foundations again exist for greater trade dynamism and productive 
integration of o ur two economies. Brazil is also one of Bolivia's main suppliers, having occupied 
first place between 2001 and 2015 but moving to second place last year.  
4.28.   Physical integration offers major opportunities for greater bilateral partnership, and I would 
stress the plans for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Bi -oceanic Integration 
Rail Corridor. This instrument will lay the foundations for the full use of the existing rail WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  infrastructure between our two countries, expanding the potential for our  competitive integration 
in world trade flows.  
4.29.   I should like to conclude by thanking the Bolivian delegation for its replies to our questions 
and wishing Bolivia a very fruitful trade policy review.  
JAPAN  
4.30.   Japan appreciates the opportunity to participate in  the fourth review  of Bolivia. We also 
thank the G overnment of Bolivia and the WTO Secretariat for their efforts in preparing the reports 
as well as our discussant for his most thoughtful comments.  
4.31.   We are pleased to note that despite the geographical dista nce between our two countries, 
Bolivia and Japan have maintained a cooperative economic relationship. Bolivia and Japan have 
engaged in trade in goods to a value of around two hundred million dollars in recent years and we 
have a complementary relationship  wherein the main exported goods from Bolivia are mineral 
resources while the main exported goods from Japan are industrial products, such as automobiles.  
4.32.   Japan hopes to maintain and strengthen our bilateral relationship for the future.  
4.33.   Japan would like to  express its appreciation for Bolivia 's strong economic growth in recent 
years. According to the G overnment 's report, Bolivia has enjoyed robust economic growth that has 
exceeded that of other South American countries , and its GDP growth averaged 5 % betwee n 2006 
and 2016.  
4.34.   On the other hand, we note that, due to its abundant natural resources, Bolivia 's economy 
largely depends on the export of primary products that are easily affected by the international 
prices of the primary products. Therefore, we expect Bolivia to continue to accelerate its industrial 
diversification.  
4.35.   We are pleased to see Bolivia 's support for and contribution to strengthening the multilateral 
trading system as a founding member of the WTO through its submission of many proposals and 
notifications.  
4.36.   Moreover, we recognize that Bolivia has implemented a number of measures to facilitate 
trade during the review period.  
4.37.   Therefore, we would like to encourage Bolivia to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement as 
soon as possible and join the Inf ormation Technology Agreement to pursue a higher level of trade 
liberalization.  
4.38.   With regard to the RTA, Japan commends Bolivia on its signing of nine trade agreements 
with 12 countries, one of which was concluded during the review period. We believe that B olivia's 
efforts for its trade liberalization will contribute to strengthening the multilateral trading system.  
4.39.   With regard to investment, Japan is pleased to note that the government of Bolivia 
established the "Reconciliation and Arbitration Law " in 2015. As a result, if a dispute occurs 
between the Government of Bolivia and a foreign company, as far as they agree, they can choose 
to arbitrate in a third country or domestic institutions other than the Bolivian courts.  
4.40.   Moreover, the "Investment Pro motion Law " established in 2014 has provided incentives for 
investment in the areas of employment creation and regional development. However, we are 
concerned that some companies have received different treatment due to a lack of detailed rules.  
4.41.   Japan loo ks forward to seeing improvements to the implementation of the law.  
4.42.   In conclusion, Japan expects Bolivia to play a big role in the world economy though 
improvement of its trade and investment environment, and would like to express its strong wish to 
continue cooperation between Bolivia and Japan.  
4.43.   We wish Bolivia a successful and productive TPR.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  CHINA  
4.44.   China is glad to note that in the past ten years, Bolivian economy kept stable and positive 
development with annual GDP growth rate averaging 5%, the fas test of all South American 
economies, while poverty and extreme poverty rates are significantly reduced. Meanwhil e, as 
noted in the Secretariat r eport, "Bolivian exports continue to be relatively concentrated ", hence 
their trade and fiscal performance is h ighly affected by price fluctuations of raw material, such as 
minerals and oil. Recognizing the difficulties faced by economies of this kind incl uding Bolivia, the 
rest of the M embership should continue to listen to and address the appeals of small and 
vulnerable economies, to support their economic structural transformation and achieve export 
diversification, including carrying out the work program on small economies.   
4.45.   On the bilateral front, China and Bolivia have enjoyed close and friendly relations eve r since 
the establishment of diplomatic ties, with significant progress made in the areas of bilateral trade, 
investment and infrastructure cooperation. China is the 4th largest partner in merchandise trade 
and with the stock of our investment reaching US$371 million by the end of 2016. However, China 
sincerely hopes that we could expand and deepen our cooperation in the area of infrastructure, 
while ensure the stability and predictability of the business environment, which will be mutually 
beneficial.  
4.46.   Bolivia has long been active participant and strong supporter of the multilateral trading 
system. In the regard, China would like to encourage Bolivia to ratify TFA and the Amendment to 
the TRIPS agreement as soon as possible. MC11 is just around the corner. Along with Bolivia, we 
look forward a successful MC, and will stand ready to work with all Members to achieve a balanced 
and development -oriented outcome.  
4.47.   Chair, China has several follow up questions which will be submitted it later today, and we 
look for ward to the responses.  
4.48.   Finally, we wish the Trade Policy R eview of Bolivia a full succes s. 
MEXICO 
4.49.   It is a pleasure for the Mexican delegation to participate in the fourth Trade Policy Review of 
Bolivia. As the delegations that have had taken the floor bef ore me have said, thanks to the strong 
performance of world commodity markets and the actions of the Bolivian Government, Bolivia's 
economy has enjoyed sustained growth in recent years. GDP has grown at an average rate of 5%, 
with an estimated growth of 4%  in 2017.  
4.50.   This strong economic performance and the Government's social welfare policies have 
succeeded in reducing poverty and improving income distribution. According to the World  Bank, 
the poverty rate fell from 60% in 2005 to 40% in 2015. Unemployment h as also been reduced, 
from 8.1% in 2005 to 4.5% in 2016. We congratulate Bolivia on this progress and on the welfare 
policy that has succeeded in taking about two  million people out of poverty.  
4.51.   We also hail the measures taken to increase fiscal revenues, i mprove tax collection and 
reduce the public debt; the latter was reduced to 30% of GDP in 2015 from a level of 73.6% 
in 2005. Despite the efforts made, further action is required in the field of fiscal consolidation, and 
above all to reduce the dependence of fiscal revenue on the sale of hydrocarbons.  
4.52.   We also recognize the efforts Bolivia has made in various areas, including intellectual 
property protection, the strengthening of financial sector rules so as to broaden financial inclusion, 
and the promulgati on of a new law governing the telecommunications sector, which will allow 
access to new operators, strengthen consumer protection and expand universal access.  
4.53.   We also recognize that the enactment of the investment law in 2014 and the conciliation 
and arbit ration law in 2015 will provide incentives for promoting investment and will increase legal 
certainty for investors. Despite this progress, challenges remain for strengthening legal certainty 
and improving the business environment, where some of the areas to be bolstered are the 
management of administrative procedures, enhancement of human capital and anti -corruption 
measures.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  4.54.   According to the World Bank report "Doing Business 2018", Bolivia is ranked 152nd of the 
190 countries included in the ranking. The areas calling for significant efforts by 
the Bolivian  government concern business start -ups and paying taxes. It takes on average 45  days 
to open a business, and taxpayers have to devote 1,025 hours a year to paying taxes.  
4.55.   As for customs procedures, Bolivi a has made great efforts to facilitate export and import 
procedures to the single tax declaration, optional use of customs brokers, the authorized economic 
operator programme and the implementation in 2015 of the Single Customs Modernization System 
allowin g the use of an electronic signature, digitalization of documents, notification and automation 
of procedures. Despite this progress, Bolivia has not ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and 
we therefore would like to know when ratification is envisag ed. 
4.56.   Like other WTO Members, Bolivia still has pending various notifications concerning 
agriculture, sanitary and phytosanitary measures and import licensing, among others. We should 
like to know what internal steps are being taken to fulfil the transparenc y obligations to which we 
Members are bound.  
4.57.   Despite the efforts made to diversify exports, Bolivia continues to be one of the countries of 
the region that depends most heavily on the commodities trade: hydrocarbons and minerals 
represented almost 60% of i ts exports in 2016. A major challenge for Bolivia is to continue 
diversifying the export sector, as the international volatility of commodity markets could affect its 
economic growth and hinder further efforts to increase its social welfare and reduce pove rty. 
4.58.   We are grateful for the replies we have received to the questions we submitted, which are 
being reviewed in our capital, and we wish Bolivia success in this fourth trade policy review.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.59.   The United States would like to welcome the delegation from Bolivia on the occasion of its 
Government 's fourth WTO Trade Policy Review. A dozen years have passed since the previous 
review, in 2005, and the Bolivian G overnment has made significant changes t o its economic model 
since 2006, including the promulgation of a new constitution in 2009.  Therefore, this rev iew is 
particularly important. The Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and the WTO 
Secretariat, in their respective reports, have he lped explain these changes and other trade issues, 
and we are grateful for their thoroughness.  
4.60.   Bolivia 's economy is one with both  a regional and global impact. Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, 
and Peru are top trading partners. Bolivia is a major source of ene rgy for its immediate 
neighbo urs, and is a key producer and exp orter of agricultural products.  Its potential in the 
agricult ural sector remains very high. We have seen, for example, the dramatic increase in the 
production of quin oa. Bolivia exports this pr oduct worldwide, i ncluding to the United States. 
Bolivia 's resource exports reach every corner of the globe, and its reserves of lithium chloride, a 
substance critical to modern communication and future transportation, are the largest in the world.  
4.61.   Bolivia has increasing potential as a trading  partner of the United States. We shared 
US$1.6  billion in total (tw o-way) goods trade during 2016.  The United States imported nearly a 
billion dollars ' worth of goods in 2016, including a range of products such  as metals, nuts, and 
furniture.  Bolivia is a beneficiary of our unilateral preferences program me, eligible to import an 
immense  variety of products duty -free. Bolivian -Americans live throughout the United States, but 
are especially well -represented in Was hington, D .C., and the surrounding area.  
4.62.   Bolivia has done well to date conce rning its level of public debt.  The Secretariat described 
the situation in some detail, including the risk that state -owned enterprises would increase the  
level of public debt. We agree.  The expansion of public -sector companies in Bo livia has magnified 
this risk. Bolivia should remain careful to protect its new lower -middle income ranking by 
approaching accounting and debt in a conservative manner.   
4.63.   The Secretariat report notes Bol ivia's commendable rate of economic growth from 2006 to 
2016 and outlines the country 's structural transformation model, the "Social, Communitarian, and 
Productive Model " (MESCP). Growth during the period has helped reduce poverty in Bolivia, which 
is comm endable. However, Bolivia 's MESCP model involves management and control of the WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  economy, particularly of what are considered "strategic sectors. " And perhaps more troubling, the 
government has taken a number of steps over the last period to re -establish pub lic sector control 
over the economy, such as by creating public -sector companies in areas considered "strategic, " 
including food production. Private sector entities have expressed concern that these companies 
engage in unfair competition which will ultimately drive out other empl oyment -generating 
investments. Private -sector led growth can be effective in addressing the "distortions in 
international trade " about which the Bolivian government expresses concern in its own repo rt. 
