Relations between Switzerland and Bolivia are good. Bolivia is a priority country for Switzerland's bilateral development cooperation carried out by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Bolivia
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
The SDC has been active in Bolivia since 1968. As part of its cooperation strategy, the SDC has carried out projects in the areas of decentralisation and human rights, climate change mitigation, and employment and income. Since 2013 consular matters have been handled by the regional consular centre for the Andes in Lima.
Switzerland and Bolivia have agreements covering air transport, technical and scientific cooperation, and disaster relief.
Economic cooperation
Trade between the two countries is relatively modest. In 2018, Switzerland imported goods – primarily agricultural and mining products – worth close to CHF 7 million from Bolivia. Swiss exports to Bolivia – primarily machinery, medical instruments and pharmaceutical products – amounted to CHF 23.5 million.
Swiss direct investments in Bolivia amounted to CHF 67 million at the end of 2017. Swiss companies in Bolivia currently employ around 800 people.
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Researchers from Bolivia can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships from the State Secretariat for Education Research and Innovation (SERI).
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
Swiss development cooperation is tailored to the Bolivian government’s poverty reduction priorities. It is aimed at improving incomes, employment opportunities and the quality of life of marginalised and poor segments of the population, and the related goal of promoting greater participation in political decision-making processes.
The SDC is above all active in the rural regions of the Bolivian highlands and nearby valleys. Owing to the rapid urbanisation that has taken place in recent decades, the SDC’s activities now focus not only on rural areas but also on poverty-stricken districts of Bolivia's cities. Decentralisation and human rights.
Swiss nationals in Bolivia
At the end of 2018, there were 900 Swiss nationals living in Bolivia.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland opened a consulate general in Bolivia in 1935 and a diplomatic representation in 1962. Switzerland has maintained consular relations with this Andean nation since 1911, and initiated diplomatic relations in 1946. The SDC has been active in Bolivia since 1968.
