Cooperation with private sector favors the competitiveness of Bolivian companies

The Andean Development Corporation will make a technical cooperation grant to the Bolivian Confederation of Private Enterprises to promote competitiveness in the country and especially to prepare for the economic integration processes and future free-trade agreements. The agreement was signed by CEPB President Roberto Mustafá Ciba and CAF Executive President Enrique García.

The project will help initiate the activities to set up the Center for Competitiveness and Promotion of Integration. Its two essential components are: first the creation of a methodology for formulation of competitive restructuring plans. Six practical cases will be analyzed from Bolivian companies in different economic sectors. A specific course on this subject will be included in the Master´s program of the Bolivian Private University.

The second component is the design of an Entrepreneurial Exchange Program in which countries from the Andean Community and Mercosur are expected to take part.

CAF President Enrique García said that competitive restructuring is a priority for the Bolivian productive base, particularly with a view to the successful integration of the country into the globalized economy, and especially the possibility of a free-trade treaty with United States.

He said that in both processes, the Bolivian private sector had to substantially improve its levels of competitiveness. Bolivian companies need to create distribution, commercialization and knowledge networks of markets and external demand.

García also emphasized the importance of strengthening relations with businesses in the region through an exchange program that creates networks for the exchange of information aimed at obtaining business and entering new export markets. The objective of this effort is to create business networks that include the Andean Community and Mercosur.

This project will strengthen the institutions of the Bolivian Confederation of Private Enterprises, and its role in the development of competitiveness in the country, in response to the challenges created by the economic integration processes and free trade agreements.