Bolivia 's elimination o f 22 bilateral investment treaties, including, in 2012, its treaty with the 
United States, appears contrary to Bolivia 's steps to create a mor e positive investment climate.  
4.64.   The Secretariat r eport notes that Bolivia is a member of the World Intellectual Pro perty 
Organization and a contracting party to several intellectual property treaties, i ncluding the Berne 
Convention. But challenges continue with respect to adequate and effective intellectual property 
rights protection and enforcement, including with res pect to co unterfeit and piratical goods. The 
United States encourages Bolivia to take the necessary steps to improve its enforcement of IPR 
and to join the two 1996 treaties, the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and 
Phonograms Treaty.  
4.65.   Bolivi a is a founding M ember of the WTO and stands to benefit from its provisions.  The 
Trade Facilitation Agreement, for example, will lower costs disproportiona tely for developing 
countries. We note that Bolivia intends to ratify the TFA shortly and ur ge comple tion of this 
process. Bolivia should also make the necessary adjustments to compensate for the modification of 
commitments in the G ATS that it announced in 2008. We would also urge Bolivia to be more 
attentive to the notification obligations acro ss the sco pe of WTO Agreements.  For example, the 
WTO SPS Information Management System (IMS) does not list any new SPS notifications from 
Bolivia since 5 January 2006.   
4.66.   The United States looks forward to working with Bolivia where we can to increas e prosperity 
in the hemisphere.  We encourage Bolivia, in the implementation of its development model, to 
focus on policies that enable greater trade and pri vate sector economic activity. And we wish 
Bolivia a successful Trade Policy Review.  
COLOMBIA  
4.67.   Bolivia is a very close  trading partner for Colombia.  
4.68.   For over 48 years we have been partners in the Andean Community, an integration process 
which has from the outset been an economic and trade instrument aimed at increasing the welfare 
of our peoples, and under which trade lib eralization is growing stronger through cooperation and 
joint work in various areas.  
4.69.   Under the Andean Community, we have free trade in 100% of our goods.  
4.70.   In 2016 we exported US$149  million to this market, of which over 95% consists of 
non-mining or energy products, in particular cleaning products and toiletries, cosmetics, machinery 
and equipment, agro -chemicals and plastic products and articles.  
4.71.   Colombian imports from Bolivia have followed an upward trend and grew by  24% 
between  2015 and 2016, with great d iversification in the number of products. Purchases of soya 
and soya products, sugar and other agro -industrial products head the list.  
4.72.   This positive trade trend also reflects the favourable economic growth of the Bolivian 
economy. As the Secretariat report  mentions, Bolivia has recorded average annual growth rates 
of 5% between 2006 and 2016, placing it among the best performing economies in Latin America.  
4.73.   Bolivia's economy has successfully weathered the international context of falling commodity 
prices, of  particular importance to the country, as well as the sluggish global economic recovery.  
4.74.   This growth has been boosted by high rates of government investment, achieving great 
progress in poverty reduction and improved income distribution.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  4.75.   We highlight the p rogress made by the Bolivian authorities in trade facilitation, for example 
through the implementation of the authorized economic operator programme and the single 
window for foreign trade, which favours Bolivia's trade flows.  
4.76.   The buoyancy of foreign direc t investment is striking. There have been large inflows of 
investment during the review period, also driven by the strong contribution of the construction 
sector, infrastructure and the energy sector, and more recently the manufacturing sector.  
4.77.   We would st ress that Bolivia participates actively in various political and trade integration 
mechanisms, such as the Latin American Integration Association (LAIA), a forum in which it is an 
active partner.  
4.78.   Recently Bolivia has also grown closer to MERCOSUR, and among the questions submitted 
by Colombia was precisely a request for further information on the state of Bolivia's accession to 
MERCOSUR and future action in this direction. We take a favourable and positive view of Bolivia's 
greater integration into the regional trade groupings and also of the positive outlook for its 
economic performance.  
4.79.   We wish the Bolivian authorities success in this trade policy review mechanism.  
ECUADOR  
4.80.   My delegation participates with interest in this fourth trade policy review of 
the Plurinational  State of Bolivia, a country with which Ecuador not only shares a common history 
and culture, but also a similar vision of development. Thus, our two countries favour active 
participation of the State in the economy in order to achieve a be tter redistribution of wealth and 
reduce poverty.  
4.81.   Since 2006 Bolivia has been implementing the economic, social, communitarian and 
productive model (MESCP) whose chief achievements have been sustained and stable economic 
growth. It has thus improved the so cial indicators, such as higher employment and a reduction of 
poverty and inequality. We should also mention the importance attributed to macroeconomic 
stability (above all price and exchange -rate stability) in the framework of prudent economic 
management.  The rise in per capita GDP from US$1,277 to US$3,100 over the period  2006-2016 
shows that this model had worked.  
4.82.   One of the pillars of Bolivia's new economic model is the strengthening and creation of 
public companies, which have become key actors in the economy, particularly in mining and 
hydrocarbons. In addition, the measures taken to boost tax revenues, such as the broadening of 
the tax base, have enabled the Bolivian Government to have the necessary resources to 
implement redistribution policies.  
4.83.   This state participation in the economy is provided for in Bolivia's Constitution which, among 
other powers, confers upon the State the right and the obligation to conduct the process of 
economic and social planning, steer and control the strategic sectors of the economy, and 
participate in the production of goods and services.  
4.84.   From this standpoint it is clear that the deepening of Bolivia's trade relations with the world 
market via the exports of strategic sectors (hydrocarbons and mining) has given it the sur pluses 
that have been devoted to social policy: cross -subsidies and conditional transfers. All in all, trade 
has become a means for development and not an end in itself, under an active policy to avoid the 
profits of greater internationalization of the eco nomy from becoming concentrated in the hands of 
a few individuals.  
4.85.   We note with interest that Bolivia has taken steps to attract foreign direct investment, as 
illustrated by the entering into force of the new investment law and the adoption of trade 
facilitation measures. Generally speaking, my country supports approaches that avoid serious 
limitations on government policy space.  
4.86.   With respect to tariff policy, Bolivian legislation allows the authorities to regulate trade flows 
and marketing internally in order to avoid shortfalls in supply and price speculation on the WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  domestic market. As for the tariff structure, it should be menti oned that Bolivia has bound all its 
tariffs and that it has not used trade protection measures.  
4.87.   In addition to the WTO agreements, trade relations between Ecuador and Bolivia are set in 
the framework of the Latin American Integration Association and the An dean Community. Trade 
between our two countries has increased considerably in recent years, exceeding US$224  million 
in 2016, and there is a great potential for deepening our trade relations and balancing our trade, 
which has traditionally been negative fo r Ecuador.  
4.88.   In conclusion, we express our appreciation to the delegation of Bolivia for its replies to the 
questions we submitted on some specific aspects of its trade policy that are of bilateral interest.  
THAILAND  
4.89.   Thailand has a bilateral trade of US $52 m illion with Bolivia, with automobiles being 
Thailand 's major export product, we hope to continue the good relations and look forward to future 
trade growths.  
4.90.   Noting the TPR reports, we congratulate Bolivia on its strong economic growth during the 
past deca de, with real GDP averaging 5% annually and accompanied by rapid growth in GDP per 
capita, significant reduction in the poverty and extreme poverty rates, and improved income 
redistribution as envisioned by the government 's economic, social, communitarian and productive 
model.  
4.91.   We commend Bolivia in undertaking various initiatives to facilitate trade, including 
permitting the single import declaration, the optional use of a customs clearing agent, the 
implementation of authorized economic operator programme,  and the establishment of the single 
window for foreign trade. Nevertheless, the Trade Facilitation Agreement has yet to be ratified and 
we would like to encourage Bolivia to submit its ratification as soon as possible.  
4.92.   In this review, Thailand submitted s everal questions to Bolivia and we look forward to the 
replies.  
4.93.   In conclusion, Thailand would like to thank Bolivia for its presentation and wish them every 
success in this Trade Policy Review.  
ARGENTINA  
4.94.   Argentina congratulates Bolivia on its economic grow th in recent years. Argentina is a party 
to an economic complementarity agreement with Bolivia through MERCOSUR.  
4.95.   With regard to Argentina's trade relations with Bolivia, our bilateral trade, traditionally in 
surplus for our country, has shown a deficit sin ce 2012. As of 2016 imports of natural gas 
amounted to US$642.5  million, accounting for 90.7% of total imports (US$708.7  million). 
Following some supply problems during 2016, Bolivia has normalized gas deliveries.  
4.96.   Argentina is concerned at the proliferatio n of potentially trade -damaging measures.  
4.97.   Since 2015, Bolivia has adopted a number of measures that will adversely affect our 
bilateral trade. These include:  
 The supreme decree regulating the labelling of genetically modified organisms (GMO's) 
and the heal thy food promotion law, which will enter into force in January  2018. These 
measures will have the effect of a non -tariff barrier and are clearly aimed at protecting 
the local agricultural sector.  
 On 15  September  2015, through Supreme Decree 2522, Bolivia m odified the tariff rates 
and established prior import permits for various products, primarily agricultural goods 
and textiles. These new rules provide for the delivery of sanitary and phytosanitary 
permits for specified goods and constitute an additional r equirement supplementing the 
sanitary certificates negotiated by the sanitary services.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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   Likewise, as of 4  February of this year, the tariff charge for imports of alcoholic 
beverages of all kinds was raised up to 40% under Supreme Decree 2657. This decree 
also provides that importers must submit a "Prior Authorization Certificate" from 
the National Agricultural Health and Food Safety Service (SENASAG) for imports of such 
products, thus creating a new requirement for the importation of these products.  
 In addi tion, on 1 May last Bolivia promulgated Supreme Decrees 2751 and 2752 in order 
to "protect domestic production and employment and encourage tourism", which will 
lengthen the import process for more than 400 food products and other articles.  
 Supreme Decree 2752 establishes that the Ministry of Productive Development and the 
Plural Economy will be responsible for granting prior authorization for the import of 
certain products (primarily textiles), within a maximum period of 60 days. These permits 
are not requ ired for Andean Community countries.  
 Meanwhile, Supreme Decree 2751 establishes that SENASAG will grant prior 
authorizations to replace the import permits for the importation of food and beverages 
within a period of up to 30  working days from receipt of th e application. More than 
50 products are included in the annex to the decree, such as soya oil, sunflower oil, cane 
sugar, fruit juices, natural mineral water, with and without added sugar, and derivatives.  
4.98.   Lastly, on 22  December  2015 the Bolivian Health Service issued Instruction 119/2015, 
notified to the Chambers of Importers on 11  January last, without notifying the exporting countries 
or their health services, for the purpose of contributing to the "Plan for monitoring of residues and 
pollutants" throu gh the application of health measures at the border on imported products. This 
Instruction involves the implementation of measures in the case of non -compliance that have no 
technical support or justification and will lead to unnecessary obstacles to expor ts to Bolivia.  
4.99.   To conclude, we reiterate our appreciation for this fresh opportunity to exchange views and 
opinions on Bolivia's trade policies and practices, and we stress once again the importance of this 
transparency exercise in all respects, and wish t he Bolivian authorities a successful conclusion to 
this review.  
CHILE  
4.100.   First of all, we wish to congratulate the Bolivian Government on resuming this trade policy 
review exercise. This is good news that helps to strengthen the system and our Organization.  
