Generalizes on the best strategy to enter the market, e.g., visiting the country; importance of relationships to finding a good partner; use of agents.
Last Published: 7/12/2019

Companies considering doing business in Bolivia should carefully weigh the advantages and risks of potential investments, conduct extensive due diligence before committing funds, and retain competent Bolivian legal and outside counsel.  U.S. companies are also advised to make considerable efforts upfront in identifying the right partner, agent, distributor, or representative prior to entering the market.

Bolivia has many regional trade events that can be used to promote products or to test market interest.  The largest of these is Expocruz (https://fexpocruz.com.bo/), an international multi-sector trade show that takes place every September in Santa Cruz.  Expocruz organizers reported last year that the U.S. pavilion is one of the most sought-after pavilions for exhibitors.  Expocruz provides a good opportunity to enter the Bolivian market, contact Bolivian importers and representatives, and market products.  Foreign companies from 24 countries participated in the 2018 fair, and business transactions totaled approximately $303.6  million.

The second most attended trade fair in Bolivia is the "Feria Internacional de Cochabamba" (Feicobol), a multi-sector trade show that takes place annually in Cochabamba.  Companies from over 40 countries participated in the 2019 fair, including several European Union countries and the United States, and business transactions totaled approximately $157 million. 

La Paz also has a multi-sector trade show called Fipaz held every year.  Although smaller than the Cochabamba and Santa Cruz fairs, this trade show is expected to grow now that La Paz has a dedicated exposition center. 

U.S. companies often find it advisable to appoint local representatives to investigate market opportunities and to establish sales networks.  Retention of local legal counsel is often required to successfully navigate Bolivia’s informal business practices and bureaucracy.  U.S. exporters may wish to contact the Commercial Office at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz to obtain a market briefing, assistance in locating an agent, distributor, or partner, or for help arranging appointments during business trips to Bolivia.  Please contact commercelapaz@state.gov  for information about the Embassy's commercial assistance services.
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.