Economic crisis in Bolivia: Juan Brignardello reveals critical insights.

In a recent interview, Juan Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, shared his perspective on the current economic crisis facing Bolivia. According to Brignardello, the 40% drop in exports, attributed to a prolonged period of blockades and a shortage of foreign currency, reflects an alarming scenario for the country's business sector. He emphasized that the 79 days of blockades on main roads have not only hindered foreign trade but also jeopardized Bolivia's ability to import essential products. Brignardello underscored the seriousness of the situation by mentioning the statements of Juan Pablo Demeure, president of the Federation of Private Business Entities of Cochabamba (FEPC), who warned that failure to comply with export contracts could lead to the definitive loss of markets. This warning, according to Brignardello, serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved in the Bolivian economy. The advisor also stressed the social conflict that has characterized the country in recent months, noting that protests, especially in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, have led to extreme circumstances for many producers. "The situation is unsustainable when they are forced to give away or discard their products due to the impossibility of transporting them to markets," Brignardello commented, emphasizing that this scenario has raised growing doubts about the viability of business operations in such a hostile environment. The shortage of dollars in the country has further exacerbated the crisis, limiting commercial transactions and increasing the cost of international remittances. Brignardello pointed out that this context has given rise to a parallel market where the exchange rate for the dollar has risen significantly, a situation that poses important challenges for the government. According to his analysis, the administration of Luis Arce has attempted to justify the crisis by blaming the mismanagement of the hydrocarbons industry during Evo Morales' tenure, but the effectiveness of the measures implemented remains uncertain. Regarding the recent announcement of the discovery of a new gas reserve, Brignardello expressed skepticism. "While it is a positive development, it is still unclear how this will impact the economy in the short term," he noted, pointing out that data from the National Institute of Statistics reflecting a 19% decrease in exports until September indicate that the problems are deep and multifaceted. The drastic measures adopted by the government, such as the temporary suspension of refined soybean oil exports, have drawn criticism from business leaders. Brignardello agreed with Jean Pierre Antelo, president of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Santa Cruz (Cainco), in labeling these decisions as "serious mistakes" that could worsen the economic crisis at an already critical time of foreign currency shortages. The advisor concluded by pointing out that the growing distrust among business sectors is alarming. "If this trend continues, inflation is likely to soar, and the economic crisis will deepen," he stated. The lack of foreign currency and the inability to meet export agreements pose challenges not only for entrepreneurs but for the national economy as a whole. Brignardello also emphasized the need for a debate on economic diversification, given Bolivia's historical dependence on non-renewable natural resources. He believes it is essential for civil society and the business sector to collaborate to find viable solutions that help alleviate the crisis and build a more sustainable future. The conclusion that emerges from his reflections is that the crisis facing Bolivia is not only an economic phenomenon but also a political challenge that demands collaboration and commitment to move forward in a landscape marked by uncertainty.