Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz submitted a legislative bill to the National Assembly on Tuesday. The aim is to create legal certainty and attract foreign investment. This bill is part of a broader legislative package designed to address Bolivia’s economic crisis.
Various production sectors have requested this proposal. They see it as a crucial step to alter the country’s image after nearly two decades of leftist governments. Minister of Economy and Public Finance, José Gabriel Espinoza, stated that the initiative aims to boost legal security and predictability for investors. It also seeks to organize the existing scattered incentives and legal norms.
The proposal rests on three main pillars intended to pave the way for the next 20 years. It prioritizes sectors such as logistics, artificial intelligence, digital economy, innovation, and alternative energies like hydrogen and solar. Additionally, it focuses on areas where Bolivia already has established productive capabilities. The goal is to move away from the previous leftist economic model that emphasized state investment and nationalized key industries like hydrocarbons, telecommunications, and electricity, according to experts.
According to Espinoza, property rights and constitutional rights have been violated for nearly 20 years without facing significant costs. The plan includes creating a system of incentives and regulations to offer predictability, security, stability, and trust for both national and foreign investors while respecting the State’s Constitution. Espinoza announced the formation of the National Investment Agency. It will coordinate with institutions, mayors, and governors to ensure that investment regulation, promotion, and strategies follow a logical institutional order.
Gonzalo Morales, President of the National Chamber of Industries, expressed to Red Uno TV that Bolivia must guarantee legal security and regulatory predictability to regain investor confidence. According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Bolivia received $620 million in foreign direct investment in 2025, representing 0.3% of the total in the region.
Paz faces the challenge of negotiating with a fragmented National Assembly. He recently distanced himself from his main ally, businessman Samuel Doria Medina, who leads the Unity Alliance. Nevertheless, several parliament members did not follow Medina and have announced plans to oversee these measures.
Medina criticized the delay in addressing the economic crisis, which has worsened due to anti-government protests and blockades lasting over 50 days between May and June. The crisis is evident with the ongoing fuel supply problems, especially diesel.
Paz has secured international support and loans from international organizations exceeding $5 billion.