AGP Executive Report

Bolivia–Brazil Energy Talks: Bolivia’s Energy Minister Marcelo Blanco says technical discussions will start next week with Petrobras on a possible return to oil and gas exploration and production, with Petrobras also offering help to restructure YPFB; no investment figures or timelines were given, but the government wants reserve data to guide production plans. Bolivia Economic “Recovery” Push: The Economy Ministry says 30 measures have been implemented since December to stabilize and support growth amid earlier blockades and strikes, citing steps like daily publication of the official exchange rate, continued fuel subsidies, a higher minimum wage, and tariff elimination for strategic machinery and technology. Protest Crackdown via Emergency Powers: Bolivia’s Congress passed a bill allowing President Rodrigo Paz to declare a state of emergency and deploy military forces to quell protests and blockades, repealing limits on executive emergency orders; opposition and civil groups warn it could escalate violence. Salar de Uyuni Lithium Spotlight: A new explainer highlights how Salar de Uyuni’s salt flat sits above major lithium reserves, tying Bolivia’s mining potential to the geology beneath the world’s largest salt desert. IMF on Stablecoins & FX Stress: An IMF paper argues stablecoins can improve dollar access where official channels are rationed, but may also intensify currency runs during crises—relevant for places like Bolivia where FX access is sensitive. Regional Politics Watch: The U.S. and Latin American allies, including Bolivia, urged Colombia not to cast doubt on its election process, underscoring how political stability and market confidence can move together.

Bolivia’s Economic “Recovery” Plan: Bolivia says it has implemented 30 measures since December to stabilize and grow the economy, pointing to steps like daily publication of the official exchange rate, continued fuel subsidies, a higher minimum wage, and tariff cuts on strategic imports like machinery and technology. Protest Crackdown Risk: Bolivia’s Congress approved a bill that lets President Rodrigo Paz declare a state of emergency and deploy military forces to stop protests and blockades, a move critics say could escalate violence. Energy Talks for Oil Output: Bolivia’s energy minister says technical discussions will start next week with Brazil’s Petrobras on returning to exploration and production, with Petrobras also offering help to restructure YPFB. Lithium & FX Tech Watch: Coverage highlights Uyuni’s massive lithium potential and an IMF paper warning that dollar stablecoins may ease FX access but could also intensify currency runs during stress. Regional Politics With Bolivia in the Mix: The U.S. and a “Shield of the Americas” group including Bolivia urged Colombia not to cast doubt on its election results. Business-Adjacent Global Signals: A World Bank-backed US$77.2m tourism push targets Peru’s Arequipa–Colca corridor, aiming to spur jobs and investment.

Bolivia’s Economic Turnaround: Bolivia says it has regained “recovery” momentum after rolling out 30 economic stability and growth measures since late last year, pointing to steps like daily publication of the official exchange rate, continued fuel subsidies, a higher minimum wage, and tariff cuts on strategic imports. Protest Crackdown Risk: Bolivia’s Congress approved a bill that would let President Rodrigo Paz declare a state of emergency and deploy military forces to end protests and blockades, a move critics warn could escalate violence. Energy Talks With Brazil: Bolivia’s energy ministry says it will start technical discussions next week with Petrobras on a possible return to oil and gas exploration and production, and on helping restructure YPFB. Regional Trade & Investment: The World Bank approved a $77.2m package to upgrade Peru’s Arequipa–Colca tourism corridor, aiming to boost sustainable tourism, jobs, and private investment. Diplomacy & Elections: The U.S. and a “Shield of the Americas” group including Bolivia urged countries not to cast doubt on Colombia’s electoral process after a tight presidential result.

Energy Talks: Bolivia’s Energy Minister Marcelo Blanco says technical discussions will start next week with Brazil’s Petrobras on a possible return to oil and gas exploration and production, with Petrobras also offering to help restructure YPFB—no investment figures or timelines yet. Fuel Policy: A guide to ethanol-blended petrol highlights how countries including Bolivia use E20 or higher blends, while India has made E20 the default retail fuel—raising questions for drivers about mileage and engine compatibility. Renewables Buildout: Hanwha Qcells will handle engineering, procurement and construction for Arizona’s Atlas Energy Park, a massive 14-project solar-plus-storage complex targeting 2.8GW solar and 5.7GWh storage by 2028. Governance Debate: Commentators argue Bolivia’s core problem is shifting from politics to whether the state still has the capacity to govern effectively, pointing to institutional erosion and impunity. Agribusiness & Exports: Peru’s newly catalogued cacao genetic varieties could boost premium chocolate supply—relevant for regional cocoa farmers and buyers watching quality differentiation. Culture & Commerce: Bolivia’s cholita fashion is increasingly tied to lucrative business opportunities, with events like “Cholita Pacena 2026” in La Paz reflecting growing market value in cultural identity.

