AGP Executive Report

U.S. Visa Restrictions: Washington expanded visa curbs to 40 Bolivians, including judges, lawmakers and former prosecutors, citing alleged corruption and narcotrafficking. The move prompted calls for resignations and investigations at home. Bolivia–Chile Relations: A landmark presidential visit—the first in more than 70 years—brought new agreements on mining and critical minerals, with both sides pledging to work toward normalizing ties. Digital Payments: Tether led a pre-seed investment in Bolivian fintech Peso to grow USDT payments and links to local banks, including for food orders and merchant purchases. Economic Outlook: ECLAC forecasts Bolivia’s economy will grow just 0.2% in 2026 and 0.6% in 2027, the weakest projections in South America. Racquetball: Bolivian star Conrrado Moscoso won the World Open in Chile, defeating American Jake Bredenbeck in the final for his second individual title.

US Visa Restrictions: Washington says it is restricting visas for 40 Bolivians, including judges, lawmakers and former Attorney General Juan Lanchipa, over alleged links to corruption or narcotrafficking. The move is part of broader restrictions affecting more than 60 Bolivian and Colombian figures. Energy and Economy: Bolivia will raise ethanol’s share in gasoline from 12% to 15% on Nov. 1, then to 18% by April, aiming to cut fuel imports. ECLAC forecasts the region’s weakest growth for Bolivia: 0.2% in 2026 and 0.6% in 2027. Digital Payments: Tether has backed Bolivian fintech Peso to expand USDT payments, merchant services and links to local banks, with plans to grow across four Latin American countries. Racquetball: Conrrado Moscoso won his second World Open singles title, defeating American Jake Bredenbeck in Chile. Regional Ties: Chilean President José Antonio Kast’s visit to La Paz—the first by a Chilean president in 71 years—came alongside plans to expand rail freight capacity between the countries.

Fuel and Economy: Bolivia will raise ethanol’s share in petrol from 12% to 15% on Nov. 1, then to 18% by April 2027, under a supply deal with sugarcane producers. The government says the move can cut petrol imports and support domestic production. Digital Payments: Tether is backing Bolivian fintech Peso as it expands USDT payments in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Argentina. The service already lets customers pay for Yango food deliveries in Bolivia, as businesses seek alternatives amid dollar shortages and inflation. Political Probe: Lawmakers from several parties are demanding an impartial investigation into recordings alleging a plot to abduct former President Evo Morales. The claims have not been independently confirmed. Environmental Crime: Bolivia is among 11 countries seeking UN negotiations on a protocol to fight environmental crime, with a focus on cross-border investigations and illegal resource trafficking. Regional Ties: Chile’s president made the first state visit to Bolivia in more than 70 years, as the neighbors look to strengthen relations.

Digital Payments: Tether is backing Bolivian fintech Peso as it expands USDT payments in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Argentina. In Bolivia, customers can already pay for Yango food deliveries with the stablecoin, as businesses seek alternatives amid dollar shortages. Political Tensions: Lawmakers from several parties are demanding an impartial probe into unverified recordings that allegedly outline a $685,000 plan to abduct former President Evo Morales. Energy Crisis: Bolivia’s shrinking gas reserves and falling exports are worsening fuel shortages and economic strains, with subsidy cuts adding to pressure on households. Madidi Protection: Park rangers have denounced alleged illegal mining and environmental destruction in Madidi National Park, calling for authorities to intervene. Regional Ties: Chile’s president made the first state visit to Bolivia in more than 70 years, as the countries explore closer ties and plans to expand rail freight capacity.

Political Tensions: Bolivian lawmakers are demanding an impartial investigation into unverified recordings that allegedly describe a $685,000 plan to abduct former president Evo Morales. Public Works Minister Mauricio Zamora disputes their authenticity, and forensic checks are pending. Business & Payments: Tether is backing Bolivian fintech Peso as it expands USDT payment services from Bolivia into Brazil, Colombia and Argentina. In Bolivia, users can already pay for food through Yango. Energy & Environment: Falling gas reserves and declining exports are worsening fuel shortages and economic strain. Park rangers are also calling for action against alleged illegal mining in Madidi National Park, warning of environmental destruction near the Tiuchi River. Diplomacy & Trade: Chile’s president made the first state visit to Bolivia in 71 years, as the neighbors pursue closer ties and plan to expand rail corridor capacity. Cost of Living: Food inflation is hitting low-income households hard; the Jubileo Foundation estimates moderate poverty affects 44% of Bolivians and extreme poverty 17.5%.

