The micro-enterprise sector is one of the most affected by quarantine due to coronavirus. The workshops closed, and several people lost their source of income. They are asking for state support. Five thousand productive units are in danger in Santa Cruz.
Bolivian Customs reported that imports of medical supplies needed to combat the coronavirus were freed from taxes and will clear within 24 hours. So far, it received 175 requests for the release of medical supplies, of which they dispatched already 117.
FONPLATA, Development Bank granted Bolivia $200,000, through non-reimbursable technical cooperation, which will be channelled through the Ministry of Health of Bolivia for the purchase of supplies and emergency medical equipment, to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus and mitigate the adverse effects on the country’s population.
The Government is working to ensure that exports of Bolivian royal quinoa to the United States and European markets are made under the designation of origin because of the unique nutritional characteristics and size of the grain, which is only produced in Bolivia.
The coronavirus outbreak has an impact on the income of the productive sector, particularly on micro and small enterprises (SMBs) that report a drop in sales of up to 100 percent. Due to the situation, they are demanding an extension of the time for rescheduling loans in the banking sector from two to twelve months.
In the midst of the health emergency caused by the appearance of the Coronavirus in Bolivia, the Government guaranteed the payment of the Renta Dignidad bond to the elderly. However, it was noted that the payment can be accumulated so it was recommended that beneficiaries collect the bond after the quarantine is lifted and stay in their homes to protect their health.
The number of staff was reduced and the scale of work in operations was adjusted in an effort to ensure security, in addition to the progressive reduction of non-essential activities and services.
The Bolivian National Bank Association (Asoban) announced that persons or companies with liquidity problems due to the quarantine caused by the coronavirus will be granted three benefits: 1. Deferment of payments. 2. Rescheduling of debts and 3. Access to resources to finance their activities.