4.101.   After studying the reports we have received, we wish to highlight Bolivia's economic 
growth between 2006 and 2016, with an average real GDP growth of 5% per year. Given the 
complicated and only partially favourable environment, it is important to emphasize  that this 
growth is also based on the growth of domestic demand, in investment and public consumption. 
This, together with the important opening up of trade, has brought significant structural 
achievements for the country, enabling its per capita GDP to m ore than double over this period. 
This growth, together with a range of social policies, has had a major impact on poverty reduction 
and the improvement of income distribution.  
4.102.   These results confirm yet again that appropriate integration into world trade t ogether with 
sound economic management lead to fundamental improvements in the welfare of the population. 
This is undoubtedly very good news for Bolivia, but also for the entire region.  
4.103.   While Bolivia's exports remain relatively concentrated, we find it enc ouraging that the 
importance of mineral products and hydrocarbons has decreased in the export basket, falling from 
69.8% in 2006 to 57% in 2016. In this connection, we would highlight the strengthening of micro, 
small and medium -sized enterprises in the di versification of the supply of goods. Likewise, we note 
the implementation of a series of programmes to promote exports, attract investment and create 
employment.  
4.104.   As the Secretariat report indicates, although Bolivia has not yet ratified 
the Trade  Facilita tion Agreement it has taken measures to facilitate trade during the period under 
review. This is a major step forward and we would emphasize the facilities being afforded in the 
field of customs controls with the single import declaration. We also attach g reat interest to the WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  implementation since 2015 of the authorized economic operator programme, both for importers 
and for exporters, and also, since the middle of this year, the process of setting up a single foreign 
trade window. While these improvements c onstitute an advance, we consider that ratification of 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement would represent a major achievement in terms of inclusion in 
bilateral and regional trade. We encourage Bolivia to take this important step.  
4.105.   Bilateral trade between our  two countries is governed by Economic Complementarity 
Agreement No. 22, signed in the LAIA framework on 6  April 1993 in  Santa Cruz de la Sierra. 
ECA-22 represented a major step forward in our mutual relationship and enabled us to strengthen 
our economic a nd trade ties, with a joint agenda in many areas.  
4.106.   In March  2006 the liberalization programme under this agreement was significantly 
deepened, with Chile granting 100% of tariff preferences without reciprocity to all products 
originating in Bolivia with the  exception of wheat, wheat flour and sugar. For the latter product, 
Chile granted a duty -free quota of 6000 tonnes annually.  
4.107.   Trade between Chile and Bolivia currently stands at US$1,323  million.  
4.108.   We should also like to highlight the fact that last October w e resumed our technical level 
meetings on border matters in a positive spirit of cooperation. Thanks to the fruitful meetings held 
at the 13th meeting of the Working Group on Free Transit, we reached agreement on major 
advances in such areas as the re -introduction of the Integrated Transit System, the updating of 
the operational manual for that System, and the resumption of work on issues included in the 
agendas of earlier meetings. We also held the 14th meeting of the Border and 
Integration  Committee, taki ng up the question of border facilitation, joint controls, customs issues, 
migration issues and plant and animal health issues, as well as border cooperation and 
development.  
4.109.   It is also important to highlight that over seven  thousand Bolivian companies con duct their 
foreign trade through Chile. As a result, over the last five years the movement of Bolivian freight 
increased by about 130%.  
4.110.   As regards trade integration of our countries with other regions of the world, it should be 
noted that we both belong to  the Forum of East Asia - Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC), which 
links us with a very dynamic trading area, and allows for greater political dialogue and 
cooperation. The eighth meeting of FEALAC foreign ministers, in which we both participated, was 
held in Busan (South Korea) on 31  August  2017, and on this occasion the Member countries 
approved the new action plan and the creation of the FEALAC Fund.  
4.111.   Chile and Bolivia currently have major links of mutual cooperation. Since 2008, we have 
implemented prog rammes for technology transfer and human resource training for the benefit of 
institutions, students and various sectors of Bolivian civil society. As regards technical transfer, 
between  2014 and 2016 in particular we strengthened work in the area of healt h and human 
resource training, with fellowships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies and technical 
transfer programmes, involving the participation of over 500 Bolivian nationals between 2008 
and 2016, for a budget of about US$3.6  million.  
4.112.   No less im portant as a factor in terms of integration is the Bolivian population living in 
Chile, amounting to over 35,000 people studying, working and contributing through their efforts to 
the country's development and to strengthening our cultural and economic bon ds. The Bolivian 
community is the third largest, accounting for 8.8% of total immigration into Chile. In addition, 
each year some 200 Bolivian students come to Chile on their own account in order to follow 
undergraduate studies in various universities in t he country.  
4.113.   To conclude this statement, I should like to mention that for this fourth trade policy review 
of Bolivia, Chile submitted 33 questions on various aspects such as foreign investment, particular 
points of intellectual and industrial property, and  services. Chile will subsequently submit a 
follow -up question for its question 17.  
4.114.   We thank Bolivia for the replies it has provided, as well as for its readiness to clarify this 
last point, and we wish it a successful review of its trade policy here. Thank you very much . WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  BURUNDI  
4.115.   My delegation notes that, according to the reports provided, Bolivia applies an economic 
policy focussing on the country's structural transformation. The foundations of this transformation 
of the Bolivian economy were laid by the i mplementation of the economic, social, communitarian 
and productive model (MESCP), which has in particular produced sustained and stable economic 
growth. Thanks to this model, the social indicators and income distribution have improved, and in 
particular t he employment rate has risen, while poverty and inequality have decreased. This has 
been possible by directing the maximized economic surplus towards strengthening and promoting 
industrialization and, the marketing of value -added products in addition to th e diversification of the 
economy and the overall reduction of poverty.  
4.116.   Burundi also notes that despite the unfavourable external environment in recent years, 
Bolivia has enjoyed the strongest economic growth among the ten South American economies. We 
welco me the fact that the country's ultimate ambition is to pursue the path of sustained growth in 
a framework of macroeconomic stability and prudent management of the economy.  
4.117.   Since the previous review held in 2005, Bolivia has made major changes in its invest ment 
regime, as the Constitution gives the State a predominant role in the production process. At the 
same time, the State is involved in the conduct of economic and social planning processes, with 
the participation of and in consultation with the people.  
4.118.   My delegation congratulates Bolivia on its policy of promoting and diversifying production 
in all areas, a policy that is based on its overall objective of "Living Well" in the interest of the 
population.  
4.119.   Burundi welcomes the fact that Bolivia is working t o modify its economic structure 
by 2020, having established a new production system resting on firm foundations, with diversified 
economic activities and the processing of commodities such as hydrocarbons, energy, agricultural 
products and mining products,  as well as the development of tourism, without forgetting the 
development of small -scale producers and the communitarian, cooperative and social sectors.  
4.120.   Bolivia's general Economic and Social Development Plan 2016 –2020, which is a strategic 
framework sett ing out the priorities in terms of goals to be achieved, outcomes to be obtained and 
measures to be taken, shows that Bolivia is determined to pursue the implementation of sectoral 
policies or measures to promote exports and investments in the production s ector, particularly 
agriculture and agro -industry.  
4.121.   We would express our encouragement to Bolivia for the initiatives it has taken to improve 
infrastructure and promote the industrialization of natural resources as well as thermal and 
hydro -electricity prod uction.  
4.122.   This overview suggests that by 2025 will become a country that produces and processes 
food products and produces and exports electricity, fully exploiting its hydroelectricity potential 
and successfully developing its high -capacity renewable energy  projects, which will give it an 
enviable position in the world economy. My delegation congratulates Bolivia and wishes it every 
success to this end.  
4.123.   The Secretariat report shows that since 2006 Bolivia has not been a very active participant 
in the WTO. Nevertheless, Burundi is pleased to note that Bolivia understands and encourages the 
initiatives aimed at promoting multilateral trade and improving the decision -making process in 
the WTO, in order to make the Organization more democratic, transparent and inclusive.  
4.124.   Furthermore, Bolivia's philosophy is aimed at sustainable development in harmony with 
Mother Earth and the "Living Well" philosophy. This is not inconsistent with fulfilment of the 
flexibilities granted developing countries both individually or as groups within the WTO. My 
delegation realizes that Bolivia has submitted various proposals, in some cases jointly with other 
small economies and/or landlocked countries to this end. It advocates the conclusion of the DDA 
on the basis of the agreed texts  in key WTO areas on which the current negotiations are based, in 
order to safeguard the multilateral trading system.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  4.125.   Burundi considers that special attention should always be paid to developing countries and 
the LDCs. It also maintains that, in the desire  that WTO Members should deal on an equal footing, 
special and differential treatment must be a fundamental element of any existing or future 
agreement within the WTO. It should not simply be based on temporal criteria but also on the 
acquisition of the ca pacities needed to implement the agreements, and taking account of their 
development levels, as well as the many difficulties that developing countries face in implementing 
the WTO agreements.  
4.126.   Bolivia has submitted several notifications to the WTO during the period under review, 
although 75 others are still pending. Burundi encourages Bolivia to pursue the notification and 
ratification process, in particular in the case of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and 
the Amendment to the TRIPS Agreement, in a cont ext of consistently honouring its commitments.  
4.127.   To conclude, I should like to stress that Burundi and Bolivia maintain good diplomatic 
relations.  
4.128.   Burundi wishes Bolivia every success in its fourth trade policy review.  
INDIA  
4.129.   Since the last review , the GDP of  Bolivia grew at an annual average rate of 5% between 
2006 and 2016. The GDP per  capita also increased from US$1227 to US$3100. The challenges for 
Bolivia include diversification of economy, addressing poverty and improving other social 
indicators, unemplo yment, dealing with public debt and structural transformation of the economy. 
Bolivian exports also still remain relatively concentrated on export of natural gas, zinc, silver and 
other mineral exports. We commend the Government of Bolivia for the various measures 
undertaken to address these challenges and pursue ec onomic growth and development. The 
policies of the Government are based on the economic, social, communitarian and productive 
modal (MESCP) under which the State is playing a major role in transf ormation of the economy. 
Amongst the many measures implemented since the last review , the hydrocarbon sector has been 
nationalised and policies have been pursued for redistribution of wealth, poverty reductio n, tax and 
structural reforms.  
4.130.   India and Bolivia  share warm, friendly and cordial relations.  Bolivia opened a Resident  
Mission in New Delhi in 2012. In recent years , there have been regular political and business level 
exchanges between both countries. The total trade between bo th countries which stood at 
US$254  million in 2016 -17 though modest, has considerable potential to grow in areas like 
automobiles, pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, machinery, rubber products, che micals, textiles, 
minerals etc.  Indian companies are also lo oking at investing in Boli via. 
4.131.   India has also offered assistance to Bolivia for a solar lighting project of a children park in 
Sucre and for lighting of the archaeological complex of Tiwanaku on the shores of Lake Titicaca 
besides,  other humanitarian assistance.  For capacity buildi ng in human resources , India has been 
regularly offering slots to professionals from Bolivia under India 's Technical Economic Cooperatio n 
(ITEC) programme.  
4.132.   To conclude, we look forward to working closely with the authorities of Bolivia for further 
expanding and harnessing the vast potential of our trade and inves tment ties for mutual benefit. 
