AGP Executive Report

Currency Shock in Bolivia: Bolivia’s President Paz declared a state of emergency as protests against austerity and privatization cuts escalated, with reports tying the unrest to a sharp currency slide and rising anger over economic policy. Legal Pressure in Santa Cruz: The Civic Committee for Santa Cruz filed a complaint with prosecutors accusing former President Evo Morales and labor/social leaders of serious crimes linked to the 53-day nationwide blockades, including armed uprising and terrorism. Regional Trade Push (Mercosur): At the Mercosur summit in Paraguay, leaders launched trade talks with Japan and pushed Asia diversification, but failed to settle internal EU quota distribution—Paraguay again complained the “playing field is not level,” while Bolivia’s Paz attended. Security & Organized Crime Focus: Bolivia’s Paz called for a new South American security cooperation architecture to tackle cross-border drug trafficking and organized crime. Business/Finance Watch: Mining Americas Inc. announced it will graduate to the Toronto Stock Exchange on July 3, signaling continued capital-market momentum.

Mercosur Trade Push: Mercosur leaders meeting in Paraguay launched negotiations for an economic partnership with Japan, aiming to expand market access and investment after the EU-Mercosur deal’s provisional entry into force—while internal fights over EU export quotas remain unresolved. EU Deal Fallout in Paraguay: President Santiago Peña said the EU-Mercosur accord left a “bitter taste,” arguing quotas should be shared more fairly, with Bolivia’s Rodrigo Paz and Uruguay’s Yamandú Orsi among those attending. Bolivia at the Summit: Bolivia’s President Paz used the summit to call for a regional security “architecture” against cross-border organized crime and drug trafficking, positioning Bolivia as a “bridge” for continental integration. UAE-Uruguay Links: UAE trade minister Al Zeyoudi met Uruguay’s Orsi to discuss strengthening economic ties in food security, logistics, renewable energy, and data centers. Bolivia Currency Shift Context: Coverage also highlights Bolivia’s move away from a 15-year dollar peg toward a more flexible exchange-rate system, framed as an attempt to restore stability. Regional Business Angle: Trinidad and Tobago advanced toward Mercosur associate membership, signaling potential new manufacturing market access.

Mercosur Trade Push: Mercosur kicked off trade talks with Japan at its summit in Asunción, aiming to expand market access and link value chains after the EU deal entered into force provisionally; leaders also floated future talks with China, but the bloc still couldn’t settle internal EU quota distribution, keeping tensions—especially over Paraguay’s demand for 25% of quotas—front and center. Bolivia Legal/Business Update: Bolivia’s Supreme Court upheld a BOB 744m (about $108m) compensation order against Soboce (Gloria Group) in a long-running unfair competition case tied to cement operations and financing actions while Soboce held shares in rival Fancesa. Bolivia Currency Shift: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and moved toward a more flexible exchange-rate system, a major step aimed at restoring stability and reshaping how businesses price risk and imports. Regional Finance: The IMF approved a $242m tranche for Honduras under its program reviews, highlighting resilience despite a missed domestic arrears criterion—another sign of how investor confidence is being managed across the region. Entrepreneurship Network: WenCHAM launched in St. Kitts and Nevis, expanding a global entrepreneur network with active chapters including Bolivia, focused on smart finance, networking, and entrepreneurial diplomacy. Security & Protests Watch: Coverage continues on Bolivia’s security challenges and the Paz government’s response amid unrest and blockades, with concerns tied to narcotrafficking and illegal mining feeding broader economic and governance pressures.

Bolivia’s Currency Overhaul: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and moved to a flexible, market-based exchange rate, setting the official rate at 9.73 bolivianos per US dollar (down from 6.96) as the government tries to ease a deep dollar shortage and revive inflows. Social Unrest Update: The policy shift comes amid weeks of general strike and road blockades that were only partially cleared after a state of emergency, with tensions still high and demands unmet. Court Ruling for Cement Sector: Bolivia’s Supreme Court upheld a BOB744m (about US$108m) compensation order against Soboce (Gloria Group) in an unfair competition dispute tied to actions taken while Soboce held shares in Fancesa. Regional Trade Politics: Mercosur’s summit in Paraguay highlighted growing fault lines as Argentina’s Milei skipped the leaders’ meeting, while the bloc pushed trade deals (including with Japan and Europe) despite internal strains. Peru Election Ripple: Bolivia’s president congratulated Peru’s president-elect Keiko Fujimori after her narrow runoff win, as regional leaders signal a rightward political shift.

