AGP Executive Report

BRICS Currency Talk: Bolivia’s industry watch gets a key signal from New Delhi: BRICS officials say there’s “no proposal” for a common BRICS currency right now, while still pushing local-currency settlement to cut transaction costs. Nuclear & Civil Infrastructure: In the New Delhi Declaration, BRICS leaders also flagged “deliberate attacks” on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, warning about “growing risks” of nuclear danger. Trade Rules & Tariffs: The declaration targets unilateral coercive measures, rising tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and calls out protectionism tied to environmental trade tools. Agri Inputs & Grain Markets: BRICS agreed to set up AGRIN, a farmer-centric network for agro-inputs, genetic resources and agricultural information, and to keep work moving on a BRICS grain exchange. Bolivia-linked Human Impact: A building collapse in Sao Paulo killed two people from a Bolivian-origin family, underscoring ongoing risks for migrant communities.

BRICS Summit Opens in New Delhi: India kicked off the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit at Bharat Mandapam with a day-one push for “resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability,” while the New Delhi Declaration targets global governance reform and condemns terror attacks, amid Iran-UAE tensions and the wider Ukraine and West Asia wars. India-UAE Industrial Push: On the sidelines, PM Modi met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to deepen defence, AI, space, critical minerals, energy, food security and connectivity; the UAE’s International Holding Company backed a $11.5 billion integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha, aimed at making the state a manufacturing hub. Local-Currency and Payments Agenda: Iran’s President Pezeshkian urged BRICS to build a resilient trade network and expand national-currency use and digital payments to reduce vulnerability to political shocks. Bolivia Macro Shock: Bolivia agreed to end fuel subsidies by 2027 under an IMF $1.9 billion bailout, with the deal still awaiting Congress ratification—an issue that will ripple through energy costs and industrial inputs.

IMF Deal in Bolivia: Bolivia’s government submitted an IMF memorandum for a $1.9 billion package tied to a sharp fiscal adjustment, aiming to cut the deficit from 9.1% to 3.8% by 2028 via subsidy elimination, price liberalization, and wage freezes—starting with fuel subsidies ending in January 2027, plus gradual cuts to electricity and gas support and changes to food price controls. BRICS Summit Watch: As the 18th BRICS Summit opens in New Delhi (Sept. 12-13), India is pushing a “resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability” agenda focused on food and energy security and supply-chain stability amid Ukraine and West Asia shocks. Payments and Trade Links: BRICS business leaders are urging linked payment systems and more local-currency trade, with India’s UPI cited as a model and calls to simplify rules to speed customs and clearance. Security and Logistics: Organizers report heavy security in Delhi for the summit, with 15,000 police and large paramilitary deployments, while leaders also discuss energy and logistics corridors. Bolivia’s Industry Climate: A separate Bolivian business survey backs extending the state of exception amid diesel-subsidy protest risks, while rejecting road blockades that have already caused major economic losses.

BRICS Business & Finance Push: India’s Piyush Goyal urged BRICS to link payment systems, expand local-currency trade, and simplify rules to speed customs and clear consignments, pointing to India’s UPI scale as a model. NDB Investment Platform: Vladimir Putin pitched a New Development Bank-backed platform to mobilize private funding for BRICS projects in trade, infrastructure, logistics, and technology, including transport corridors and AI/industry cooperation. Local Currency Agenda: Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian called for deeper use of national currencies in BRICS trade, plus NDB financing and even a proposed BRICS reinsurance fund to back major infrastructure and energy deals. Bolivia Fuel Shock: Bolivia’s fuel regulator probe flagged 22 million liters diverted in one month, tied to control failures and alleged “backdoors,” as the government also moves to end fuel subsidies by 2027 under an IMF $1.9B bailout. Critical Minerals Watch: Nigeria said it will use the BRICS summit to expand partnerships in agriculture, tech/AI, and trade, while a separate report highlights how Argentina’s lithium boom raises the key question of what comes after extraction.

