UNOPS Backs Bolivia's Efforts to Improve Investment Climate

By PPO Indacochea

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the UN agency specializing in procurement, infrastructure and project management, has announced plans to expand its cooperation with Bolivia. During a visit to La Paz, UNOPS Regional Director for the Andean Region Nicholas Gardner met with government officials to discuss technical support aimed at improving public investment, strengthening procurement systems and creating conditions that can help attract international financing and foreign direct investment (FDI).

UNOPS provides implementation services to governments, multilateral development banks and UN organizations, helping manage infrastructure projects and procurement processes under internationally recognized standards. By improving transparency, efficiency and accountability in public spending, the agency seeks to reduce project risks and increase confidence among investors and development finance institutions.

The initiative comes as Bolivia works to restore investor confidence after several years of economic challenges, including declining natural gas exports, reduced foreign exchange reserves and fiscal pressures. The government has launched a broader strategy to stabilize the economy and attract external capital, while pursuing financing from multilateral lenders for infrastructure and development projects.

Foreign direct investment has become an increasingly important objective for Bolivia as the country looks to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons and mining. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), FDI plays a critical role in transferring technology, creating skilled employment and supporting productivity growth in developing economies. International organizations have also emphasized that transparent institutions and predictable public procurement systems are key factors considered by both private investors and development banks when evaluating investment opportunities.

UNOPS said it stands ready to support Bolivia through technical assistance, procurement expertise and project management services. The agency noted that stronger governance and internationally recognized procurement practices can improve the effectiveness of public investment while making large-scale infrastructure projects more attractive to international partners and investors.

The discussions between UNOPS and Bolivian authorities are expected to continue as both sides identify priority projects and institutional reforms. The cooperation forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Bolivia's investment environment and facilitate access to international financing for sustainable development.