Who are the most influential Bolivians, according to Bloomberg Línea?

 Businessmen Marcelo Claure, Mario Anglarill Salvatierra, and Samuel Doria Medina stand out. The criteria considered include the ability to generate employment, investments that drive significant economic activities, and influence in diverse sectors.

Bolivian businessmen Marcelo Claure, Mario Anglarill Salvatierra, and Samuel Doria Medina stand out in Bloomberg Línea’s 2024 Ranking of the 500 Most Influential People in Latin America. With vast natural wealth and notable human talent, the selected leaders represent a clear example of how to harness the immense potential of the country.

Marcelo Claure is an investor and businessman, CEO, and founder of Claure Group, a global investment holding with approximately $4 billion under management in various sectors of the economy, such as technology, artificial intelligence, energy transition, lifestyle, and entertainment. Additionally, he owns Club Bolívar in Bolivia and co-owns Girona FC, a Spanish first-division soccer team. His career as an executive has numerous milestones: Claure founded Brightstar and turned it into the world’s largest wireless distribution and services company. In 2014, he sold Brightstar to SoftBank Group. He also led multinational companies like WeWork and SoftBank, among others.

Also on the list is Mario Anglarill Salvatierra, who, in 1976, along with his wife Maida, founded Sofía, a leading poultry company in the Bolivian market. Nearly five decades later, he still leads the company as the Chairman of the Board and works alongside his five children. Sofía has a team of more than 2,700 employees and generates approximately 27,000 indirect jobs nationwide. The Corporate Reputation Business Monitor (Merco), which evaluates the performance of companies and their leaders in 11 countries, publishes a list of the 100 best leaders in Bolivia each year: Anglarill Salvatierra was ranked number one in the Bolivian ranking on three occasions.

One of the investors who constantly bets on the country is Samuel Doria Medina Mejía. The businessman and politician earned a master’s degree in Public Finance from the London School of Economics and has since promoted numerous ventures in his country. For 27 years, he led the Bolivian Cement Society, the country’s main cement company, which he sold to Grupo Gloria in 2014 for $300 million. He is currently the president of the real estate and hotel holding Comversa S.A. One of his most notable recent projects is Green Tower, the tallest skyscraper in Bolivia, located in La Paz. One of the most important units of this holding is the Los Tajibos hotel division, which was integrated into Marriott International in 2022 through Tribute Portfolio, a collection of high-end independent hotels.

Thus, the 2024 edition of Bloomberg Línea’s 500 Most Influential People in Latin America and the Caribbean includes three Bolivians. These representatives come from the business, technology, industrial, and service sectors (hospitality and construction).

The ranking highlights that Latin America continues to establish itself as a key region in business, culture, art, and technology. These leaders have managed to position themselves globally in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, technological innovation, mass consumption, and the management of the region’s vast natural resources.

Brazil at the top

Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America, leads the list with 178 prominent names. Among them are figures such as Olympic medalist Rebeca Andrade, CEO of Microsoft Brazil Tania Consentino, and iFood founder Fabricio Bloise, who are international leaders in their respective sectors.

Likewise, Mexico ranks second with 125 influential profiles. Notable among them are Katya Echazarreta, the first Mexican woman to travel to space, and Héctor Ibarzabal, a prominent figure in the real estate sector.

Argentina contributes 59 names to this select list. Among the most prominent are Marcos Galperin, founder of MercadoLibre; Miguel Galuccio, a pioneer in the shale oil & gas industry in South America; and Lionel Scaloni, the World Cup-winning coach with the Argentine national team. Additionally, Pope Francis remains a figure of great global relevance.

This recognition reaffirms the international impact Latin America is having in multiple sectors, highlighting the role of its leaders in the region’s economic and social development.

Methodology: Selection of the 500 Most Influential

The selection of the 500 most influential people in Latin America is based on a thorough analysis conducted by the Bloomberg Línea editorial team. Criteria considered include the ability to generate employment, investments that drive significant economic activities, and influence in diverse sectors such as finance, art, science, and sports. The increasing representation of women leaders and underrepresented demographic groups is also valued.

