The Bolivian National Customs announced this Wednesday (06.03.2024) that two border crossings with Chile –Tambo Quemado-Chungará and Pisiga-Colchane-, will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, starting on May 15. This arrangement between both countries will boost foreign trade and facilitate the transportation of cargo and passengers at the respective Integrated Border Centers.
The Executive President of the National Customs, Karina Serrudo, accompanied by the Consul of Chile in Bolivia, Fernando Velasco, stated that, with this agreement "we will have unlimited access in terms of schedules to the seaports of the Pacific (Ocean), the port(s) of Arica and Iquique (Chile) will be open for our entire export and import sector."
To make this opening of schedules effective, the Bolivian Customs made large investments in infrastructure and equipment. Serrudo recalled that the On February 1st the inauguration took place el Integrated Control Area in Pisiga BorderThis modernization includes improvements in infrastructure (weighing and parking areas, binational control offices and spaces for customs processing). In addition, a new technology (high-precision truck scales, transport scanners and an automatic vehicle license plate recognition system).
The authority of the Host Country of that territory where the Integrated Control Area is located highlighted the improvement of the information systems (the new Data Center and the provision of Internet in border areas and the future implementation of the Single Window for Foreign Trade) which will facilitate the flow of exports and imports. Currently, there is a capacity to serve 850 trucks daily at both borders, but with this measure, the traffic of 1.750 trucks per day can be expedited.
He further stated that The opening of a new one is planned Integrated Control Area in Tambo Quemado, which will be the largest in Latin America, where the Ministry of Economy and Public Finance, through the Program and Project Coordination Unit (UCPP), invested 295 million bolivianos.
For his part, the Consul of Chile announced that investments will also be made in his country to improve the infrastructure at both border crossings and that work was being done with the institutions of his country to provide personnel and equipment to fulfill the signed commitment to provide 24-hour service, seven days a week.
Facts & figures
According to Bolivian Customs, the following are exported through both points: products: concentrated minerals, grains, oilseeds and meat derivatives, while imports through these sites focus on high-tech capital goods, such as automobiles and high-tonnage vehicles for industry, diesel, and raw materials for industry and production.
In 2023, exports across both borders reached figure of USD 2.400 billion, while imports exceeded USD 2.250 billion. (Press conference of the Bolivian National Customs)
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