Fast Track for Approving Investments in Bolivia

Accelerated procedure for strategic projects

The new framework creates a system known as the FAST TRACK for investments, whose purpose is to simplify the administrative evaluation of projects considered strategic for economic development.

This procedure establishes a priority process designed to reduce bureaucracy and allow productive projects to begin execution within shorter timeframes.

Maximum administrative evaluation period

One of the most relevant aspects of the system is the establishment of a maximum period for the technical evaluation of the project.

The procedure establishes that the competent authority must issue a decision within a maximum period of thirty calendar days from the complete submission of the application.

These types of mechanisms are common in public policies aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, since the speed of regulatory processes can be decisive for industrial, energy, or infrastructure projects.

Furthermore, this measure is linked to constitutional principles related to the efficiency of public administration and the right of citizens to receive timely responses from the State, as recognized in the Political Constitution of the State.

Single window for investors

The framework also introduces an institutional system of administrative coordination that centralizes procedures related to investment projects.

Coordination of entities within the investment single window

The so-called investment single window allows the evaluation process to be managed through a coordinating body, preventing the investor from having to interact independently with multiple public entities.

The main objectives of this model include:

• reducing duplication of administrative procedures
• improving coordination between regulatory entities
• simplifying authorization processes
• increasing predictability for investors

For example, in an agro-industrial project that requires environmental permits, production registrations, and logistical authorizations, the single window allows these procedures to be coordinated in an integrated manner.

This institutional model is inspired by investment promotion systems used in various economies seeking to facilitate the arrival of productive capital.

Positive administrative silence as a guarantee

Another important element of the new system is the incorporation of the principle of positive administrative silence.

Automatic approval in case of lack of response

This principle implies that if the competent authority does not issue a decision within the established deadline, the application submitted by the investor may be considered automatically approved.

The objective of this mechanism is to prevent projects from being paralyzed due to bureaucratic delays.

Additionally, the regulatory framework establishes that failure to comply with administrative deadlines may generate liability for public officials, which reinforces the institutional obligation to resolve procedures within the established timeframes.

This principle is also present in various comparative administrative legislations and responds to modernization standards in administrative law aimed at protecting the legal certainty of applicants.

Strategic sectors for the accelerated regime

The FAST TRACK procedure is mainly aimed at projects considered priorities for productive development.

Activities that may benefit from the system

Among the sectors that may qualify for this regime are:

• mining and metallurgy
• hydrocarbons and energy
• electricity generation and renewable energy
• agro-industry
• logistics infrastructure and transportation
• export-oriented manufacturing

For example, an international company interested in developing a renewable energy park or an agro-industrial processing plant could request the evaluation of its project under this accelerated procedure.

The implementation of this type of mechanism seeks to facilitate the execution of projects capable of generating employment, technological innovation, and export expansion.

In summary, the creation of a FAST TRACK system for investments introduces shorter administrative deadlines, institutional coordination mechanisms, and guarantees such as positive administrative silence. These measures aim to reduce regulatory barriers and improve predictability for productive projects that require speed during their initial approval phase.