Energy Talks: Bolivia’s Energy Minister Marcelo Blanco says the government will start technical discussions next week with Brazil’s Petrobras on a possible return to oil and gas exploration and production, with Petrobras also offering to help restructure state firm YPFB as Bolivia seeks to revive output after years of declining gas production and fuel shortages. Governance & State Capacity: A new wave of prominent Bolivian economists, diplomats, and former leaders argues the country’s core problem is no longer just who governs, but whether the state still has the capacity to govern effectively—warning that impunity and institutional erosion are undermining democratic stability. Mining & Investment Pipeline: Expansion drilling is set to begin at Eloro Resources’ Iska Iska project in southern Bolivia, signaling continued activity in the local mining sector as companies push development plans. Trade & Regional Positioning: Commentary around Bolivia’s post-election direction highlights efforts to strengthen ties with the U.S. and recalibrate Bolivia’s economic and diplomatic posture amid broader Latin America’s rightward political shift. Business Climate Watch: Bolivia’s crackdown on child trafficking is also framed as part of a wider enforcement push that can affect compliance expectations for businesses operating in higher-risk supply chains.

Bolivia Security & Justice: Bolivia is tightening enforcement after a child-trafficking case in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, including plans to require mandatory parental chaperones for minors traveling and to expand probes into syndicates that exploit children for forced begging. Central Bank & FX: Bolivia’s central bank plans to reopen USD accounts and return $933 million in frozen deposits, a move aimed at easing pressure in the financial system after recent political turmoil. Protests & Courts: Prosecutors are seeking pretrial detention for a blockade leader, as the post-election environment remains tense and disruptions continue to hit economic activity. Mining & Investment: Drilling has begun at Eloro Resources’ Iska Iska project in southern Bolivia, signaling renewed activity for the country’s extractives pipeline. Trade & Diplomacy: Bolivia is aiming to strengthen ties with the U.S. after the election of a conservative president, with officials highlighting renewed cooperation and support. Humanitarian & Regional Context: Separately, the U.S. is pushing a revamped Monroe/“Donroe” doctrine in Latin America, including counter-narcotics strikes and pressure tied to Venezuela, underscoring the region’s security-driven policy shift.

Bolivia-US Economic Reset: Bolivia’s new conservative government is looking to strengthen ties with the U.S. after election-related unrest, signaling a shift in how La Paz engages Washington on security and economic cooperation. Central Bank Liquidity Move: Bolivia’s central bank plans to reopen USD accounts and return $933 million in frozen deposits, a key step for restoring confidence in the financial system. Protest Crackdown Update: Prosecutors have requested six months of pretrial detention for a leading union figure tied to the May–June roadblock wave that paralyzed parts of the country, as the state of emergency aftermath continues. Mining Investment: Eloro Resources has started expansion diamond drilling at its Iska Iska project in southern Bolivia, targeting resource upgrades and potential higher-grade silver-tin zones, with work expected to run into early 2027. Trade & Transport Signal: Passenger traffic data shows La Paz airport up 2.8% in June 2026, while overall regional airport performance remains mixed, reflecting uneven demand. Human Trafficking Enforcement: Santa Cruz authorities announced tighter rules for minors traveling without parents or legal authorization, following a case involving the death of an infant allegedly exploited by a trafficking ring.

Bolivia Currency & Banking: Bolivia’s central bank says it will reopen USD accounts and return about $933 million in frozen deposits starting July 15, with smaller balances prioritized first, as the boliviano shifts from the old dollar peg to a managed float. Protests & Justice: Prosecutors asked for six months’ pretrial detention for Vicente Salazar, a key union leader tied to the 50+ day roadblock crisis; he was moved to maximum security near La Paz. Trade & Transport: Viru Viru airport traffic data show La Paz and other routes moving unevenly, with some regional passenger declines and La Paz up year-on-year. Mining & Investment: Eloro Resources has started expansion diamond drilling at its Iska Iska project in southern Bolivia, targeting resource upgrades and a larger 40,000m program into 2027. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Santa Cruz authorities plan stricter rules for minors’ travel after a case involving a trafficked infant sparked arrests and broader investigations. Regional Business Context: Qatar Airways launched a double Avios promotion that includes Bolivia among eligible countries, while UNDP expands blockchain-based aid payments beyond pilots.

