Bolivia President Proposes ‘Dry Ports’ to Link Brazil–Chile Logistics

Speaking at the International Economic Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean in Panama, the President of Bolivia, Rodrigo Paz, unveiled a strategic proposal for regional integration: using Bolivian territory as a “dry port” to connect Brazilian production with Chilean seaports. The initiative signals a shift in Bolivia’s stance, prioritizing economic pragmatism and job creation over ideological alignment.

The concept of “land ports”

In remarks to heads of state, Paz highlighted Bolivia’s central position as a natural hub in South America. Citing the country’s five borders — Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru — the president offered Bolivian territory as a logistical extension for neighboring nations.

The proposal aims to facilitate the flow of Brazilian cargo — particularly agribusiness output from the Center-West — toward the Pacific via ports in northern Chile, while giving Chile easier access to the Brazilian market through overland routes and the Paraguay–Paraná Waterway.

Infrastructure and the Bioceanic Corridor

Paz’s speech reinforced efforts to advance the Bioceanic Road Corridor. The mega-project, spanning more than 2,400 km, seeks to link the Port of Santos, in São Paulo state, and the borders of Mato Grosso do Sul with the ports of Antofagasta and Iquique in Chile, crossing Paraguay and Argentina. Bolivia’s effective inclusion in this axis could optimize the transport of mineral and agricultural cargoes.

Two infrastructure projects underpin this integration vision:

• The Aguaragüe Tunnel: located in the department of Tarija, is designed to strengthen the connection between Bolivia and northern Chile, integrating the West–South Logistics Corridor.
• The Bioceanic Railway: Bolivia’s Railways Technical Unit (UTF) plans to reactivate its rail network to reinforce the logistics structure of the Central–Amazonian–Andean Bioceanic Corridor, offering a high-capacity alternative for the transport of grains and minerals.

Paraguay–Paraná Waterway and multimodality

The proposed integration also encompasses the Paraguay–Paraná Waterway, a 3,400-km river corridor linking Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. Industry specialists say combining river transport with Bolivia’s rail and road networks could create a robust multimodal logistics system, reducing export costs to the Atlantic while providing a new outlet to the Pacific.

According to the Bolivian government, the feasibility of these projects hinges on building “verifiable trust” among neighboring countries, transforming Bolivia from a landlocked nation into a strategic facilitator of South American physical integration.

Source: Portal Portuario

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