We wish the delegation of Bolivia a productive and successful TPR.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.133.   Since Bolivia 's last trade policy review in 2005, its economic growth has enjoyed very 
strong performance which the average annual real GDP growth rate was 5 % between 2006 and 
2016. In the s ame period, the per capita GD P of Bolivia increased from US$1,227 to US$ 3,100, 
which resulted in a great degree of improvement of living standard and poverty reduction for the 
people of Bolivia. My delegation, therefore, woul d like to commend the Bolivian Government for its 
successful and sustainable economic performance during the last decade. However, we notice that 
the unemployment rate in Bolivia was gradually increased in recent years, from 3.2% in 2012, to 
4.9% in 2016. It indicates that the Bolivian Government needs to enhance its efforts in attracting 
foreign investment, boosting economic growth and creating more jobs.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  4.134.   According to the World Bank 's Doing Business 2017 report, Bolivia 's overall rank is 149th 
of 190 countries in 2017, retreated form 14 7th in 2016. In addition, Bolivia ranked 177th in the 
indicator of "Starting a Business " in 2017. It showed that Bolivia needs great efforts to improve its 
business environments by enhancing institutional and regulatory reforms to attract foreign 
investmen t and to improve its competitiveness.  
4.135.   In terms of transparency obligation under WTO Agreements, my delega tion notices that 
the Bolivian G overnment still has many outstanding notifications, mainly concerning agriculture, 
import licensing, and SPS measures. It seems that Bolivia does not live up to its obligation of 
notification. Therefore, we would request Bolivia to fulfil its obligation of notification accordingly.  
4.136.   While recognizing the efforts Bolivia made to implement measures to facilitate trade, we 
would like to encourage Bolivia to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement as soon as possible. It is 
evident that the improvements of trade facilitation will bring important benefits to Members, 
especially to developing Members, including reducing trade cos ts, as well as establishing better 
investment environment, and increasing competitiveness.  
4.137.   With respect to the tariff regime in Bolivia, the overall simple average MFN applied rate in 
2017 is 11.1% which is higher than 8.2% in 2005. Therefore, my delegatio n would request the 
Bolivian government to not further increase the applied rates in general, and to further reduce the 
highest tariff rate 40% in clothing products in the future for promoting trade.  
4.138.   While overall bilateral trade between Bolivia and the Se parate Customs Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu was still moderate, US$11 million in 2016, there are many 
opportunities and potentials to further strengthen our trade and investment ties, if we can identify 
the greater complementarity of our t rading sectors. We look forward to a continuously expanding 
trade relationship between our two economies in the future.  
4.139.   In conclusion, we strongly encourage Bolivia to continue its regulatory and structural 
reforms for the improvement of its business and i nvestment environment and to further liberalize 
its market. On behalf of my delegation, I wish Bolivia a very successful Trade policy review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.140.   Trade flows between Singapore and Bolivia, albeit  a bit modest, have been on an upward 
trend, increasing  fivefold  between 2014 and 2016. We are encouraged by this upward trend and 
we believe that there is much potential for deeper bilateral economic relation s. 
4.141.   Bolivia has seen good economic growth in the review period with real GDP growing at an 
average annu al rate of 5%. We commend Bolivia for its recent efforts to open up to private 
investment and implementing measures to improve its trade facilitation, including launching an 
authorized economic operator programme and setting up a single window. These are s teps in the 
right direction to ensure sustained economic growth. This will also be positive for enhancing our 
bilateral trade and investment relationship.  
4.142.   However, we note that Bolivia has yet to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement and  the 
Protocol amending the TRIPS  agreement and we urge them to do so as soon as possible. Ratifying 
the TFA especially, will avail them  of further resources to supplement the aforementioned  efforts at 
improving trade facilitation.  
4.143.   We also note Bolivia 's mixed record on WTO notifications. Although it has regularly 
submitted notifications in the WTO, we note that 2016 notifications for agriculture, import licensing 
and SPS, among others, remain outstanding. We urge Bolivia to make these notifications as soon 
as possible as transparency is a key element of the good functioning of the WTO and of the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.144.   Finally, we wish Bolivia every success in its fourth Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  INDONESIA  
4.145.   Indonesia commends Ambassador Nardi Iturry and her Geneva -based delegation for the 
constant good cooperation, especially as member of the G33 in which Indonesia coordinates, and 
especially as we intensify our steps in concluding the preparatory work in agriculture towards a 
successful MC11.  
4.146.   Indonesia appla uds Bolivia for the good performance of its economy in the years between 
2006 and 2016. Real GDP grew at an average annual rate of 5%, driven amongst other by strong 
domestic investment. Sound social welfare policies were well implemented that gave rise to  
poverty reduction and extreme poverty reduction. While public debt has significantly dropped 
during the review period.  
4.147.   In the last five years, in the period between 2012 and 2016, Bolivia and Indonesia have 
been enjoying a good trading relationship. Avera ge yearly trade reached US$9.54 million, with an 
average yearly trade growth of 21.61%.  
4.148.   During the same 2012 to 2016 time -period, average yearly Indonesian export to Bolivia 
reached US$9.14 million, with an average yearly Indonesian export growth reaching 23.65%. And, 
it becomes more apparent that Bolivia is important to Indonesia, as Indonesian export makes up 
over 95% of our bilateral trade figure.  
4.149.   These trade figures are encouraging to Indonesia, as Indonesia looks further to deepening 
trade relations wi th Bolivia. And Indonesia invites Bolivia to take advantage of this growing trade 
relationship by further exploring market potentials in Indonesia for Bolivian exports. We do hope 
that the Bolivian export sector could start contributing more to Bolivia 's GDP growth.  
4.150.   Hence, Indonesia encourages Bolivia to make improvements in updating its notifications to 
the WTO. We praise Bolivia for having regularly submitted notifications to the WTO. However, we 
also note that at the end of 2016, Bolivia had many outstan ding notifications, including 
notifications in agriculture, import licensing, SPS, and countervailing measures.  
4.151.   With that, Indonesia wishes much success to the delegation of Bolivia in this TPR process.  
HONDURAS  
4.152.   Honduras observes that Bolivia is taking par t in this review after eleven years, which is 
gratifying: this is an opportunity to evaluate some changes and achievements that have taken 
place in Bolivia in terms of its economic and social practices and policies.  
4.153.   The Secretariat report indicates that real GDP grew at an average annual rate of 5% 
between 2006 and 2016, as a result of a favourable international environment and an increase in 
domestic demand, particularly investment and public consumption, and that during this period per 
capita GDP increa sed from US$1,227 to US$3,100, which is remarkable.  
4.154.   We also note that the GDP growth rate peaked in 2013, as far as the period under review 
is concerned, since when rates have been slightly lower, but always above 4%, with real GDP 
growth in 2016 estimated  at 4.3%.  
4.155.   At the same time, we note that the national currency has remained stable against 
the United  States dollar since November  2011, with some slight fluctuations.  
4.156.   We observe with interest that, in line with the rise in income and the social welfare po licies 
pursued, there has been a significant reduction in the poverty and extreme poverty rates and 
income distribution has improved.  
4.157.   According to the information in the reports, based on the data of the National Statistics 
Institute, extreme poverty was r educed from 38.2% in 2005 to 16.8% in 2015 while extreme 
poverty rates in urban areas fell from 24.3% to 9.3% over that period, and from 62.9% to 33.3% 
in rural areas, which is praiseworthy.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  4.158.   Since 2005, the Government has promoted the creation and strength ening of public 
enterprises as a driver of the new economic model in strategic or social sectors, and a new 
investment law was enacted in 2014 establishing the system of generally applicable incentives for 
investment promotion.  
4.159.   In addition, in 2015 a law o n conciliation and arbitration was adopted in order to increase 
legal certainty for investors.  
4.160.   We note that Bolivia did not adopt any anti -dumping or countervailing measures during the 
review period and has no domestic legislation providing for the imposit ion of such measures, which 
are considered to belong to competition policy.  
4.161.   As regards intellectual property, specific measures have been taken to promote the 
protection of intellectual property, such as the 30% reduction in the registration fee in order t o 
encourage artisans and MSME's to register trademarks. At the same time, VAT on locally produced 
and imported books was reduced to 0% in order to discourage piracy.  
4.162.   The reports highlight that mining has historically been the central pillar of the Bolivian  
economy and one of the main sectors generating foreign exchange, and it is not for nothing that 
Bolivia possesses one of the world's largest lithium reserves.  
4.163.   As for the Doha Development Agenda (DDA), Bolivia has submitted a number of proposals, 
some of t hem jointly with other small economies and/or land -locked countries, and is an active 
participant in the G -33. 
4.164.   We note that during the review period Bolivia did not take part in any dispute under the 
WTO dispute settlement mechanism.  
4.165.   Lastly, we would highl ight some progress made by Bolivia in the field of customs 
administration, while encouraging Bolivia to undertake the prompt ratification of 
the Trade  Facilitation Agreement and the Amendment to the TRIPS Agreement.  
4.166.   Honduras congratulates the Plurinational  State of Bolivia on its major efforts and 
achievements during the review period and wishes it every success.  
NICARAGUA  
4.167.   It is a pleasure for my delegation to take part in this transparency exercise which 
undoubtedly represents a challenge for Bolivia as el even years have passed since it last presented 
a review in this Organization. We recognize the effort and commendable work undertaken by 
the Government of Bolivia, which displays its genuine commitment to strengthening the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.168.   It is worth highlighting the strengthening and the sustained growth of the Bolivian 
economy despite the economic crisis we have all had to cope with in recent years, as illustrated by 
an annual GDP growth rate of about 5% between 2006 and 2016. Over this perio d covered by our 
review, the Bolivian economy has shown signs of diversification, largely thanks to its national 
policies and strategies. This is primarily the fruit of the effective implementation of the economic, 
social, communitarian and productive mode l (MESCP) promoted by the present 
Bolivian  Government. Thanks to this model, the State plays a participatory role in the national 
economy through policies aimed at maintaining stability and economic growth, promoting poverty 
reduction, redistributing wealt h and ensuring exchange -rate stability.  
4.169.   Likewise, as part of its trade policy Bolivia is pursuing policies to enhance its participation 
in the regional integration processes, by gaining access to new markets and consolidating the 
existing ones, and promoti ng trade and inward investment. To this end, Bolivia participates in 
forums such as the Latin American Integration Association (LAIA), the Andean Community (CAN), 
the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples' Trade Agreement (ALBA -TCP) and 
the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). It has also implemented an investment policy that is 
focussed on ensuring that the profits of private investment, both domestic and foreign, bring about 
a transformation of the country's production structure, thus  achieving a bigger contribution to WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction, through public investment, which in turn 
helps to improve the business climate and the country's economic stability.  
4.170.   With respect to the multilateral framework, we hop e that we shall very soon be able to 
welcome Bolivia into the group of countries that have ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement, an agreement which represents a major step for improving national customs 
management.  
4.171.   As for bilateral trade between Bolivia and Nicaragua, we are pleased to note that it is 
steadily growing. We have been stepping up our bilateral cooperation, and the value of exports 
rose in the first half of 2016 by 16% compared with previous years. Although the trade data could 
be eve n more dynamic, Nicaragua and Bolivia are bound by close bonds of fellowship and solidarity 
in other equally fundamental areas that are enhanced and complemented through common policies 
of social inclusion for the sustainable well -being of our peoples.  