Bolivia Protests & Emergency Powers: Bolivia’s Congress passed a bill letting President Rodrigo Paz declare a state of emergency and deploy the military to end protests and blockades, after more than 50 days of roadblocks that disrupted transport and triggered food and fuel shortages; prosecutors also moved toward tougher action, seeking six months’ pretrial detention for a key blockade organizer. Currency & Banking Relief: The central bank says it will reopen USD accounts and return about $933 million in frozen deposits starting July 15, prioritizing smaller balances first as the boliviano shifts to a managed float after the end of the dollar peg. Child Trafficking Crackdown: Santa Cruz authorities announced tighter enforcement for minors’ travel, requiring parental chaperones or legal authorization, after an infant death case in Cochabamba tied to alleged trafficking and forced begging. Mining & Investment Signals: Eloro Resources began expansion diamond drilling at its Iska Iska project in southern Bolivia as part of a PEA process, targeting resource upgrades and potential higher-grade silver-tin zones. Trade & Logistics Pressure: Roadblocks at Viru Viru airport earlier this year highlighted how labor and transit disputes can quickly spill into shortages and business disruption.

Bolivia Currency & Banking: Bolivia’s central bank says it will reopen access to frozen USD deposits, returning about $933 million starting July 15, prioritizing smaller accounts first as the boliviano shifts to a managed float after the end of the long dollar peg. Protests & Security: Prosecutors asked for six months’ pretrial detention for Vicente Salazar, a key union leader tied to the May–June road blockades that paralyzed the country, while a separate bill passed by Congress expands the government’s ability to use emergency powers and deploy the military to quell protests. Fiscal Policy: Bolivia’s economy minister says the reformulated 2026 General State Budget (PGE) cleared Congress with broad support, marking a rare push toward dialogue after years of political blockades. Agriculture & Trade Disruption: Road blockades around La Paz and Santa Cruz have continued to strain fuel, food, and medical supplies, feeding shortages and raising pressure for faster normalization. Mining & Investment: Eloro Resources has started expansion diamond drilling at its Iska Iska project in southern Bolivia as part of a PEA process, targeting upgrades to silver-tin resource estimates. Aviation Demand: Passenger traffic data show La Paz airport up 2.8% in June 2026 vs. a year earlier, even as other regional hubs saw declines.

Bolivia’s Currency Reset: Bolivia’s central bank says it will reopen USD accounts and return about $933 million in frozen deposits starting July 15, prioritizing smaller balances first, after the country abandoned its dollar peg and let the boliviano float. Protest Crackdown & Budget Politics: Bolivia’s Congress approved a bill enabling President Rodrigo Paz to declare a state of emergency and deploy military forces against protests, amid weeks of roadblocks and shortages; separately, the Economy Ministry says the 2026 General State Budget (PGE) was approved with broad legislative support after years of blockades. UNDP Payments Upgrade: UNDP expands its Stellar blockchain payments programme beyond pilots across multiple countries, aiming to standardize blockchain-based aid payments and cut distribution costs while improving transparency. La Paz Business & Tourism: A new fundraising edition of the Maja El Grande fishing tournament is set for July 11-12 in La Paz, adding events like “El Gran Ceviche” and a first-ever Waiters’ Race to support children’s health causes. Regional Trade Signals: Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico reports June 2026 passenger traffic down 5.1% year-on-year, with La Paz up 2.8% in the month.

Bolivia Currency & Banking: The Central Bank of Bolivia says it will reopen USD accounts and return about $933 million in frozen deposits starting July 15, prioritizing smaller balances first, after the country ended its long dollar peg and let the boliviano float. Protests & Security: Bolivia’s Congress approved a bill that lets President Rodrigo Paz declare a state of emergency and deploy military forces to stop protests and blockades, a move critics warn could escalate violence. Fiscal Policy: Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza says the reformulated 2026 General State Budget (PGE) cleared Congress with broad support, aiming to move past years of political blockages through dialogue. Trade & Mobility: BlaBlaCar expanded its shared-mobility network into 20 new countries, including further coverage across Latin America with a presence that now includes Bolivia. Remittances: Bolivia received 402 million euros in remittances from Jan–May 2026, with Spain as the top source, reinforcing household income during the downturn.