Madidi Under Threat: Bolivian park rangers accuse Chinese companies of illegal mining and severe environmental damage in Madidi National Park, and are calling for authorities to intervene. Energy Crisis: Depleted gas reserves and years of underinvestment have worsened fuel shortages and economic strain. Rising costs and subsidy cuts are fuelling protests, while a proposed IMF rescue and energy reforms aim to stabilize the economy. Cost of Living: Food inflation is hitting low-income families hardest, with 44% of Bolivians—about 5.5 million people—in moderate poverty and 17.5% in extreme poverty, according to the Jubileo Foundation. Chile Ties: Chile’s president made the first state visit to Bolivia in more than 70 years, as the neighbors pursue closer relations and plan to expand rail freight capacity. Wildlife: Gold mining is closing in on the Yungas habitat of the recently identified tilcayo wildcat, raising concerns about damage to forests and rivers.

Cost of Living: Rising food prices are hitting Bolivia’s poorest families hardest, with vulnerable households spending about 60% of their income on food. The Jubileo Foundation says 44% of Bolivians live in moderate poverty and is calling for an updated consumer price index. Politics: Suspended alternate senator Nilton Condori was arrested over alleged terrorism and incitement to commit a crime, in a case that also names former president Evo Morales. Energy: Declining gas and liquid-fuel production is deepening Bolivia’s energy crisis, and experts warn the country may have to import gas—adding costs and threatening export revenue. Trade and Transport: Bolivia and Chile are advancing plans to expand the Oruro–Uyuni rail corridor to Chilean ports, lifting capacity from about 800,000 to 2.2 million tonnes a year. The plan follows Chile’s first presidential state visit to Bolivia in more than 70 years. Environment: Gold mining is closing in on habitat of the newly identified tilcayo wildcat in the Yungas, where many proposed mining sites remain under review.

Drug Trafficking: Bolivian authorities seized 1,643 bottles of cocaine-laced balsamic vinegar bound for Luxembourg, highlighting traffickers’ increasingly complex smuggling methods. Migration: A Cuban man deported by the United States to the Central African Republic has left Bangui and is travelling to Bolivia after nearly three months of uncertainty. Energy Crisis: Declining gas production is pushing Bolivia toward importing fuel for domestic use, while diesel price increases have sparked protests and a troop deployment around La Paz. Regional Trade: Bolivia and Chile plan to expand the Oruro–Uyuni rail corridor to carry up to 2.2 million tons a year, nearly triple current volumes. Environment: Gold mining is encroaching on the Yungas habitat of the newly identified tilcayo wild cat, with many proposed sites still awaiting approval. Politics: Senator Nilton Condori was arrested over alleged terrorism and incitement, in a case that also names former president Evo Morales. Health: A PAHO survey open through October 30 is seeking input from Bolivian nurses and doctors on mental health and workplace conditions.

Trade and Ties: Bolivia and Chile plan to more than double annual rail freight capacity to 2.2 million tons by removing border and customs bottlenecks. The proposal follows Chilean President José Antonio Kast’s historic visit to Bolivia, the first by a Chilean leader in 71 years. Energy Crisis: Falling gas output and reserves are deepening shortages; experts warn Bolivia may have to import gas, adding pressure to public finances and a country already reliant on imported fuel. Politics: Suspended senator Nilton Condori was arrested over alleged terrorism and incitement, in a case that also names former president Evo Morales. Wildlife and Mining: Gold extraction is expanding near the habitat of the newly identified tilcayo wild cat, with dozens of mining sites in the Yungas awaiting approval or reportedly already operating. Critical Minerals: The World Bank has named Bolivia among eight countries launching plans to develop local industries and retain more value from mineral resources. Farm Costs: As diesel prices bite, highlands farmer Etson Machaca is converting plastic, tires and used oil into fuel for his tractors.

Political Tensions: Suspended senator Nilton Condori was arrested on allegations of terrorism and incitement, tied to a complaint over calls to lift diesel-subsidy cuts and organize protests. Former president Evo Morales is also accused in the case. Chile Relations: Chilean President José Antonio Kast made the first state visit to Bolivia by a Chilean leader in 71 years. He and President Rodrigo Paz agreed to pursue cooperation on crime, energy and digital links, while Bolivia’s maritime claim remained outside the agenda. Energy Crunch: Bolivia’s gas output and exports have fallen as reserves dwindle, worsening fuel shortages. Paz’s claim of “extraordinary” reserves has drawn questions about how much gas is proven and commercially viable. In the highlands, farmer Etson Machaca is making fuel from plastic, tires and used oil, cutting costs for his farm. Minerals and Investment: Bolivia is among eight countries launching a World Bank critical-minerals compact, with plans for licensing reforms, stronger environmental oversight and local skills development as the Bank aims to expand its minerals business fivefold.