IMF Deal Watch (Bolivia Energy): Bolivia agreed to end all fuel subsidies by 2027 as part of a $1.9 billion IMF bailout, with the government saying it will raise spending on some social programs to cushion the impact; the plan still needs ratification by Congress. BRICS Summit (Global Trade & Industry): India’s 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi (Sept. 12-13) is set to spotlight food, energy and supply-chain security, with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin among key attendees and possible outcomes including a BRICS incubator network, startup innovation fund and logistics cooperation framework. Security & Logistics (Event Readiness): Delhi Police plans heavy security for the summit, deploying 15,000 personnel and 200 paramilitary units, alongside major traffic route controls. Wildlife Enforcement (Santa Cruz): Authorities in Santa Cruz arrested two people for illegal trading of newborn howler monkeys, pointing to a wider trafficking network. Industry & Environment (Supply Chains): A Reuters report links UK retailers’ charcoal to deforestation in Paraguay’s Gran Chaco, raising scrutiny over cross-border sourcing.

Bolivia Fuel & Agri Tension: Santa Cruz’s Assembly of Cruceñidad set a deadline for the government to respond to six demands tied to repealing Supreme Decree 5676, warning of street protests from Oct. 10 if fuel and policy concerns aren’t addressed. Bolivia Justice for Industry & Environment: UN experts urged Bolivian authorities to investigate and prosecute the killers of Agro-Environmental Judge Victor Claure Hinojoza, calling the assassination a blow to judicial independence and environmental rule of law. Regional Labor Crackdown: Brazil rescued 479 people from labor analogous to slavery in August, with cases concentrated in rural coffee and other seasonal crops; construction accounted for nearly half of urban rescues, and victims included migrants from Bolivia and Paraguay. Energy Prices in La Paz: Premium gasoline surpassed 30 pesos per liter at 13+ stations in La Paz, with a wide spread between the cheapest and most expensive pumps. BRICS Summit Watch (Global, with local relevance): India’s 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Sept. 12-13) puts food, energy resilience, and supply-chain security front and center, with Xi Jinping and Putin confirmed and media coverage expected to draw 1,200-1,300 journalists.

Fuel Prices in La Paz: Premium gasoline is now topping 30 pesos per liter at more than 13 stations, with the spread between the cheapest and priciest pumps reaching about 3.81 pesos—enough to swing roughly 152 pesos on a typical 40-liter fill. Agro-Environment Justice: UN experts urged Bolivia to bring to justice the killers of Agro-Environmental Judge Victor Claure Hinojoza, clarify motives, compensate his family, and protect judicial independence after his April assassination in Santa Cruz. Regional Industry & Energy Politics: Bolivia’s fuel crisis is still driving pressure from Santa Cruz’s Assembly of Cruceñidad, which set demands tied to fuel availability and warned of protests starting Oct. 10. Mining Output in Bolivia: EMIPA (Orvana’s Bolivian unit) produced its first gold-silver doré bar at the Don Mario site, signaling progress after years of oxide stockpile processing and ramp-up plans. BRICS Watch for Bolivia’s Partners: As India hosts the Sept. 12–13 BRICS summit in New Delhi, the agenda centers on resilience in food and energy and critical supply chains—while Bolivia remains listed among BRICS partner countries. Mercury Risk in the Amazon: A new Mongabay Latam analysis says 39 Bolivian communities are already suffering mercury poisoning, with 125 more at risk along the Beni River basin.

BRICS Summit in New Delhi: India’s 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit (Sept. 12–13) is set to spotlight food, energy, health, disaster reduction, and critical supply chains, with leaders including Xi, Putin, Pezeshkian, Ramaphosa and Indonesia’s Prabowo expected at Bharat Mandapam; India is also widening engagement by inviting blocs like ASEAN, CELAC, the African Union and BIMSTEC to build a broader Global South network. Bolivia-linked BRICS footprint: The bloc’s expanded membership (11 full members) and 10 partner countries keep Bolivia in the orbit of trade and development discussions, aligning with the summit’s push for investment, industrialisation and multilateral reforms. Bolivia mining output: In Bolivia, EMIPA (Orvana Minerals) produced its first gold-silver doré bar at the Don Mario site, signaling progress on oxide processing and a ramp-up toward commercial production. Mercury risk in Bolivia’s rivers: A new Mongabay Latam analysis flags mercury poisoning in 39 Bolivian communities and risk for 125 more along the Amazon basin, with fish consumption driving exposure and calling for stronger monitoring and health response. Mexico energy pipeline (regional signal): Mexico’s solar-plus-storage pipeline is accelerating, with 3+ GW of projects moving through environmental review—useful context for regional energy and grid planning. Trade/security cooperation in the region: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Colombia’s new president to deepen security cooperation tied to supply chains in mining and critical processing.