The 'Evista' March Passes Vila Vila Amid Clashes

 Pro- and anti-Evo Morales factions clashed on the La Paz-Oruro highway, in the Vila Vila region. Despite this, the marchers managed to break through the resistance organized at the site.

In Vila Vila, groups who identified themselves as "self-convened" gathered, but the "Evistas" claimed that they were shock groups from the "Arcista" faction attempting to block the march, which had set out from Caracollo.

During the confrontation between the two sides, there were stone-throwing, fireworks detonations, and allegedly dynamite.

There were also fistfights. It was observed that the "Evistas" managed to capture some members of the opposing side and assaulted them. Injuries have been reported.

The Arcistas accused the Evistas of attempting to carry out a coup.

The march with Morales managed to get through that point amidst the tension. "They wanted to shoot him, but they couldn’t kill him; we passed," stated a leader close to the former president.

The march continues on its way toward the seat of government, where it is expected to arrive next week.

Assaults

From the Facebook account of "Evista" senator Luis Adolfo Flores, an attack on his convoy, which also included his colleague Guido Varela, was reported.

"The attackers intercepted the vehicle, forcefully broke the windows, and opened the doors; upon realizing who the occupants were, they violently attacked them," the account stated.

Drug Packages Found on a BoA Plane Bound for Spain

 The Special Airport Control Group (GECA) discovered several packages of cocaine hidden in a Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) plane destined for Madrid, Spain.

The information was confirmed by the Minister of Government, Eduardo Del Castillo, who shared photos of the operation carried out at the Viru Viru airport in Santa Cruz.

In a statement, BoA asserted that the packages were found inside the aircraft's cabin during the cleaning and security inspection process.

According to the Minister's report, six packages of cocaine were found in the aircraft's trash bin. During a thorough search of the plane, an additional six packages of drugs were discovered.

Del Castillo reported that 35 people who had contact with the cleaning staff and the aircraft have been arrested.

The investigation into this case is ongoing, and the arrested individuals are providing their statements.

Expocruz 2024 is 90% Complete with 31 Countries Confirmed

 Workers are busy with welding and carpentry tasks inside and outside the pavilions at the fairgrounds. Around 400 heads of cattle entered yesterday for judging.

The most important multisectoral fair in the country is putting the final touches on its latest edition. Preparations for Expocruz 2024 are 90% complete, and 31 international delegations have already confirmed their participation. Yesterday, more than 400 zebu cattle entered, competing in both contest and exhibition categories.

With just days until the start of Expocruz 2024, which will take place from September 20 to 29 in Santa Cruz, work at the fairgrounds is progressing under tight deadlines. During a tour by EL DEBER at the site, it was noted that workers are completing the final welding and painting of the pavilions, which will host national and foreign companies participating in the international showcase.

"We are about 90% to 95% complete (in both the external and internal areas of the pavilions). Exhibitors are also setting up their spaces. We are following the schedule to ensure everything is ready by the 20th, expecting over 460,000 visitors," said Óscar Castedo, Head of Marketing and Communications at Fexpocruz.

Expocruz is Bolivia’s most important multisectoral event, bringing together various industries over several days. The exhibition will feature sectors such as automotive, livestock, agriculture, and technology, among others.

So far, 31 international delegations and over 2,000 brands—both national and foreign—have confirmed their participation. These will be distributed across both the external and internal areas of the pavilions.

There is high anticipation for significant participation from exhibitors, entrepreneurs, and the general public, especially given the tense political and economic situation, exacerbated by a shortage of currency and fuel.

Ticket prices are Bs 50 for adults and Bs 25 for children, but there will be special days to encourage attendance. The first day of the fair, September 20, is dubbed Family Day, allowing two people to enter for the price of one adult ticket.

September 21 is Student Day, allowing students under 12 years old to enter for free.

Finally, on September 25 and 26, the "Entrepreneur’s Hour" will take place, during which entrepreneurs who have pre-registered on the website: www.fexpocruz.com.bo, can enter for free between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Online ticket sales are already available on the website or can be purchased directly on the day at the ticket offices at the fairgrounds.

