Bolivia convenes South American leaders for summit on trade and political cooperation amid regional realignments.
President Luis Arce of Bolivia today announced an upcoming summit in La Paz with South American counterparts to discuss expanding regional trade and deepening political cooperation. The gathering seeks to counterbalance recent shifts toward right-wing regimes across the continent.
Arce cited growing global economic uncertainty and infrastructure deficits as key motivators. His vision: a consolidated bloc capable of negotiating stronger trade agreements and resisting external pressure. Neighboring governments—Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina—are expected to attend.
Observers highlight that the summit coincides with shifting geopolitical trends. Left-leaning governments in Bolivia and Argentina now face conservative administrations in Brazil and Colombia. A coordinated platform may serve as a diplomatic counterweight in regional forums, including Mercosur.
Economists caution that achieving policy alignment will be tough given divergent economic priorities—commodity exports, environmental regulation, and debt levels. Still, Bolivia aims to finalize a roadmap on digital trade corridors and cross-border infrastructure projects by year’s end.
I’m Adedayo Obadina
Talksocialtalks