4.172.   It is important to highlight the Bolivian delegation's active participation in the ordinary 
work and the negotiations taking place in the WTO, thereby showing its commitment to the 
preservation of multilateralism, which is something we should not lose sight o f today given the 
threats facing it. Lastly, my delegation wishes Bolivia every success in its fourth trade policy 
review.  
BOLIVARIAN  REPUBLIC  OF VENEZUELA  
4.173.   The salient feature of this trade policy review is that the period covered coincides with the 
time t hat has passed since our Bolivian brothers decided to set forth on their own development 
path, through what has come to be called the economic, social, communitarian and productive 
model (MESCP).  
4.174.   We have carefully studied both the report submitted by Boliv ia and the report prepared by 
the Secretariat, because today we are reviewing the fruits of an unprecedented, deeply Bolivian 
model based on the philosophy of "Living Well" that has its roots in Bolivia's ancestral 
multi-cultural heritage.  
4.175.   President Evo Mo rales governs for the majority of his people, that is to say, for the original 
indigenous peoples who in the past have been excluded and marginalized, and this is something 
without precedent in Bolivian history.  
4.176.   Thus, while fully respecting the multilatera l trade rules, but without following the economic 
orthodoxy promoted by the IMF and the World Bank, in other words inhuman neo -liberal policies, 
Bolivia is showing the world sustained, self -reliant and sovereign economic growth.  
4.177.   Despite a sometimes adverse  international environment, including the financial crisis 
between 2008 and 2011 and the crisis in commodity prices that began in 2014, Bolivia's real GDP 
growth has remained steady at about 5% annually during the review period.  
4.178.   This strong performance of its economy has been invested in social policies, as shown by 
the indicators of poverty reduction, inequality reduction and rising employment.  
4.179.   According to the World Bank figures, poverty was reduced from 59.6% in 2005 to 39.6% in 
2015. Likewise, extreme p overty was cut from 38.2% in 2005 to 16.8% in 2015. Extreme poverty 
fell in urban areas from 24% to 9.3% and in rural areas from 62.9% to 33.3%. In 2016 the IMF 
itself recognized that Bolivia had achieved significant social and economic progress and that 
poverty had been reduced by one third, for which it congratulated Bolivia.  
4.180.   Bolivia also achieved significant progress in its income distribution, as shown by the fact 
that the Gini coefficient fell from 0.60 in 2005 to 0.49 in 2014.  
4.181.   The policies applied by Bolivia have had a positive effect on employment, with 
unemployment below 4.9% during the period 2011 –2016, and even close to 3% in some years.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 31 - 
 
  4.182.   The Bolivian model has also raised per capita GDP by 153%, from US$1,227 in 2005 to 
US$3,100 in 2016.  
4.183.   From the report by the distinguished Vice -Minister, Mr  Endara, I should like to single out 
the following salient statements:  
 Bolivia is among the most efficient economies of Latin America and offers legal certainty 
for investment.  
 Its growth and development model i s based on the redistribution of income and wealth in 
order to reduce poverty and inequality.  
 Inflation has been kept under control despite speculation and external shocks.  
 Food security, water and irrigation are guaranteed.  
 There are measures to strengthe n the domestic market.  
 Sovereignty over production with diversification.  
 Bolivinization of the economy.  
 Public investment is the cornerstone of sovereign growth.  
 Increase in literacy.  
 Above -inflation wage increases and improvement of quality of life.  
 Bolivia is the regional energy hub.  
 Industrialization of hydrocarbons, exploitation of new deposits.  
 Diversified and ecological agricultural production.  
 Equity in land access.  
4.184.   Bolivia has agreements with Venezuela for greater regional integration in the fields of 
energy and cooperation and in the framework of the ALBA in various areas, and joint programmes 
with Cuba for health and education.  
4.185.   The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela therefore recognizes in Bolivia a major strategic ally, 
with which we maintain close links based on solidarity, cooperation and complementarity.  
4.186.   Our sister country Bolivia is a living reflection of the deep historical bonds that unite us.  
4.187.   I should not like to close my statement without paying special tribute to 
Ambassador  Nardi  Suxo Iturry , Bolivia's Permanent Representative, and her team. They are daily 
examples of professionalism and solidarity, which has won them the respect and appreciation of 
those of us lucky enough to share common interests.  
CUBA  
4.188.   At the outset, we consider it notewor thy that, as the Secretariat report indicates, Bolivia's 
annual real GDP growth has averaged 5% during the period covered by this report, 2006 to 2016. 
This performance is particularly commendable given the international context of those years, 
which was b y no means propitious, with the financial crisis that affected many of our region's 
economies as well as the collapse of commodity prices that has continued since 2014 until today. 
This growth was fundamental for the reduction of the poverty and extreme po verty indices and the 
improvement of income distribution, which had been chronic problems in the country since earlier 
decades.  
4.189.   We should emphasize that this stable economic growth is linked with the implementation 
for over a decade of the economic, social , communitarian and productive Model, which has been 
pursued with the aim of improving social indicators such as increasing employment and reducing 
poverty and inequality. In this context it is noteworthy that Bolivia has not followed the economic 
orthodox y advocated by the IMF and World Bank, but rather has pursued its own system of 
development based on the "Living Well" philosophy rooted in the country's ancestral multicultural 
heritage.  
4.190.   This model has given the country the economic sovereignty to adopt m easures aimed at 
increasing tax revenues, including the broadening of the tax base and the imposition of additional 
rates of corporate profits tax. It has also enabled Bolivia to work towards the diversification of the 
production matrix and the industriali zation of its natural resources. As the Bolivian authorities have 
pointed out, the nationalization of natural resources and the reform of the public enterprises have WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  contributed to raising revenues. The ultimate goal of all these actions has been to reduce  poverty, 
redistribute income and achieve exchange -rate stability, among other things.  
4.191.   The Bolivian experience has been successful in various areas. We would single out 
the 153% rise in per capita GDP, from US$1,227 in 2005 to US$3,100 in 2016. Bolivia has  reduced 
its legacy of extreme poverty from 38% in 2005 to 16.8% in 2015. Urban poverty declined 
from 24% to 9.3% while rural poverty fell to 33.3% from a level of 59.6%.  
4.192.   It should be mentioned that in the period covered by the report significant improveme nts 
have been made in income distribution, illustrated by the drop in the Gini coefficient from 0.60 
in 2005 to 0.49 in 2014. Last year the IMF itself recognized that Bolivia had achieved significant 
social and economic progress and that poverty had been r educed by one third. It is also striking 
that unemployment was never higher than 4.9% and even neared 3% in some years.  
4.193.   Over the last ten years, Bolivian economy has grown rapidly as a result of the 
implementation of prudent macroeconomic policies.  
4.194.   The Bol ivian experience shows that the counter -cyclical policies adopted enabled it 
successfully to override the adverse exogenous shocks, as shown by the growth rate achieved 
between 2014 and 2016 despite the commodity crisis. It should also be highlighted that the 
sectors that drove this growth were those most closely linked to the fiscal and monetary stimuli.  
4.195.   Bolivia's exchange -rate policy helped to consolidate the domestic market, by anchoring 
inflationary expectations and through the "Bolivinization" of the e conomy. This latter factor was 
decisive for recovering control over monetary policy instruments.  
4.196.   Another commendable aspect is the shrinking of the public debt over the review period, 
the domestic portion of which fell from 22% of GDP in 2005 to 8.9% in 20 16. 
4.197.   We should also stress the progress in the area of customs administration. The procedure 
allowing customs clearance of goods at the border on their means or units of transport has meant 
that between April  2015 and May  2017 on average 57% of goods were c leared in less than 
24 hours. Improvements have also been made to customs practices, such as the advance 
submission of the import declaration for goods and the authorized economic operator programme, 
which strengthens the relationship between the customs a nd the business sector, and the 
introduction of electronic procedures.  
4.198.   Bolivia is becoming increasingly integrated, both politically and also from the trade and 
economic standpoint, into the Latin American region in particular. It is a member of 
the Commun ity of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Union of South American 
Nations (UNASUR), the Latin American Integration Association (LAIA), the Andean Community 
(CAN), and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples' Trade Agr eement 
(ALBA -TCP), and is in the process of joining the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).  
4.199.   In the WTO, the Bolivian delegation, although small in number, is very active and its wise 
interventions in the negotiations and the ordinary work of the Organizatio n have helped to enrich 
the discussions and positions in support of the ever -greater integration of the developing countries 
and LDCs into the multilateral trading system.  
4.200.   Cuba takes this opportunity to congratulate the fraternal people and Government of B olivia 
on the great progress made over the last ten years in the economic, trade and social fields, 
illustrating the Bolivian Government's commitment to the multilateral trading system. We firmly 
believe that the profound changes the country has made under  the leadership of 
President  Evo Morales have been decisive in showing in this House today the clear progress 
achieved in the implementation of its economic, trade and social policies.  
4.201.   We wish Bolivia success in this review and urge it to go further with i ts genuinely national 
policies that have enabled it to demonstrate such excellent results as a good example to be 
followed by many Members.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  PERU  
4.202.   Peru and Bolivia are united by deep historical and cultural ties that are unique in our 
region. The fact that we are neighbours has meant that since time immemorial we have had trade 
flows and border integration. We share a comprehensive bilateral agenda that promotes 
cooperation between and development of our countries. Against this backdrop, we wish to open 
this statement by hailing Bolivia's great economic achievements since 2006. Among these we 
would single out the high rates of economic growth, the reduction of poverty and the inequality 
coefficient, the implementation of prudent monetary and fiscal measures, and the recent steps 
towards greater openness and facilitation of investment, which will undoubtedly help our brother 
country to pursue its development.  
4.203.   I should also like to highlight the joint efforts our governments have been making for the 
economic dev elopment and integration of our countries. It should be stressed that as founder 
members of the Andean Community, together with Colombia and Ecuador, since 1993 we have 
had a free trade area that strengthens our markets by broadening the business opportuni ties for 
our producers. In the Andean framework too, we have been working to establish common rules to 
help us facilitate trade and we have been encouraging integration in various areas, such as the 
promotion of micro, small and medium -sized enterprises, c onsumer protection, intellectual 
property, education, the environment and so forth. As a result of these efforts, in 2016 trade 
between Peru and Bolivia stood at nearly US$1 billion, although this figure represents only a 
fraction of the potential that rem ains to be developed. Evidence of this is that last September, 
following a new and successful meeting of the binational cabinet headed by our two  presidents, we 
have continued to advance with an ambitious bilateral agenda based on thematic pillars that, of  
course, include trade and investment as well as energy and information -technology connectivity, 
which will help us to develop and expand our important economic and trade relations. I should also 
like to mention the cargo facilities afforded to Bolivia at the port of Ilo since 1992 in order to 
conduct its trade.  
4.204.   Having highlighted these major advances in our bilateral relationship, which is markedly 
positive, I shall now venture to refer to some concerns that simply reflect the strength of our 
relationship as neighbours. As the Secretariat report mentions, Bolivia subsidizes fuels on its 
territory. However, in the border area Bolivia establishes a higher price for fuel for foreign vehicles 
authorized to engage in international transport. This situation has g enerated distortions in the 
border transport market that clearly favour transporters based in Bolivia, undermining the 
competitiveness of Peruvian carriers. Consequently, transporters based in Peru have only an 
estimated 7% of the border market in contrast  with the 93% share of their Bolivian counterparts. 