Livestock and Business

Yesterday, with the arrival of more than 400 heads of cattle, including Nelore and Nelore Mocho breeds, among others, the preliminary events for Expocruz 2024 kicked off.

Fernando Baldelomar, General Manager of the Association of Zebu Breeders (Asocebú), announced that today the admission of cattle that will compete in contest and exhibition categories will continue.

"Expocruz will showcase around 1,000 animals, with the most important breed being the zebu, as we have over 700 specimens from 69 exhibitors," said Baldelomar, adding that there has been a 22% increase in the number of participating animals and a 15% rise in exhibitors.

He also noted that, in addition to the livestock on display and in competition, 13 auctions will be held to promote genetic improvement and foster business opportunities.

Regarding threats of road blockades in the country, driven by sectors aligned with former president Evo Morales ("evismo"), Baldelomar stated that these are mere threats.

"Expocruz is an economic driver for the country, and we are confident that these blockade threats won’t go beyond that. The entire Bolivian people will support Expocruz, as it injects much-needed foreign currency into the economy," he added.

Finally, the Business Roundtable, organized by Cainco as part of Expocruz, will take place from September 25 to 27.

Forest Fires: Bolivia Breathes Very Poor Air

 The air quality in the country is very poor this Friday, September 13, as reported by the Air Quality Monitoring Network. Only Tarija has an Air Quality Index (AQI) rated as poor.

The capital city with the worst air in the country is Cobija, with an AQI of 246. It is followed by La Paz (216) and Potosí (204). However, in Quillacollo (Cochabamba), which is not a capital city, the air quality is the worst in the country, at 288.

Santa Cruz registers an AQI of 185, while Trinidad is at 183; Cochabamba, 160; Oruro, 155; Sucre, 152.

Tarija presents poor air quality, at 135, yet it has the best AQI this Friday.

Recommendations for such cases of unhealthy air include minimizing outdoor exposure, using masks, and staying hydrated.

Forest fires have been affecting mainly the eastern part of Bolivia for weeks. On September 7, the government declared a national emergency, and this Thursday, the 12th, aerial operations were carried out to extinguish the fires in Santa Cruz.

Cloud seeding and the "Guardian" system were used. These are biodegradable containers dropped from the air that release their contents, creating a rain effect with great precision over the fires.

It is hoped that these operations will have an impact in areas where the fire continues to burn. On Thursday night, the government reported that the number of fires had decreased from 74 to 54 in the department of Santa Cruz.

Bolivians Drive Up Demand for Soles on the Border with Peru

 A report from Infobae explains that merchants prefer to use the Peruvian sol for their transactions. The dollar shortage has led even Peruvian exchange houses to limit operations with Bolivian pesos.

The shortage of dollars in Bolivia and the economic crisis is impacting not only the country but also beyond its borders. This is the case in Peru, where Bolivian merchants prefer to use Peruvian soles for their transactions, driving up the demand for this currency, according to a report from the digital newspaper Infobae.

The article explains that the current exchange rate in Desaguadero is one sol for Bs 2.70, which “makes the sol a more stable currency for daily commercial operations.”

“The Bolivian peso has dropped too much. Bolivians don’t want their money, they want more soles because their currency is very devalued,” said a seller interviewed by Canal N.

This preference is also affecting Peruvians, who claim that the sol is stable and “well-positioned,” whereas the Bolivian currency “is devalued.”

“As a result, Bolivian citizens have started to reduce their purchases due to the loss of value of their currency, which is also affecting the sales of Peruvian merchants in the area.”

Soles The report details that even in Bolivia there are difficulties in obtaining soles due to the demand. “No one wants to accept Bolivian pesos as a form of payment, exacerbating the problem. Citizens are, in turn, desperately seeking dollars to keep their businesses running and cover basic needs, but the lack of foreign currency is making the situation even worse.”

It also explains that Bolivians traveling to Peru face challenges when trying to exchange their money for soles or dollars, as it is difficult for Bolivian currency to be accepted in that country.

“The shortage of foreign currency has caused even Peruvian exchange houses to limit operations with Bolivian pesos. In some cases, they don’t even accept Bolivians, further complicating transactions for Bolivian visitors in Peru.”