Mercury Risk in Bolivia’s Amazon: A new Mongabay Latam review flags mercury poisoning in 39 Bolivian communities and risk for 125 more, tied to fish consumption along the Beni River; in some Indigenous areas, levels reach nine times the WHO limit, raising health fears for children and pregnant women. BRICS Summit Push (Global, with regional spillover): India is preparing for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12–13, with trade, digital tech, energy security, and governance reform on the agenda; leaders including Putin and Xi are expected, and India’s chairship theme centers on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. Bolivia Mining Finance Pressure: A report on gold mining financing says cooperatives struggle to access the Mining Financing Fund (FOFIM) due to bureaucracy and loan recovery rules, leaving many projects in default or facing legal issues—an issue that can shape production and jobs.

Bolivia Fuel Crisis: Bolivia’s government moved to intervene as diesel shortages bite, with fuel regulator action and state intervention aimed at stabilizing supply and prices for industry and transport. Digital Politics & Violence: The Cerimedo case is widening into a “digital Pandora’s box,” linking a Bolivian prosecutor’s attempted femicide charge to broader concerns about political violence, disinformation, and how online tools can erode democratic trust. Mining Finance in Bolivia: A report highlights how gold mining in Bolivia relies on a patchwork of private capital and trading networks, while cooperative miners struggle to access state financing due to bureaucracy and loan recovery rules. BRICS & Energy Diplomacy: India’s BRICS summit push (Sept. 12-13 in New Delhi) is set against major energy and trade talks, including Russia’s claims of record oil and energy imports to India and planned Modi-Putin discussions on defense and commerce. Critical Minerals Push in the Region: India is also stepping up overseas sourcing, including lithium exploration interest in Argentina and critical-minerals and oil engagement in Colombia—signals that supply-chain competition is intensifying across South America. Sustainability Pressure: A study flags “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America, warning that imported waste and weak infrastructure are driving health risks and environmental leakage.

BRICS Summit Prep: India is in the final stretch for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on Sept. 12-13 at Bharat Mandapam, with themes of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, plus a Sept. 11 BRICS Business Forum and Women’s Business Alliance; officials warn of major traffic and security disruptions as delegations move between airports, hotels and the venue. Bolivia Fuel Crunch: Bolivia’s diesel shortage remains a production bottleneck—transport, agribusiness and mining are hit hardest—while reports say YPFB is financially strained and the state’s response has been partial, fueling shortages and smuggling concerns. Mining Finance & Gold: A Bolivia-focused report says gold mining is sustained by a mix of cooperative work and private capital, but that limited state financing and bureaucracy around FOFIM push cooperatives toward riskier funding paths. Lithium Supply Pact: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru signed a South American lithium alliance declaration to position the region as a strategic-minerals supplier for the energy transition amid US-China rivalry. Energy Demand Pressure: A wider Americas market analysis flags a tight diesel situation heading into peak seasonal demand, with thin buffers and rising agricultural use raising pressure on supply chains. Governance & Justice: India’s Chief Justice urged BRICS to act like a “living Nalanda University,” promoting healthy disagreement and faster, more predictable justice to support rule of law and economic activity.

Fuel Crisis & Protests (Bolivia): In Cochabamba, coca farmers and supporters of Evo Morales rallied against President Rodrigo Paz’s diesel price doubling, arguing it raises costs and worsens shortages; police did not disperse the march, while the government says the hike targets smuggling. State Response (Bolivia): Separate reporting says Bolivia is moving toward state intervention as diesel shortages bite, with YPFB described as financially strained and unable to stabilize supply. Critical Minerals & Energy (India–Colombia): India’s KABIL and ONGC Videsh are stepping up work in Colombia to secure critical minerals and energy links, aiming to diversify supply chains for batteries and advanced manufacturing. Lithium Pact (South America): Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru signed a joint declaration to form a South American lithium alliance to supply strategic minerals for the energy transition amid U.S.-aligned pressure. Supply-Chain Security (Bolivia–Brazil–Chile): Brazil intercepted a suspected cocaine-hidden Bolivian timber shipment, with Chile linked to additional timber cases—highlighting evolving concealment tactics and the need for better cross-border enforcement. Poverty & Industry Impact (Bolivia): Coverage says extreme poverty rose sharply after the end of the MAS era, with 1.9 million people pushed into extreme conditions—an economic drag on production sectors. Regional Investment (Paraguay): A BCP-FLAR study points to a new foreign investment wave led by real estate, trade, transport and telecoms, with manufacturing and primary sectors also gaining. BRICS Governance (India): At the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi, India’s chairship theme centers on resilience, innovation and sustainability, while judicial leaders push for a “living Nalanda University” model for dialogue.