Bolivia’s FX shake-up: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and moved to a flexible exchange-rate system, setting the official rate at BOB 9.73 per $1 (from about BOB 6.96), after dollar shortages and a widening parallel market pushed the unofficial rate near BOB 20 at the peak of the crisis; the change is meant to restore stability and competitiveness as Bolivia seeks an IMF financing package of at least $2.5 billion. Political risk in the background: President Rodrigo Paz again warned that “jail will soon come” for former president Evo Morales amid arrest-warrant claims tied to human trafficking and alleged roles in violent protests—while the government says order has returned after emergency measures. Regional trade signal: Bolivia’s participation in the FIA/CODASUR rally calendar is disrupted—Paraguay will host the 2026 round after organizers cited “force majeure” linked to Bolivia’s sociopolitical and economic crisis. Mining and rights pressure: A new report says human-rights abuse allegations in the mining sector are rising, with South America flagged as the worst-affected region. Tech-finance expansion: SQRIL, a stablecoin-to-QR payments provider, expanded into Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan), pushing lower fees versus card-based crypto/stablecoin products.

Currency Reform: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and will move to a flexible exchange-rate system starting June 29, setting an initial official rate of 9.73 bolivianos per dollar (up from the old 6.96 sales rate), with the central bank using daily buy-and-sell operations to set a reference rate for next-day public transactions—aimed at restoring stability amid dollar scarcity and falling reserves. Social Unrest & Policy Backdrop: The currency shift lands as President Rodrigo Paz faces ongoing pressure from Indigenous and labor groups protesting fuel subsidy cuts, privatization steps, and broader economic measures; the government has also moved to restore order after weeks of blockades, while Morales loyalists in Chapare signal the “struggle continues.” Regional Business Context: Bolivia’s FX overhaul comes alongside wider Latin American shifts in trade and politics, including Mercosur-related market expectations and investor focus on how currency volatility may affect import costs and financing plans.

Exchange-Rate Overhaul: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and will move to a flexible exchange-rate system, with the central bank managing the transition as the official rate shifts to about 9.73 bolivianos per dollar—aimed at restoring stability amid dollar shortages and an IMF financing push. Political Pressure at Home: President Rodrigo Paz again warned that “jail is coming” for former President Evo Morales, tying the message to arrest-warrant allegations and renewed tensions after protest roadblocks. Protest Risk Still High: Despite a state of emergency and a protest ban, coca growers in the Chapare region say the “struggle continues,” signaling continued disruption risk for supplies and the economy. Regional Business Ripples: Paraguay will host a 2026 FIA/CODASUR rally round originally planned for Bolivia, citing “force majeure” linked to Bolivia’s sociopolitical and economic crisis. Global Context for Bolivia’s Costs: Analysts say falling oil prices may ease near-term inflation pressure in emerging markets, but unrest risk remains as household damage from earlier energy shocks lingers. Markets Watch: Asian trading was choppy as investors weigh AI growth versus rising costs and a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire keeping oil and the dollar elevated. Corporate Finance: Andean Precious Metals received TSX approval for a normal course issuer bid to buy back up to 4 million shares over the next year.

Exchange-Rate Overhaul: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and will move to a flexible exchange-rate system, with the central bank managing the transition as the government seeks macro stability, competitiveness, and balance-of-payments equilibrium amid dollar shortages and an IMF-backed financing push. Protest Pressure: Even after a state-of-emergency crackdown and a protest ban, coca growers in the Chapare region loyal to Evo Morales say the “struggle continues,” signaling ongoing supply and political risk. Regional Trade Link: Bolivia’s future access to the EU-Mercosur trade deal is back in focus as tariffs on goods including cachaça are cut, with Bolivia expected to join in coming years—an opportunity for exporters if currency and logistics stabilize. Business Tech Payments: SQRIL, a scan-to-pay QR payments platform for stablecoin users, says it’s expanding into Central Asia, highlighting how lower-fee QR rails are challenging card networks in emerging markets. Energy Costs & Social Risk: Analysts warn that even with oil-price relief, protests tied to higher living costs remain a threat across emerging economies, including Bolivia.