The official exchange rate of the U.S. dollar in Bolivia is Bs 6.96 for sale and Bs 6.86 for purchase; however, its shortage has led to offers above Bs 10 in a parallel market. Since last year, Bolivia has been suffering from a lack of this currency. Despite the government's efforts, the shortage is affecting the business sector and the general population.

On Sunday, President Luis Arce explained that the shortage of foreign currency is due to the failure to safeguard the nationalization of hydrocarbons, the dependence on fuel imports, and the “blocked” loans in the Plurinational Legislative Assembly.

The firefighting brigades from Tiquipaya arrive in Chiquitania

 The firefighting brigades from Tiquipaya arrived tonight in Chiquitania, Santa Cruz, to help control the fires that are damaging this natural treasure.

The mayor of San José de Chiquitos, Marvin Barberí Céspedes, awaited their arrival around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11th.

Barberí made a video call to the mayor of Tiquipaya, Juan Pahuasi Argote, to thank him for the humanitarian support. The teams, after assisting with the fires in Tunari, departed around 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday. The brigades plan to stay for an initial period of 10 days.

“From Tiquipaya, we send you all our encouragement and best wishes for your safe return with positive results,” said the statement from the Tiquipaya Mayor's Office.

Communities and Sectors Affected by Fires Demand Repeal of Laws Promoting Burnings

 Bolivia Faces Alarming Destruction of Rural Areas and Forests Due to 'Chaqueo', Warns Jubileo Foundation

Bolivia is suffering from alarming destruction of its rural territories and forests, caused by the practice of 'chaqueo' (slash-and-burn farming), primarily driven by agricultural and livestock expansion, warned the Jubileo Foundation.

The extractivist model, supported by policies and laws that prioritize short-term growth, is putting the environmental balance, the health of our communities, and the future of coming generations at serious risk, concluded residents and producers from the national Amazon region.

During the meeting, communities from Beni and other affected regions of the country demanded that national and departmental authorities repeal laws and other related regulations “that encourage the practice of 'chaqueo', an activity causing massive forest destruction, air and water source pollution, the displacement of peoples and communities, and the acceleration of climate change.”

The Jubileo Foundation pointed out that laws such as Law 741 and others that promote the use of fire for agricultural expansion have facilitated these destructive practices.

“It is urgent that authorities take responsibility and repeal these laws that continue to damage the environment and endanger the health and well-being of Bolivians,” they emphasized.

The consequences of these fires are devastating: air pollution has reached critical levels. The destruction of forests not only irreversibly threatens and reduces biodiversity but also worsens climate change, contributing to rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and other extreme weather events affecting the country, they stressed.

Demanded Measures

The communities affected by the fires indicated six key points that must be addressed to prevent fires from becoming a chronic issue in the country. The demands include:

    Declaration of a national disaster.

    Immediate repeal of laws and other related regulations that promote 'chaqueo' and burnings in rural areas.

    Implementation of sustainable policies that promote fire-free agricultural practices that respect the environment.

    Immediate and effective action by national and departmental authorities to protect ecosystems and affected communities.

    Compensation for communities affected by the loss of their natural resources and the health damage caused by air pollution.

    Establishment of legal and reparative responsibilities for the destruction of ecosystems and the impact on peoples and communities.

Jubileo noted that if immediate measures are not taken, the destruction of forests and lands will be irreversible. Communities in Beni and other regions of the country, which depend directly on the land for their livelihoods, face an uncertain future where environmental degradation translates into poverty, forced migration, and a loss of quality of life.

“The long-term effects of these fires will resonate throughout Bolivia, endangering the country’s food security and ecological stability,” the institution emphasized.

For Lithium: Accidental Partnership Contract Signed with Uranium One; Arce Urges Assembly to Speed Up Approval

 Luis Arce, the president of the country, announced the signing of an accidental partnership contract for the development of a direct lithium extraction (DLE) plant in the Salar de Uyuni with the Russian company Uranium One Group.

The head of state urged the Legislative Assembly to expedite the approval of this contract.

"Once approved, the investments will be secured, and the commitment to produce 14,000 tons of lithium carbonate in 30 months will be fulfilled," Arce stated.

