Relations between Switzerland and Bolivia are good. Bolivia will remain a priority country for the SDC's bilateral development cooperation until the end of 2024.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Bolivia
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Switzerland and Bolivia have signed agreements in the fields of air transport, technical and scientific cooperation, and disaster relief.
The SDC has been active in Bolivia since 1968. Projects focusing on decentralisation, human rights, mitigating the impact of climate change, employment, and income have been implemented as part of its cooperation strategy.
Economic cooperation
Trade relations between Switzerland and Bolivia are limited in scope. In 2023, Switzerland imported goods worth CHF 8.9 million from Bolivia – mainly agricultural and mining products as well as machinery – and exported mainly chemical products, machinery, medical devices and watchmaking goods worth CHF 10.8 million.
At the end of 2022, direct investment by Switzerland in Bolivia stood at CHF 38 million. Swiss companies employed about 666 people in the country in 2022.
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Researchers and artists who are citizens of Bolivia can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. Under a mandate conferred by SERI, the University of St Gallen is currently coordinating research cooperation initiatives between Switzerland and Latin America.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
Between 1969 and 2024, the SDC carried out projects focusing on governance and human rights, climate change mitigation and environmental protection, economic development and food security. Its cooperation strategy has always been based on the Bolivian government's poverty reduction priorities. The SDC has contributed to raising incomes, facilitating access to employment and improving the quality of life of impoverished and marginalised populations to strengthen citizen participation. The SDC has prioritised implementing its projects at the local and community level, initially in the rural areas of the Bolivian Altiplano and neighbouring valleys. Over the years, its efforts at the national and regional level have also reinforced its impact.
Swiss nationals in Bolivia
At the end of 2023 there were 826 Swiss nationals living in Bolivia.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland established an honorary consulate in Bolivia in 1935 and opened an embassy in 1962. Switzerland has maintained consular relations with Bolivia since 1911 and diplomatic relations since 1946.
Since 2013, the Regional Consular Centre for the Andes in Lima has handled consular matters relating to Bolivia.
