CAF grants USD 142 million to boost connectivity and trade in Bolivia

The Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) approved a loan of USD 142 million to Bolivia for building the Santa Cruz - Las Cruces - Buena Vista highway, which will improve connectivity in the road network, bolster agricultural and commercial activity, and help boost tourism in the east and south of the country.

These funds, to be managed by the Bolivian Roads Administration, will complement the Bolivian government's efforts to connect the country's various regions and improve connections between Bolivia and its neighbors. The Santa Cruz - Las Cruces - Buena Vista highway is within the area of influence of Bolivia's main local and international trade corridor, called the East-West corridor, which connects Peru and Chile with Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.

"This type of investment in infrastructure is essential in improving Bolivia's competitiveness and achieving growth that will benefit the entire population. It also represents a great opportunity to increase trade, improve internal connectivity and foster regional integration," said Luis Carranza, Executive President of CAF.

Building this highway consolidates CAF's decisive role in improving the country's road infrastructure by financing more than 5,627 km of roads, more than half of the current paved road network in Bolivia.