Brazil sees Bolivian gas as key to boosting fertilizer output

“Brazil faces a significant fertilizer deficit. Bolivia has great potential, especially because of its gas reserves. If that gas can be supplied to Mato Grosso at a low cost, it could enable the production of essential fertilizers for the agribusiness sector,” Viana said.

The event brought together business delegations from both countries and government officials and was part of the official schedule of Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz’s state visit to Brazil. On Monday, Paz met with President Lula in Brasília.

“If Brazil can access cheaper natural gas, we can develop large-scale fertilizer plants. That would directly support agribusiness in both Brazil and Bolivia. The conflict in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East serve as a warning that we must find local solutions for Brazilian agriculture,” Viana said.

His remarks come at a time when the conflict in the Middle East is driving up prices for fertilizers and natural gas, a key input in urea production, raising concerns among farmers.

In his opening remarks at the event, Viana also called for stronger trade ties between Brazil and Bolivia. He noted that bilateral trade stood at $5.5 billion in 2013 but has since fallen to $2.5 billion. According to him, Brazilian producers are interested in strengthening ties with their Bolivian counterparts.

“There is interest among Brazilian producers in working more closely with Bolivian producers, especially in Santa Cruz, but also in Acre. There is potential to expand cooperation in other regions,” he said. He added that the two countries could deepen infrastructure integration, emphasizing that projects in the Amazon region should be implemented carefully to avoid additional pressure on deforestation.

Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro, who also attended the event, highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two countries in agribusiness. He said Bolivia has strong growth potential and a leading position in sectors like food production and agricultural machinery. “This meeting comes at a strategic moment. Our economies have the potential to expand agricultural trade,” he said.

Bolivia’s minister of productive development, rural economy and water, Óscar Mário Justiniano Pinto, said the country has significant, high-value production chains that could be expanded, helping local farmers escape poverty. He described Brazil and Bolivia as complementary economies. “Integration between Brazil and Bolivia is not accidental. It is the result of an important partnership,” he said.