Exchange-Rate Overhaul: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and will move to a flexible exchange-rate system, with the central bank overseeing the shift as the government seeks macro stability, competitiveness, and better balance-of-payments equilibrium amid dollar scarcity and an IMF-backed financing push. The official rate was updated to about 9.73 bolivianos per dollar, implying roughly a 30% devaluation from the prior buy rate, after the parallel market reportedly pushed the dollar near 20 bolivianos at times. Social Unrest Watch: As a “state of exception” authorized police and military to restore order, coca growers in the Chapare region said the struggle continues and vowed to resist any attempt to dismantle roadblocks. Cross-Border Crime: Bolivia reported a smuggling case where over $37,000 seized from a currency-smuggling suspect at the Colchane border complex was stolen from police custody, prompting a new investigation. Regional Risk Lens: Analysts warned that even with easing oil prices, protests tied to energy costs and living expenses remain a risk across emerging markets, including Bolivia.

Exchange-Rate Overhaul: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and will move to a flexible exchange-rate system, a de facto devaluation, as the government cites falling reserves and dollar shortages. The central bank now sets the official rate at 9.73 bolivianos per dollar, down about 30% from the prior buy rate, as Bolivia seeks an IMF financing program of at least $2.5 billion and aims to stabilize markets and the balance of payments. Monetary Transition Watch: Analysts say the key risk is inflation and short-term volatility, with markets focused on how the central bank manages liquidity and communicates during the shift. Smuggling Case Twist: In a separate enforcement story, over $37,000 seized in a smuggling investigation was reportedly stolen from the Colchane police station, prompting a new probe by the Public Ministry. Social Pressure From Energy Costs: A Reuters report warns that even with oil prices easing after a U.S.-Iran truce, Bolivia and other emerging economies still face protest risk as household damage from earlier energy price spikes lingers. Political-Economic Fallout: AFP reports coca growers in Chapare are defying a protest ban tied to Bolivia’s broader crisis, signaling continued pressure on supplies and the economy.

Bolivia Protest Standoff: Despite President Rodrigo Paz’s state of emergency and protest ban, coca growers in the Chapare region loyal to ex-president Evo Morales say “the struggle continues,” signaling blockades could return and keeping pressure on Bolivia’s already strained supply lines. Energy & Social Risk: A Reuters report links falling oil prices to easing near-term inflation, but warns cheaper fuel won’t quickly undo damage to household finances—protests tied to energy costs have already hit countries including Bolivia. Lithium Economy Watch: New analysis frames lithium as the “white gold” driving investment and a mineral rush across the Lithium Triangle (including Bolivia), while another business outlook highlights how lithium could shape jobs and diversification in East Texas—underscoring how Bolivia’s resources remain tied to global battery demand. Legal/Business Fallout: Bolivia’s Senate opposition moves to investigate allegations that former Spanish PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero received €200,000 to mediate in favor of Peru’s Grupo Gloria and Bolivia’s SOBOCE; the UDEF case is expanding, keeping investor and governance questions in focus. Regional Trade Angle: Japan is set to negotiate an EPA with Mercosur, which includes Bolivia—potentially reshaping tariff and market access for Bolivian exporters.

Bolivia Politics & Trade: The Bolivian opposition Alianza Libre is pushing in the Senate for a commission to investigate alleged interference by former Spanish PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in favor of Peru’s Grupo Gloria, tied to payments of €200,000 referenced in a Bolivian police UDEF report. Energy Prices & Social Risk: A Reuters analysis warns that even as oil prices ease after a fragile U.S.-Iran truce, the damage to household finances from earlier energy shocks is already fueling protests across emerging markets, including Bolivia. Lithium & Finance: Hibbs Institute highlights Bolivia’s role in the “Lithium Triangle” and the broader push to turn reserves into jobs and industry, while Ecobank Zimbabwe signals how lenders are financing battery-minerals value chains. Business & Investment: INPACT Global expands its accounting network with new member firms in China and Mexico, aiming to support cross-border clients. Regional Context: Venezuela’s twin earthquakes have killed hundreds and triggered a major humanitarian response, underscoring how shocks can quickly disrupt regional economies and logistics.