Political Tensions: Suspended senator Nilton Condori, a critic of President Rodrigo Paz, was arrested over allegations of terrorism and incitement to commit a crime. Former president Evo Morales is also accused in the case, which stems from a meeting where participants called for the diesel subsidy to be restored and announced possible protests. Chile Ties: President José Antonio Kast’s visit to La Paz—the first Chilean state visit in 71 years—opened talks on trade, mining, energy, connectivity and border security. The leaders left Bolivia’s Pacific access claim off the agenda, drawing criticism from Morales. Energy Strains: Bolivia’s dwindling gas reserves and fuel shortages are sharpening pressure on the government. Paz has touted extraordinary gas reserves, but a recent commentary questioned the lack of figures and certification; meanwhile, Altiplano farmer Etson Machaca is making cheaper tractor fuel from plastic, tires and used oil. Minerals Investment: Bolivia is among eight countries launching priorities under a World Bank critical-minerals initiative aimed at expanding local industries and retaining more jobs and value at home.

Chile-Bolivia Relations: Chilean President José Antonio Kast made the first state visit to Bolivia by a Chilean leader in 71 years, meeting President Rodrigo Paz to advance cooperation on trade, energy, mining and border security. The countries also agreed on a framework to share expertise on critical minerals, while setting aside their long-running maritime dispute. Energy Crisis: Falling gas reserves and years of underinvestment have deepened Bolivia’s fuel shortages. Altiplano farmer Etson Machaca is making tractor fuel from plastic, tires and used oil, cutting costs for his farm. Critical Minerals: The World Bank is aiming to expand its critical-minerals business fivefold over five years; Bolivia is among eight countries that have launched plans to build local industries and retain more value from their resources.

Critical Minerals: Bolivia is among eight countries launching priorities under a World Bank initiative to increase its critical-minerals business fivefold over five years, with plans to build local industries, create jobs and retain more value at home. Chile Relations: Chilean President José Antonio Kast’s first state visit to Bolivia in 71 years opened talks on mining, energy, trade and border security. The countries agreed to set aside disputes for now, but restoring ambassador-level ties was not on the agenda. Energy Costs: Highland farmer Etson Machaca is making tractor fuel from discarded plastic, tires and used oil, using pyrolysis to cut costs as diesel prices squeeze farmers. Government and Law: A public-interest action against Vice President Edmand Lara seeks to compel him to hand over leaked recordings and identify their sources; the filing argues their release could compromise state information security and evidence handling. Electricity Policy: Bolivia’s power sector is facing rate adjustments, changes to gas subsidies for thermal plants and proposals to attract renewable-energy investment as policymakers look to modernize the system.

Political Accountability: A public-interest case has been filed against Vice President Edmand Lara over leaked recordings. The claimant wants him to hand the material to the National Defense Council and disclose its sources, arguing the release risks state security. Diplomatic Reset: Chilean President José Antonio Kast’s visit to La Paz—the first state visit by a Chilean leader in 71 years—focused on cooperation in energy, mining, trade and border security. The countries left Bolivia’s Pacific access claim off the agenda and have not had ambassador-level ties since 1978. Energy and Costs: As diesel prices strain farmers, Etson Machaca is using plastic, tires and used oil to make tractor fuel in the highlands. Separately, Bolivia has announced electricity rate adjustments and plans to remove gas subsidies for power plants, amid calls to attract renewable-energy investment. Wildlife: Researchers confirmed a new wildcat species in Bolivia’s Yungas, drawing on genetic analysis and local knowledge of the animal, known locally as the tilcayo. Football: Peru will host Bolivia for a friendly on November 13 in Lima; the venue is still to be confirmed.

Bolivia–Chile Relations: President Rodrigo Paz and Chilean President José Antonio Kast held the first Chilean state visit to La Paz in 71 years. They agreed to focus on trade, mining, energy, health and border security, while leaving Bolivia’s longstanding maritime dispute unresolved. Fuel and Farming: With Bolivia importing about 95% of its diesel and prices squeezing farmers, Eston Machaca is turning plastic waste into tractor fuel using a high-heat process. Energy Costs: New electricity-rate adjustments and the planned removal of gas subsidies for thermal power plants are renewing debate over how to modernize the power sector and attract investment. Wildlife Discovery: Researchers identified a new tiger cat species in Bolivia’s Yungas, known locally as the tilcayo—a discovery that also highlights the value of local knowledge.

Government Measures: President Rodrigo Paz issued six decrees, including a monthly benefit for children orphaned by femicide, a fixed LPG cylinder price of Bs 22.50 and a rule requiring gold exporters to repatriate 80% of export earnings. Chile Ties: Paz is due to meet Chilean President José Antonio Kast in La Paz, with talks expected on energy, trade routes and border security. The leaders are also expected to sign an energy integration agreement, a notable step after decades without formal diplomatic relations. Amazon Protection: A new analysis found more than 90% of forest loss in surveyed Bolivian Indigenous territories from 2003 to 2023 was illegal; 28 of 30 territories reported incursions. Wildlife: Researchers identified a new Yungas cloud-forest wildcat, Leopardus tilcayo, named after the species’ local name. Habitat destruction and capture for the pet trade threaten its survival. Cross-Border Crime: A Bolivian national and an Argentine national were arrested in Chile in a joint investigation into an alleged cocaine shipment destined for Sydney.