Route through Bolivia will expand options for transporting Mato Grosso’s harvest, says Famato.

The Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of Mato Grosso (Famato) considers the creation of the Brazil-Bolivia-Pacific Productive and Logistics Integration Program, established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa), to be strategic. The decree was signed this Tuesday (23), in Brasília, by Minister André de Paula. The initiative aims to strengthen productive, logistical and commercial integration between Brazil and Bolivia, expanding the alternatives for the flow of Brazilian agricultural production to the ports of the Pacific Ocean. For Mato Grosso, the largest agricultural producer in the Midwest and a border state with Bolivia, the program represents an opportunity to reduce distances, lower logistics costs and increase the competitiveness of products in the international market, especially in Asia. The president of Famato, Vilmondes Tomain, participated in the event and highlighted that the new route meets a historical demand of the Mato Grosso productive sector. “This was a moment that had been awaited for several years. Mato Grosso is far from markets, ports, and the main export outlets. Integration with Bolivia opens another route for export through the west of the state and can boost not only this region but the entire agricultural economy of Mato Grosso,” he stated. The program foresees the consolidation of cross-border logistics corridors, with emphasis on the connection from western Mato Grosso. The proposal includes the Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade region as a strategic point for export, within the so-called Route 3/Rondon, connecting state production to Bolivian territory and, subsequently, to Pacific ports. This measure can facilitate the transport of grains, meat, and other agricultural products, creating an alternative to the traditional routes currently used by the sector. The expectation is that the new corridor will help reduce logistical bottlenecks, shorten distances, and increase efficiency in the transportation of production. According to Vilmondes Tomain, the initiative also strengthens economic cooperation between Brazil and Bolivia. In addition to facilitating the flow of production, the integration could expand access to important inputs for agribusiness, such as fertilizers, and stimulate the development of new productive opportunities in the border region. “This integration is positive for both sides. Mato Grosso has technology, prepared producers, and great productive capacity. Bolivia also has much to offer, especially in inputs that are of interest to our sector. It is a relationship that can generate development, security, and opportunities for the entire region,” emphasized the president of Famato. Vilmondes also highlighted that the State has already made progress in infrastructure actions to enable the route, such as paving sections up to the border with Bolivia and coordinating efforts to consolidate the connection in Bolivian territory, especially towards San Ignacio. “The State has already begun working on this route, with construction up to the border with Bolivia, starting from Vila Bela. Now, the challenge is to also consolidate the stretch on the Bolivian side. This route can meet the demand of Mato Grosso, help in the flow of production, and open new opportunities for both countries,” he said. The creation of the program was also defended as a measure capable of stimulating investments in infrastructure, facilitating international trade, and promoting technical and sanitary cooperation between the countries. Among the planned axes are support for logistics, regulatory facilitation, commercial promotion, and attraction of investments. For Famato, the opening of new logistical alternatives is fundamental to guarantee greater efficiency for Mato Grosso's agribusiness. Currently, the distance to Brazilian ports represents one of the main challenges for the competitiveness of the State's production. “Talking about distance is talking about Mato Grosso. We are far from the inputs and also far from the ports to deliver our products. Therefore, each new logistical alternative represents a gain for the rural producer and for the development of the State,” he added. The program's implementation will be regulated by the Executive Secretariat of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), with the creation of a Management Committee. This measure marks another step in the search for new export corridors and regional integration between Brazil, Bolivia, and the Pacific markets. 

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.