Bolivia Political Risk: Alianza Libre says it will push in Bolivia’s Senate for a specialized commission to investigate alleged Spanish ex-PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s interference in Bolivia, tied to a reported €200,000 payment linked to mediation for a Peruvian conglomerate (Grupo Gloria). Bolivia Governance & Supply: With Rodrigo Paz’s government still facing unrest after weeks of road blockades, the dispute is again centered on Santa Cruz—Bolivia’s economic and food engine—where disruptions ripple into fuel and food availability nationwide. Regional Shock (Venezuela): Twin 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes have devastated northern Venezuela, with officials reporting at least 32 deaths and 700+ injuries early on, while La Guaira is declared a disaster zone and rescue access remains a major constraint. Business/Tech (Fertility): Overture Life launched its ICSI.A Center of Excellence program, with Bolivia’s CENALFES among the first clinics to bring automated ICSI into live clinical use. Trade/Commodities (Mercosur-EU): Mercosur’s EU deal quota split is set to dominate the bloc’s summit, with beef quotas the most sensitive issue as countries argue over how preferential shares should be allocated.

Bolivia Governance & Economy: Bolivia’s new center-right president, Rodrigo Paz, is facing a severe test of governability as road blockades tied to unrest strain supply lines, with Santa Cruz—Bolivia’s economic and food engine—at the center of the disruption. Regional Business Risk: The political turmoil is unfolding alongside broader instability in the region, raising uncertainty for trade flows and logistics. International Legal/Trade Angle: Spain’s National Police say former PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s communications referenced trying to contact Bolivia’s president (Luis Arce) in a case tied to alleged payments for mediation benefiting a Peruvian firm, adding another layer to Bolivia’s cross-border business and legal exposure. Disaster & Aid Spillover: Venezuela’s twin earthquakes (7.2 and 7.5) killed at least 164 and injured nearly 1,000, prompting emergency declarations and international aid offers that include Bolivia—an immediate reminder of how regional shocks can quickly affect humanitarian and economic planning.

Venezuela Disaster Response: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez says twin earthquakes (7.2 and 7.5) killed at least 32 and injured 700, with the toll expected to rise; La Guaira is described as a “disaster zone,” Simón Bolívar airport is closed, and Caracas subway/natural gas services are suspended while schools become shelters. Bolivia Legal/Business Fallout: Spain’s National Police unit UDEF says former PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero exchanged messages with his secretary about contacting Bolivia’s president (Luis Arce) tied to a €200,000 payment allegedly linked to mediating for Peru’s Grupo Gloria in the “Plus Ultra” case. Regional Security at OAS: Trinidad and Tobago’s Nicholas Morris told an OAS forum that illicit trafficking of firearms, narcotics and people is a major threat, calling for stronger hemispheric cooperation. Bolivia Protests Ease, Tensions Linger: Bolivia’s last roadblocks were lifted after a pause by coca growers loyal to Evo Morales, but Morales says it’s not surrender and warns the fight continues amid shortages and political standoff.

Bolivia Protest Fallout: Bolivia’s last roadblocks were lifted on June 24 after 48 days, easing shortages after President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency. Labor Politics: Evo Morales’ coca-grower allies announced a “pause” (not surrender), warning the campaign will continue even as highways reopen. Government vs. Opposition: The government says roads are cleared, while Morales accuses Paz of serving “neoliberal” interests and raising fuel and utility prices. Legal/Business Risk: Bolivia’s police say former Spanish PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero received €200,000 via a simulated intermediary contract tied to lobbying Bolivian authorities for Peruvian firm Grupo Gloria—an allegation now before a judge. Regional Energy Shift: Colombia’s rightward turn could reshape energy policy, with incoming President Abelardo de la Espriella promising to expand oil and gas extraction after Gustavo Petro’s fossil-fuel phaseout. BRICS Diplomacy: BRICS marked its 20th anniversary in Moscow, with Bolivia among attendees and India outlining a 2026 agenda focused on resilience, innovation, and sustainability. Sustainable Finance: A Bolivia-focused push highlights long-term financing models for forest watershed restoration, warning that short project cycles undermine decades of gains.