This issue is being addressed through bilateral channels in a frank and transparent dialogue, and 
my Government expects that we shall shortly receive a proposal that will enable us to resolve the 
situatio n. 
4.205.   Likewise, in line with what is mentioned in the report, we would urge 
the Bolivian  Government to increase the level of compliance with its notification commitments in 
this Organization, a matter that is particularly important in the present context in w hich the 
multilateral trading system is being questioned.  
4.206.   Before closing my statement, I should like to stress the work of the Bolivian delegation in 
the WTO. Regardless of our agreement on some matters and the issues where our opinions and 
positions do no t coincide, we cannot fail to recognize its active participation in this Organization, 
often providing a complementary approach to our work. In this framework, we reiterate that the 
Mission of Peru will always remain open to working constructively to find points of convergence to 
enable us to advance towards better rules for international trade.  
4.207.   Peru is grateful for this opportunity to undertake a joint review of Bolivia's economic and 
trade situation in the light of the WTO Agreements, and wishes Bolivia a  successful fourth review 
of its trade policies.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.208.   We wish to begin by congratulating the Bolivian authorities on placing the country's 
economic model at the service of the people and guiding all the Government's efforts towards the WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  objective of "Living Well" that is sustainable over the long term. El Salvador shares this vision, and 
has embodied it in its five -year Development Plan 2014 –2019 for a Productive, Educated and 
Safe El Salvador.  
4.209.   We note from the Secretariat report that the Bolivian eco nomy has maintained quite stable 
growth averaging 5%, one of the best performances in South America, thus overcoming the highly 
adverse world economic environment.  
4.210.   We have also noted the process of fundamental reforms undertaken by Bolivia, beginning 
with the reform of the Political Constitution and the adoption of the economic, social, 
communitarian and productive Model based on a system of commercial enterprises owned by or 
with the participation of the State, with exclusive ownership of natural resources  being vested in 
the Bolivian people. Poverty levels have declined, while per capita GDP has grown.  
4.211.   We know that Bolivia still has challenges ahead of it, including in particular the need for 
diversification given its heavy dependence on minerals and hydro carbons for foreign -exchange 
earnings, so as to ensure the long -term sustainability of the model.  
4.212.   At the bilateral level, in September of last year El Salvador established its diplomatic and 
consular seat in Bolivia, and we launched the political consultat ion mechanism between our 
two countries to strengthen our bilateral relations and cooperation. It is foreseen that a partial 
scope agreement will shortly be signed.  
4.213.   Bolivia's main exports to El Salvador include brake parts, minerals, accessories for 
machinery and magnetic tape. Its main imports from El Salvador are raw materials for the 
manufacture of toilet paper, medicines for veterinary use, fertilizers, aluminium stepladders and 
metallic furniture.  
4.214.   At the multilateral level, we concur with the Gov ernment's statement in its report 
concerning the importance of development as the main focus of the WTO rules and negotiations, 
and the need to achieve results in the development area so as to overcome the asymmetries and 
ensure special and differential tr eatment for developing members.  
4.215.   We share common interests in the agricultural negotiations, and participate as members of 
the G -33 and the group of small and vulnerable economies.  
4.216.   It only remains for us to congratulate Bolivia and wish it every success in this exercise.  
PANAMA  
4.217.   We should like to emphasize the steps that Bolivia has taken in recent years to achieve a 
stronger and more egalitarian economy as well as sound financial management. The result has 
been fiscal and trade surpluses accompanied by stron g and sustainable economic growth, on which 
we must congratulate Bolivia. It has moved from being a low -income country to be a 
middle -income country. Thus, it has been one of the regional leaders in macroeconomic 
development in recent years and has doubled  the size of its economy over the last decade.  
4.218.   While trade between Bolivia and Panama is relatively small, it has been growing in recent 
years, and our two countries are seeking to strengthen and boost this relationship through 
negotiations under our agree ment with the Andean Community. Panama is the only country of 
Central  America and the Caribbean with daily direct flights to Bolivia, serving as the bridge for 
trade and tourism between the country and the region. In turn, Bolivia is a major partner and 
purchaser in our Colon Free Zone.  
4.219.   Bolivia has succeeded in significantly increasing its foreign trade and achieving a trade 
surplus. It has also succeeded in strengthening its manufacturing and agricultural production, 
benefiting from the agreements for the use of the ports of its South American neighbours so as to 
open the doors to other continents.  
4.220.   Bolivia's macroeconomic stability and institutional strategies are leading the country to 
development, but major challenges remain. These include continuing the reduction of extreme WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 35 - 
 
  poverty and inequality. Bolivia may also usefully continue to diversify its economy and exports 
beyond commodities, seeking ways to create an economy based on a value -added chain for these 
products. Panama is a major beneficiary of tra de in services and would like to see greater 
openness in this sector, particularly financial, transport and logistical services. Greater openness in 
the services sector would enable Bolivia to diversify foreign direct investment and enter more 
profitable s ectors in services value chains, thus benefiting more economic and social sectors.  
4.221.   We congratulate the Plurinational State of Bolivia for its active participation in the 
multilateral trading system, and , in particular , its defence of development issues and  the 
integration of our developing countries into the multilateral trading system. Along these lines we 
would like to see Bolivia promptly adopt the Trade Facilitation Agreement and speed up its 
customs and trade procedures.  
4.222.   We wish Bolivia every success i n this review and wish to highlight the admirable work of its 
delegation in Geneva.  
PAKISTAN  
4.223.   Since 2006, Bolivia has pursued an economic policy which seeks to redistribute income and 
reduce poverty by transferring resources from the strategic sectors that generate surpluses to 
other sectors that promote income and employment.  
4.224.   Pakistan appreciates that Bolivia 's real GDP grew at an average annual rate of 5% between 
2006 and 2016 as a result of a favo urable international environment and an increase in domest ic 
demand, particularly investment and public consumption. During the period from 2006 to 2016, 
per capita GDP increased from US$1,227 to US$3,100. There was a significant reduction in the 
poverty and extreme poverty rates, and income redistribution was im proved.  
4.225.   It is generally commendable that the balance -of-payments current account was in surplus 
for most of 2006 -2016, registering an average positive balance of US$617 million per year, a trend 
which largely reflects the significant surpluses in merchandise trade reported up to 2014 when the 
trade balance turned negative. This was due to a sharp contraction in the value of exports 
following the fall in international raw materials prices, accompanied by a smaller reduction in the 
value of imports. Reflecting this, the current account balance deteriorated and began to report 
deficits, which reached 5.7% of GDP in 2015 and 5.6% of GDP in 2016.  
4.226.   Bolivian main export product is natural gas, which in 2016 accounted for 31.6% of the 
total value of exports.  Zinc and silver are among the main mineral exports. Bolivia also exports 
soya beans and soya products as well as other agricultural products.  
4.227.   Even though Bolivia has not ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement, it is noteworthy that 
it did implement a number of measures to facilitate trade during the review period  
4.228.   Pakistan takes not e that in recent years  investment policy has sought to open up to private 
investment. 2014 saw the enactment of a new investment law establishing the system of generally 
applicable incentives for investment promotion.  
4.229.   Bolivia bound all its tariffs during the Uruguay Round. The majority were bound at 40% 
with 19 lines bound at 30%. As in the case of the bound tariffs, all of the applied tariffs are ad 
valorem. The simple avera ge of applied MFN tariffs in 2017 is 11.1%.  
4.230.   Pakistan generally commends the Bolivian Intellectual Property Regime which is governed 
by domestic legislation. The National Intellectual Property Service (SENAPI) is responsible for 
administering the industria l property and copyright and related rights regimes. During the review 
period, in addition to the general campaigns, specific measures were taken to promote the 
protection of intellectual property.  
4.231.   In the end, we want to wish Bolivia a very successful and  a fruitful TPR.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  URUGUAY  
4.232.   Our country has traditionally maintained friendly and constructive relations with 
the Plurinational State of Bolivia in the various areas of our bilateral relationship, including not only 
the political, economic and trade domain but also cooperation and culture.  
4.233.   Since Bolivia's last trade policy review in 2005, political and trade links between Uruguay 
and Bolivia have strengthened.  
4.234.   In July  2017, the Bolivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fernando Huanacuni Mamani, and 
the Uruguaya n Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rodolfo Nin Novoa, held a high -level meeting at which 
they highlighted the excellent level of our bilateral relations and undertook to promote the 
necessary actions with a view to developing and further diversifying our ties in the political, 
economic, trade, cooperation and cultural fields.  
4.235.   The Ministers also stressed the importance of pursuing work in the various bodies of the 
Working Group for the accession of Bolivia to MERCOSUR, as established in Decision CMC 13/15, in 
order to complete the tasks foreseen in the corresponding accession Protocol.  
4.236.   Bilateral trade between Uruguay and Bolivia is significant. In 2015, Uruguayan exports to 
Bolivia placed it in 28th position for Uruguay's exports, for a total of US$36  million.  
4.237.   It may also be noted that the two leading products (chemical substances and 
pharmaceutical products) represent nearly 60% of Uruguay's total exports to Bolivia.  
4.238.   It is important to stress that the LAIA Reciprocal Payments and Credits Agreement is a 
mechanism that facilitates and ensures the payment of exports to Uruguay which are channelled 
through it, using the network of commercial banks authorized by the Bolivian and 
Uruguayan  central banks.  
4.239.   With regard to foreign direct investment in Uruguay, one of the se ctors where Bolivia has 
confidence in Uruguay is tourism, as shown by the inclusion of Montevideo in the network of 
regional air links of the Bolivian airline company Amazonas Líneas Aéreas.  
4.240.   Uruguay wishes to recognize the work that Bolivia has been doing in the WTO, in particular 
its activity in the group of small and vulnerable economies, and invites Bolivia to work more 
closely with Members on several proposals, such as that concerning micro, small and 
medium -sized enterprises and electronic trade.  
4.241.   Lastly, we should like to say that we share Bolivia's interest in continuing to work to 
achieve a positive result at the MC11 and in protecting the multilateral trading system based on 
foreseeable, transparent and balanced rules. Uruguay wishes the Plurinationa l State of Bolivia 
every success in its fourth trade policy review.  
PARAGUAY  
4.242.   We see it as a positive sign that Bolivia is participating in this exercise after 12  years, and 
at this time of strong economic performance, in which it has overcome the obstacles  presented by 
the recent international economic crisis.  
4.243.   Since its previous trade policy review, Bolivia has implemented the economic, social, 
communitarian and productive Model, whose main successes have been sustained and stable 
economic growth. Social in dicators have improved, such as the rise in employment and the 
reduction in poverty and inequality.  
4.244.   Annual GDP growth over the period under review has averaged 5%, the highest rate in 
South  America.  
4.245.   Bolivia promotes the construction and strengthening of La tin American integration; 
participates actively in the Latin American Integration Association (LAIA), the Andean Community 
(CAN) and the ALBA, and in particular it is in the process of accession to be a full member of WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR),  the corresponding protocol of which was ratified by 
the Paraguayan Congress in 2016.  
4.246.   Over the last eleven years Bolivia has implemented an investment policy in all sectors of 
the economy, promoting both public investment and private national and foreign i nvestment. It 
also recognizes, protects, respects and provides for legal certainty in respect of economic 
organizations, whether community -driven, State, private, or cooperative social organizations.  