Diesel Shock in Bolivia: In Cochabamba, coca farmers and supporters of Evo Morales marched against Rodrigo Paz’s doubling of diesel prices, saying it raises transport costs and squeezes food prices; police largely let the protest proceed despite the state of emergency. Fuel Crisis Response: Bolivia also moved toward state intervention as diesel shortages bite, underscoring how energy policy is now directly tied to production and daily costs. Critical Minerals & Trade: A South American lithium alliance is forming among Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru to position the region as a reliable supplier for the energy transition, while separate Chile–India talks show how critical minerals access is colliding with agri-protection demands. Supply-Chain Security: A report links Bolivian timber shipments to cocaine concealment methods, with Brazil and Chile cooperating—another reminder that enforcement is increasingly about logistics and risk targeting. Energy Sector Watch (Region): OLACDE says Latin America’s oil output rose 10% in April 2026, while gas production also climbed, but regional trade integration remains uneven.

Fuel Crisis & State Response: Bolivia’s government escalated its diesel shortage response by intervening the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) after a similar move against state oil firm YPFB, aiming to restore supply and end long queues. Protests in Cochabamba: Hundreds of coca farmers and supporters marched in Cochabamba against the diesel price doubling, demanding repeal of the decree that raised large-consumer diesel from $0.80 to $1.50 per liter; police largely did not disperse the rally despite the state of emergency. Energy Market Context: A regional energy report says Latin America and the Caribbean kept momentum in April 2026, with oil production up 10% to 318 million barrels and gas up 8.5% to 21.7 billion m³, while warning that uneven trade integration makes energy security harder. Trade & Industry Watch: Separately, Bolivia appears as a BRICS partner in judicial cooperation discussions, while broader regional investment flows show mining and energy projects still driving capital into parts of the Andes.

Fuel Crisis & Protests: In Cochabamba, coca farmers and supporters of Evo Morales marched against diesel price hikes, denouncing the impact on transport and food costs while the government keeps a state of emergency in place. State Intervention in Hydrocarbons: Bolivia’s government moved to intervene the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) after earlier action against YPFB, aiming to restore diesel supply and end long queues amid alleged irregularities. Energy Market Context: A regional energy report says Latin America’s oil output rose 10% in April 2026 and gas production climbed 8.5%, but warns that uneven trade integration still leaves energy security exposed. Trade & Industry Links: Chile-India FTA talks highlight a balancing act between critical minerals access and protecting India’s agricultural sector. Transport & Logistics Signal: Passenger traffic data show La Paz airport rising 13.2% in August 2026 vs. a year earlier, a small but useful demand read for regional connectivity. Food Systems: At Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2026 in Turin, Indigenous food networks are pushing biodiversity and food sovereignty approaches that challenge conventional agriculture funding priorities.

Fuel Crisis in Bolivia: Bolivia’s government moved to intervene the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) as diesel shortages and long lines worsened, following a similar intervention at state oil firm YPFB, with the stated goal of restoring supplies and ending “inhumane” queues. Protest Pressure on Energy Policy: In Cochabamba, several hundred coca farmers and supporters of Evo Morales marched against the diesel price doubling for large consumers, arguing it raises transport costs and hits the basic food basket; police did not disperse the crowd despite the state of emergency. Regional Energy Outlook: A new OLACDE report says Latin America and the Caribbean kept momentum in April 2026, with oil output up 10% year-on-year and gas production up 8.5%, but warns that uneven trade integration makes energy security depend on faster cross-border interconnections. Mining & Trade Links: Foreign direct investment trends show mining-related reinvestments benefiting countries including Bolivia, while the region’s broader FDI picture remains shaped by shifting U.S. trade policy and sector swings. Gold Reserves Watch: The World Gold Council reports central banks kept buying gold in July, with Bolivia’s central bank adding 1 tonne, alongside major purchases by China and Poland.