The president emphasized that lithium industrialization will benefit both Potosí and the country as a whole.

On December 13, 2023, Uranium One Group signed an agreement with Bolivian Lithium Deposits (YLB) to invest $450 million in the establishment of a semi-industrial-scale pilot plant using DLE technology in Salar de Uyuni, Potosí, with a production capacity of up to 14,000 tons per year.

The agreement is valid for two years and will allow production to generate foreign currency in the medium term, along with technical studies aimed at projecting an industrial plant with greater production capacity.

The implementation of this contract depends on the approval of the Legislative Assembly, Arce reiterated.

Announcement of Chinese Lithium Firm’s Arrival Amid YLB's Turmoil

 Citic Gouan is set to sign a contract with the Bolivian state company, which must be approved by the Plurinational Legislative Assembly. Concerns arise over constant changes in YLB and the lack of state vision.

Sources close to the Bolivian Lithium Deposits company (YLB) have announced the arrival of a large delegation from China’s Citic Gouan, which has reportedly given the green light to a feasibility study for the installation of a direct lithium extraction (DLE) industrial plant in northern Salar de Uyuni.

The announcement comes amid the unexpected replacement of YLB’s president, Karla Calderón, by Omar Alarcón on September 2, making him the eighth president of the state company in seven years, during which time there have been controversial management issues related to the government’s largest industrialization effort under Luis Arce’s administration.

Some analysts have described Calderón’s term as “the most productive” compared to previous executives, pointing to her efforts in denouncing irregularities, trying to realign the lithium carbonate production project, and negotiating with Citic Gouan.

Lithium economy expert Óscar Vargas expressed surprise over Calderón’s replacement, particularly because the contract with the Chinese company would be historic for the country. “A few weeks ago, she certified Citic Gouan’s feasibility studies, which feature a very novel liquid membrane technology that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world and will be used for the first time,” he said.

According to Vargas, this technology will allow for the production of 24,000 tons of lithium through selective lithium-ion membranes, representing cutting-edge nanotechnology that China will transfer to Bolivia via patents and intellectual property rights.

“Bolivia’s lithium has 17 times more magnesium than lithium, making extraction expensive due to the lack of suitable technology. Even the pool technologies have taken 12 years to develop. Citic Gouan has experience with these selective membranes since it has four projects in China,” he added.

He further explained that the technology is based on liquid membrane electrodialysis, which recovers lithium from brines with a high magnesium-lithium ratio. “However, this contract still needs to be approved by the Legislative Assembly, as there is currently only an agreement,” Vargas clarified.

Chain of Setbacks Gonzalo Mondaca, associate researcher at Bolivia’s Documentation and Information Center (Cedib), highlighted that the constant changes in YLB’s leadership reveal the weaknesses in the conception of the lithium industrialization project, as so far only exploitation exists.

He cited the example of the first executive manager, Juan Carlos Montenegro (who passed away on April 24), who worked under the former Mining Minister and National Manager of Evaporitic Resources, Alberto Echazú, who was accused and arrested for causing Bs 425 million in financial damage. Echazú disbanded the Scientific Committee formed in 2008, which had developed technology adapted to the Uyuni salt flats that had “some viability.”

“Echazú did manage to build the potassium chloride plant and nearly completed the pilot phase, which was finished by Montenegro. We had pilot plants for potassium chloride, lithium carbonate, cathode materials, and batteries. By 2017, Bolivia was a leader in Latin America in lithium industrialization development, but it stopped there,” Mondaca said.

He emphasized that Montenegro was instrumental in the creation of YLB, freeing lithium from the bureaucracy of the Bolivian Mining Corporation (Comibol) and establishing a partnership with the German company ACI Systems, which failed due to a lack of social consultation with groups like the Potosí Civic Committee (Compcipo).

“After Montenegro, all managers have had smaller roles without a long-term vision. Engineer Calderón, like Montenegro, had more experience in chemistry and chemical processes. But she also faced many challenges, and now she’s being replaced, something likely tied to changes in the trusted personnel of former minister Franklin Molina,” Mondaca concluded.