4.247.   Another point we would like to highlight is that Bolivia  has continued taking measures to 
facilitate trade during the review period, as is shown by the systematization of customs procedures 
for certain customs destinations. We therefore believe that the best way to follow up this action 
would be prompt ratifica tion of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
4.248.   I also wish to emphasize the excellent bilateral relations between my country and Bolivia, 
not only in the economic sphere, but also politically, socially and culturally. We are two brother 
countries united by the Gran Chaco. We have major joint projects covering physical and energy 
integration, among other matters.  
4.249.   The economic and trade relations between our countries are governed by the 
MERCOSUR -Bolivia Economic Complementarity Agreement that has now lasted for s ome 20  years 
and covers the entire Customs Tariff, which is today tariff -free. 
4.250.   Trade between Bolivia and Paraguay is significant but remains well below its potential. The 
main products exported by Bolivia to Paraguay include fuels, soap and cereals, while it chiefly 
imports from Paraguay pharmaceutical products, various products for the chemical industry, 
plastics, dairy products and miscellaneous food products.  
4.251.   To conclude, it is worth stressing that Paraguay and Bolivia are important allies in the 
Group o f Landlocked Developing Countries both in the United Nations and in the WTO.  
4.252.   I offer my renewed congratulations to those in charge of conducting this review as well as 
to the delegates of the Permanent Mission of Bolivia in Geneva for their constant active  
participation in the various areas of work in this Organization.  
GUATEMALA  
4.253.   Guatemala and the Plurinational State of Bolivia have maintained friendly relations 
throughout the years. This has been reflected in the strong, close relationship that our countri es 
have forged within the Group of Small, Vulnerable Economies (SVEs) in the WTO. Despite the 
geographical distance that exists between our countries, our talks within this Group have enabled 
us to identify in greater depth the major features and challenge s we share and hence to unite our 
efforts to find joint solutions.  
4.254.   With regard to today's review, it is important to highlight Bolivia's positive economic 
performance since its previous trade policy review. As indicated in the report, over the last 
eleven  years the Plurinational State of Bolivia has implemented an investment policy in all 
economic sectors which has helped to boost national competitiveness and exports. In addition, this 
investment policy includes the objective of finding trading partners in order to develop strategic 
sectors as well as the sectors that generate income and employment. The challenges identified in 
the Secretariat report include the importance for the Plurinational State of Bolivia to continue 
exploring different ways of strengt hening its resistance to abrupt changes in the world economy, 
and also to improve the business climate and enhance the road network in order to reduce internal 
distribution costs.  
4.255.   Guatemala recognizes the efforts made by Bolivia during the period covered b y this report 
and wishes its delegation here today a successful conclusion of its trade policy review.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF THE PLURINATIONAL ST ATE OF BOLIVIA  AND 
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
5.1.  I should like to begin by thanking the discussant, Ambassador Francisco Lima, for his detailed 
presentation of our reports, and also to thank the Members participating in Tuesday's meeting for 
their interest, questions and comments concerning the economic, trade and social policies being 
implemented by the  Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.  
5.2.  We have taken note of all of them.  
5.3.  As provided for in the rules of procedure of this mechanism, we shall reply to the additional 
questions within the scheduled deadline (30 days, paragraph 24 of the Rules of Procedure).  
5.4.  Nevertheless, I wish to take this opportunity to comment on some of the more recurring 
questions raised in the Members' statements.  
Notifications  
5.5.  In the course of this year we have made various notifications concerning technical regulations 
and import licensing.  
5.6.  We understand that there is a backlog and shall strive to see that notifications are up to date. 
However, we understand that, in general, the question of notifications is a complicated issue for 
many Members in this House; we therefor e consider that a comprehensive analysis of the question 
is called for.  
5.7.  Generally speaking, developing countries have some limitations affecting their capacity to 
submit notifications, and it is therefore very important to take these into account when deve loping 
rules in this area in order to ensure that they are not unnecessarily burdensome.  
Legal framework for investment in Bolivia  
5.8.  Bolivia is currently implementing the new regulatory framework for investment developed on 
the basis of the constitutional ma ndates adopted in 2009.  
5.9.  Over the last eleven years, Bolivia has promoted and strengthened its policy for the attraction 
of national and foreign private investment, by guaranteeing economic, political and social stability.  
5.10.   One sign of this is the organizati on of investment attraction events in New York, Madrid and 
London, inter alia , some of which have been attended by President Evo Morales.  
5.11.   Law No. 516 on investment promotion of 4  April 2014 invites the national and foreign 
private sector to undertake econo mic activities in both strategic and non -strategic sectors. It 
grants general and specific incentives in line with the plural economic model, and responds to the 
country's current production and industrialization challenges, which require a constant inflow  of 
investment associated with transfer of technology and the generation of know -how. 
5.12.   The Bolivian State is interested in boosting and strengthening its production system, and 
through Law No. 466 on public enterprises of 26  December  2013 allows the partici pation of private 
capital in public enterprises, the establishment of mixed enterprises as well as strategic alliances 
for joint investment.  
5.13.   Law No. 708 of 25  June 2015 on conciliation and arbitration affords legal certainty to 
investments and establishes alternative mechanisms for the settlement of disputes that may arise 
as a result of contractual and non -contractual relations in accordance with international standards.  
5.14.   Through this law, the Bolivian State establishes the rules of the game for relations b etween 
the State and investors as well as between private investors, whether national or foreign.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  5.15.   The guiding principal for all these rules is legal certainty, by establishing clear, precise and 
definite rules for relations between the investor and the Sta te, and guaranteeing that they are 
implemented in conditions of independence, mutual respect and fairness while also respecting the 
sovereignty and dignity of the State.  
5.16.   As an immediate reaction to the abuses committed by multinational enterprises which, 
under cover of bilateral investment agreements, sought to limit the State's regulatory powers and 
demanded excessive and unrealistic compensation, Bolivia denounced all its bilateral investment 
agreements and withdrew from the International Centre for Sett lement of Investment Disputes 
(ICSID).  
5.17.   Bolivia currently has a Model Agreement on Investment for Development, which in the first 
instance has been offered to Peru and Ecuador and will shortly be made available to any other 
partners wishing to have an agree ment within the framework of the Bolivian State's regulations.  
Ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and Protocol Amending the Agreement 
on Trade -related Intellectual Property Rights  
5.18.   We also take note of Members' interest in the ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement 
and the Amendment to the TRIPS Agreement. In this connection, I wish to inform you that both 
agreements are in the final stages of ratification by the Plurinational Legislative Assembly and we 
hope to complete these procedu res by the end of the year.  
WTO perspective  
5.19.   As you will have seen in the reports, Bolivia participates in the WTO from the perspective of 
the "Living Well" paradigm and the Economic, Social, Communitarian and Productive Model, which 
allow a constructive and proactive approach that is at the same time critical of the multilateral 
trading system in order to ensure that it is fair and balanced and takes account of the 
development asymmetries among members.  
5.20.   The rules of multilateralism governing international  trade are instruments that can help 
improve the economy of countries through the expansion and diversification of the trade of 
developing countries and the least developed countries, thereby reducing poverty and social 
exclusion.  
5.21.   Thus, Bolivia firmly beli eves that development should always be the focus of the WTO's work 
and accordingly attaches high importance to inclusiveness, the rule of consensus, a rules -based 
system and the search for compromises that include all its Members.  
5.22.   Accordingly, for Bolivia any initiative in the WTO must take as its reference point the Doha 
Development Agenda and respect the flexibilities granted for developing and least developed 
countries.  
5.23.   With regard to agriculture, given Bolivia's enormous potential as an agricultural exp orter we 
support all initiatives aimed at significantly reforming the current rules of world agricultural trade. 
The Uruguay Round produced rather unbalanced results that favour the developed countries, 
which maintain a highly distorted agricultural trade.  
5.24.   Accordingly, in the agricultural negotiations and in accordance with the DDA we are 
interested in reforming agriculture and maintaining spaces for the implementation of public policies 
that ensure food safety and sovereignty, rural development and the wel fare of rural families 
engaged in agriculture, as proposed by the G -33 and the Group of Small, Vulnerable Economies, 
among others.  
5.25.   Taking into account Bolivia's situation, we are interested in the opening up of new markets, 
providing this opening does not oblige the least developed countries and small, vulnerable 
countries to cut their tariffs, and also bearing in mind that special and differential treatment (SDT) 
must be part of these negotiations.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  5.26.   As for trade in services, Bolivia considers that fundament al services should not be treated 
with commercial criteria given that they are human rights.  
5.27.   We also recognize the negotiations in the multilateral framework and do not endorse 
plurilateral initiatives which in the longer term may become mandatory for all Members. We are 
also opposed to the inclusion in the agreements that have been negotiated of rules that prevent 
domestic regulation of some sectors.  
5.28.   With regard to the new issues, Bolivia considers that negotiations should not be launched 
until such time a s results have been achieved in the development area and the imbalances 
resulting from the Uruguay Round have been redressed.  
5.29.    So long as distortions persist in world trade, it would be quite unfair to ask developing 
countries, particularly the small econo mies, for fresh commitments relating to market access or 
tariff cuts.  
5.30.   Thus, special and differential treatment should be a fundamental component of any existing 
or future agreement in the WTO, and should be based not only on longer time -frames but also on 
the acquisition of capacities to implement the agreements.  
5.31.   On the basis of our experience at Nairobi we have also expressed our concern at the form in 
which certain decisions are taken in this Organization, and we are interested in seeing 
improvements so t hat it becomes more democratic, transparent and participatory.  
5.32.   In conclusion, in our vision the WTO should give more support to development and the 
structural transformation of developing countries in order to promote their industrial development. 
We know that this is not simple, but we shall work together with other developing countries to this 
end. 
5.33.   I should like to thank once again the Chairperson of the Review Body, 
Ambassador  Juan Carlos Gonzales, the discussant, Ambassador Francisco Lima, the members o f 
the Secretariat team with whom we have been working, and all the Members that showed interest 
in Bolivia's economic, trade and social policy, the team of Bolivia's Mission in Geneva, the team I 
have led from our capital and all the institutions and perso ns who have helped to enable Bolivia to 
present this update of its economic, political and social situation in this forum. Thank you.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.34.   I have always believed that trade policy reviews are extremely useful for all WTO Members. 
For the Member being  reviewed, it represents an excellent opportunity to carry out an evaluation 
and hear opinions on its policies and performance from different perspectives, as well as to receive 
valuable external recommendations. For the other Members it is a unique opport unity to obtain an 
x-ray of the reviewed Member's policies, and to get more in -depth information from its authorities 
on the topics of interest to them.  
5.35.   I must say that I have learned a great deal from this review, especially as the Bolivian 
people have ha d the courage to implement their own and, let us say, different model from that of 
most Members of this Organization. It is a model with its own rationale, one that allows itself a 
considerable degree of autonomy to aspire to and test its outcomes, regardl ess of whether they 
turn out well or other than what was desired.  
5.36.   Here I should like to make a brief reference to a news item circulated in the press a few 
years ago. I cannot help recalling it here, because the Bolivian authorities themselves at the time 
presented it as a symbol of political change. You may recall the item, about the "Clock of the 
South". At midnight on the day of the winter solstice in 2014, the hands of the clock on the façade 
of the Bolivian Congress began to turn counter -clockwise; the  numbers on the clock are reversed, 
in other words it is a "backwards" clock. It embodies the notion that Bolivians can be creative and 
do not necessarily always have to follow the established paths.  
