Argentina-Bolivia Border Integration and Development Plan

(La Paz, September 7, 2007).- With the objective of supporting the formulation of a master plan for binational Argentina-Bolivia cross-border integration and development, the Andean Development Corporation officially launched an international public competition in the framework of the Border Development and Integration Program (PADIF).

The plan is intended to establish a strategic view of the region in relation to economic-productive development, physical integration and sustainable social and environmental development for the macro-regions formed by the Bolivian departments of Tarija and Potosí and the Argentine provinces of Salta and Jujuy, The plan was requested by the foreign ministries of the two countries and will be financed by the multilateral organization.

"CAF support is aimed at the balanced and sustainable development of the border region, giving priority to physical and economic infrastructure projects, provision of public services, promotion of productive activities and strengthening of local managerial capacity," CAF President & CEO Enrique Garcia said.

The four border regions, defined by their political-administrative boundaries, comprise an area of 364,468 km2 with a population of 2,791,178 generating a GDP of US$4.66 billion (approx 3.2% of the total of both countries). The proposals must take into account important differences in territory, population and economy between the four regions, meeting the need for economic and social integration and complementation between them.

The Cross-Border Integration and Development Master Plan consists of a general economic-productive development strategy for the region, a general development strategy for physical infrastructure, and a strategy of social and environmentally sustainable development, which establishes the political guidelines and programs needed to facilitate access by the population to services that promote a better quality of life and inclusive and equitable human development, and guarantee conservation and rational use of renewable and shared natural resources.

The international competition was launched on August 28 with deadline of October 29 for submission of entries. Interested companies should consult details on the CAF website (www.caf.com).