Bolivia’s Emergency Powers: Bolivia’s Congress approved a bill that lets President Paz declare a state of emergency and deploy military forces to end protests and blockades, after months of unrest in La Paz and El Alto that have disrupted food, gas, schooling, and transport—sparking fears of more violence and backlash from opposition lawmakers and unions. Budget Deal-Making: Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza says the reformulated 2026 General State Budget (PGE) cleared Congress with over two-thirds support, ending nearly two decades of political blockages and shifting fiscal talks toward negotiated consensus. Currency Shock Watch: Reports highlight Bolivia’s move to end a 15-year dollar peg and float the boliviano, aimed at easing dollar shortages—amid ongoing economic strain and public anger. Remittances Keep Flowing: Bolivia received about 402 million euros in remittances from Jan–May, with Spain sending over half, reinforcing household income and savings buffers. Regional Business Context: A broader Latin America rightward shift is reshaping policy priorities across the region, with implications for trade, security, and investment climates.

Bolivia’s currency shift and fiscal deal: Bolivia has moved to end nearly two decades of political budget blockages after the Legislative Assembly approved the reformulated 2026 General State Budget (PGE), with Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza saying dialogue replaced “imposition” and support exceeded two-thirds, sending the text to the Senate for the next step. Remittances keep flowing: The Central Bank of Bolivia reports Bolivia received about €202.46m from Spain (over 50% of total) as part of $459.91m in remittances from Jan–May 2026, with the U.S. the next-largest source. Crypto and FX pressure in the region: Brazil tightened crypto rules by classifying VASPs like traditional securities brokerages (Type 3) from Jan 1, 2027, while Bolivia’s own move to float after a 15-year dollar peg aims to ease critical dollar shortages. Gold demand stays strong: Central banks bought net 41 tonnes of gold in May, led by Poland and China, with Singapore returning to net purchases. Business & investment signals: BlaBlaCar expanded across multiple countries including Bolivia, and Mining Americas began trading on the TSX, highlighting continued capital-market activity tied to regional mining.

Bolivia’s budget breakthrough: Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza says the Reformulated General State Budget (PGE) 2026 was approved by more than two-thirds of lawmakers after nearly 20 years of political blockages, with the government framing it as a shift from “imposition” to dialogue. Remittances keep flowing: Bolivia received about €202.46m from Spain in the first five months of 2026 (over half of total remittances), with total inflows reaching roughly €459.91m ($402m) by May, according to the Central Bank of Bolivia. Currency reform backdrop: Multiple reports note Bolivia has moved away from a 15-year dollar peg as part of efforts to stabilize and revive the economy. Regional business and finance signals: World Gold Council data shows central banks bought a net 41 tonnes of gold in May, led by Poland and China—supporting the broader “reserve asset” trend that can affect Bolivia’s macro outlook. Trade/tech angle for the region: Bloomberg reports an Israeli government-cybersecurity firm is expanding in Latin America, citing new political alignment and rising demand for state cyber defense.

Remittances Watch: Bolivia received about 402 million euros in remittances from Jan–May, with Spain sending over half (231.56m dollars / 202.46m euros), according to the Central Bank—remittances are framed as a “salary fund” supporting household income and savings. Currency & Stability: Bolivia’s 15-year dollar peg was removed as the country shifts toward a more market-based exchange rate, aiming to revive stability amid economic strain. Bolivia Politics & Risk: Evo Morales denied terrorism and armed-rebellion accusations tied to protests and roadblocks, warning the case is politically motivated as tensions rise. Regional Trade/Finance: Mercosur backed Argentina’s “legitimate rights” in the Falklands dispute, with Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay signing on and pushing a renewed UN approach. Business & Capital Markets: Mining Americas began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under symbol MAI after graduating from the TSX Venture. Tech & Security: Israeli AI cybersecurity firm Dream plans Latin America expansion, citing new demand from governments after recent election shifts. Global Macro: Central banks bought net 41 tonnes of gold in May, the World Gold Council reports, signaling continued sovereign demand.