5.37.   After hearing all the statements, I should like to comme nt on a few of the elements of 
greatest interest that have arisen in the course of this exercise; I shall not go into greater detail or WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  give figures, and shall also venture to present some assessments and recommendations. To avoid 
any repetition of the fig ures, I have made available to the Secretariat, for distribution as a 
conference room document, a summary of the data, facts and questions or recommendations 
mentioned in my statement on Tuesday.  
5.38.   Looking at the performance of the Bolivian economy over the ten years that the Economic, 
Social, Communitarian and Productive Model has been implemented, there can be no doubt 
whatsoever that it has provided very good results, as has been recognized by most Members in 
their statements. Accordingly, one can only con gratulate the Government and people of Bolivia for 
having taken this step and broken with the existing paradigms.  
5.39.   However, in order to ensure the sustainability of the system in the long term it would be 
advisable to take into account the suggestions that have been made in the course of this exercise 
with respect to diversification of the production matrix to overcome the dependence on the 
industrial and agricultural production of single strategic sectors, as well as to the broadening of 
export markets. It is also important to pay attention to the improvement of the business climate 
and the further streamlining of the customs system. We have heard many recommendations in 
favour of ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, including my own.  
5.40.   While it i s understandable that, during a first stage of consolidation of its Model, Bolivia has 
given priority to its internal conditions and to its strictly domestic objectives, in a subsequent stage 
in order to ensure sustainability it is necessary to look outwar ds towards the world and seek 
greater integration, always in line with the principles of its Model. We have heard the importance 
that various Members attach to their bilateral relations with Bolivia. A number of Members have 
raised their specific interests  in opening up certain sectors, such as the financial sector, and 
improving conditions affecting imports, such as the measures that impose non -tariff barriers 
primarily on agricultural products and some increases in the tariff burden. Members have also 
mentioned the need for improvements in the business climate and infrastructure. With regard to 
the latter emphasis has been given to the road transport network, given Bolivia's landlocked 
situation.  
5.41.   I consider Bolivia to be a privileged nation from the standp oint of natural resources, which 
enable it to generate the wealth that has been embodied in its structural policy reforms. However, 
it could take advantage of new technologies both to preserve its resources and to ensure 
continuity of their exploitation. W e have seen that Bolivia has already set out on this path in the 
field of telecommunications with the launch of the "Túpac Katari" satellite. The possible attraction 
of greater direct national and foreign private investment can lead to transfers of new tec hnology to 
support the development of the various production sectors and thus contribute to the 
diversification of the matrix and improvement of infrastructure.  
5.42.   Many statements, including my own, have also urged Bolivia to ratify the Amendment to 
the TRIPS  Agreement. I personally firmly believe in the benefits of intellectual property 
instruments of this kind, which address the needs and welfare of the population, and I also think 
that they are consistent with the vision of the Bolivian Model. The same can be said for 
the Marrakesh Treaty for access to published works for visually impaired persons, which promotes 
inclusion by providing access to knowledge, education and culture for a disadvantaged minority.  
5.43.   We encourage the Government of the Plurinational St ate of Bolivia to take the necessary 
steps to bring itself up -to-date with its WTO notifications, as requested by the majority of 
Members, and to continued participating actively in the work of this House because, as a Member 
with a very special experience  in the trade policy sphere, it has a great deal to contribute by 
sharing its vision with all Members, as we have seen during the current exercise.  
5.44.   We look forward eagerly to Bolivia's next trade policy review, which will be the fifth, 
in 2022. I also invi te the authorities to disseminate the results of the present review.  
5.45.   It only remains for me to congratulate the Bolivian Government on the successful conclusion 
of its fourth trade policy review and to thank everyone, including the Secretariat and the othe r 
Members who have participated, for their contribution to the review. May I also, Mr  Vice-Minister, 
convey my greetings and congratulations to your authorities. We hope to have your participation 
at the Eleventh Ministerial Conference next month in Buenos  Aires. I should also like to thank WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  the Ambassador of Bolivia and her team in Geneva for the invaluable cooperation provided for this 
exercise. Thank you.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.46.   The United States would like to thank the d elegation of the Plurinational State of Bolivia for 
the constructive work t hat went into the TPR process. We are grateful  also for the overall 
preparation by everyone, including the Secretariat, for this Trade Pol icy Review. Thank you as well 
to the Hono urable Vice Minister Endara for his statem ent this morning and Ambassador Lima fo r 
his very capable insights as d iscussant.  
5.47.   Bolivia 's economic growth and strides in pove rty reduction are commendable. The Bolivian 
economy plays an important role in the region as a major source of ene rgy and agricul tural 
products. Bolivia 's natural reserves of lithium chloride have significant market potential in the 
areas of comm unications and transportation. We hope that Bolivia will continue to diversify its 
export base and focus on policies that enable greater tr ade and pri vate sector economic activity. It 
will be important for Bolivia to carefully manage its level of public debt, improve enforcement of 
intellectual property rig hts, and  increase trade facilitation improvements, and we are pleased to 
learn of the t imeframe for ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the TRIPs 
Amendment.  
5.48.   The United States would like to thank Bolivia for answers to our previously subm itted 
written questions.  The United States has submitted one follow -up question with reg ard to 
enforcement of copyright in Bolivia, and we look forward to recei ving the answer in due course. 
We also urge Bolivia to adhere to its notification obligations in the WTO.  
5.49.   The United States looks forward to working with Bolivia where we can to increa se prosperity 
in the region, and trust that everyone holds the TPR as a valuable examination exercise. Please 
accept our best regards, and our wish for safe travels to those returning to capital.  
H.E.  MR. CLAREMS  ENDARA  
5.50.   I only wish to reiterate our thanks to the entire Secretariat team, to you personally, 
Mr Chairperson, for having conducted our work so successfully, to our discussant, 
Ambassador  Lima, for the accuracy with which he has reflected the details of our report, and to all 
the countries that have  had the time to be able to read our report, comment on it and ask 
questions so as to have a better perspective or clarification concerning our policies.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This fourth Trade Policy Review of the Plurinational State of B olivia has provided us with the 
opportunity to deepen our understanding of its trade and investment policies, and in particular 
regarding the reforms introduced since the last Review in 2005. I would like to thank the 
delegation from Bolivia, led by Ambass ador Clarems Endara, Vice -Minister of Foreign Trade and 
Integration, for its constructive engagement throughout this exercise. I would also like to thank 
our discussant, Ambassador Francisco Lima Mena from El Salvador, for his interesting and 
thought -provo king remarks, as well as the 28 delegations which took the floor the first day, for 
their active participation in this Review. Members were pleased to participate in the fourth Trade 
Policy Review of Bolivia, which is taking place 12 years after the previo us Review.  
6.2.  Members congratulated Bolivia for its strong overall economic performance in recent years. 
They noted that, since its last Trade Policy Review in 2005, and thanks to sound macroeconomic 
management, Bolivia 's real GDP had grown at an average annual rate of 5%, GDP per capita had 
almost tripled, and total public debt had been reduced by over 50%. Some Members highlighted 
that, as a result of the implementation of the so -called economic, social, communitarian and 
productive model (MESCP), under which the State has been playing a more active role in 
transforming the economy and redistributing resources, the extreme poverty rate had declined 
from 38% to 17% and the moderate poverty rate had fallen from 60% to 38%, during the review 
period. Similarl y, income inequality had declined significantly over the past decade, and both 
unemployment and inflation remained low. While these achievements were considered very 
encouraging, some Members noted that further action was required, since poverty levels rem ained 
high, in particular in rural areas, and income disparities are still significant.  
6.3.  Noting that the Bolivian economy remained relatively highly dependent on exports of 
hydrocarbons and mining products, some Members observed that, up to 2014, Bolivia ha d 
benefitted from the high international price of minerals, oil and other raw materials. Since then, 
however, the prices of these products have fallen. In this regard, some Members were of the 
opinion that Bolivia could benefit from intensifying its effort s to diversify exports, and to increase 
the number of trading partners, in order to consolidate its economic and social development and to 
reduce its vulnerabilities to external changes. The strong presence of the State in economic 
activities and the prior itization of the domestic market were considered by some Members to have 
played a major role in the transformation of the economy. Other Members, however, encouraged 
an increased participation of the private sector in Private Public Partnerships to offset potential 
challenges derived from a less favourable global economic environment. In this context, some 
Members invited Bolivia to consider the contribution that a more transparent and predictable 
environment for the private sector can make to achieve its e conomic and social goals.  
6.4.  Some Members recognized Bolivia 's active involvement in the WTO and in other fora as part 
of the group of small and vulnerable economies, as well as the landlocked countries. Others 
encouraged it to have a more active role in the  WTO to further improve its participation and 
integration in the multilateral trading system. In particular, noting that many notifications were 
still outstanding, several Members urged Bolivia to fulfil its obligation regarding its notification 
requiremen ts under WTO Agreements, mainly concerning agriculture, import licensing, and SPS 
measures. Furthermore, many Members encouraged Bolivia to ratify the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement and accept the Protocol of Amendment to the TRIPS Agreement.  
6.5.  With respect t o regional integration and trade agreements, Members mentioned that Bolivia 
is a founding member of the Andean Community of Nations and an active participant in the Latin 
American Integration Association (LAIA) where it has signed several economic compleme ntary 
agreements. Some Members also noted the current process of negotiations to join MERCOSUR.  
6.6.  Members referred to the significant changes made by Bolivia to its investment regime since 
its previous Review in 2005, including the nationalization of enterp rises deemed strategic by the 
Government. Some Members were of the view that improving investor confidence involved a 
number of challenges, in particular given that Bolivia had denounced its 22  bilateral reciprocal 
investment promotion and protection agree ments (APPRIs). On the other hand, several Members 
commended Bolivia for enacting a new investment law in 2014 and a law on conciliation and 
arbitration to increase the legal certainty for investors. Some Members encouraged Bolivia to 
further open its serv ices sector in order to increase competitiveness and attract foreign 
investment.  WT/TPR/M/363  • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  6.7.  Members welcomed the measures implemented to facilitate trade, such as the 
implementation of a single window and the Authorized Economic Operator programme, but noted 
that ta riffs had been increased during the period reviewed. The overall simple average applied MFN 
rate increased from 8.2% in 2005 to 11.1% in 2017. Members also noted that Bolivia did not make 
use of anti -dumping or countervailing measures. Some Members raised questions regarding 
Bolivia 's import licensing and SPS regime, labelling requirements, the level of State intervention in 
areas considered strategic and the need to ensure that domestic demand is fulfilled prior to 
allowing exports of some products. Some Members acknowledged the steps taken to promote the 
protection of intellectual property rights. However, they also recognized that challenges continue 
with respect to adequate and effective intellectual property rights protection and enforcement, 
including with respect to counterfeited goods, and encouraged Bolivia to take the necessary steps 
to improve its enforcement of IPRs.  
6.8.  Bolivia has provided answers to almost all  200 advance written questions raised by Members 
and was complimented for having opted for  the Alternative Timeline for this process. This TPR will 
be successfully concluded once Bolivia has replied to all outstanding questions that emerged 
during the meeting, in a month 's time. I  hope that the constructive discussion held during this 
Review wi ll prove useful to Bolivia in its pursuit of policies to achieve sustainable growth and 
reduce poverty while at the same time increasing business confidence and competitiveness.  
__________