The US plays a central part in Bolivia’s foreign policy. The US is both Bolivia’s largest trading partner and source of foreign investment. The US has recognised the significant progress made by Bolivia in eradicating the surplus coca crop, coca production and drug trafficking. The Bolivian Head of State declared that there is a close relationship with the American Head of State. During the meeting of the two presidents that took place in the White House several themes of Bolivian interest were taken on board, such as the future gas market, the fight against drug trafficking and support for the “ Bolivia Plan”. “It has been a very important meeting. We are in very good terms. He is a person that I know and I could pick up the telephone if a critical situation arises”, stated the Bolivian President. He also added that the meetings held with executives of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank and other authorities of the Executive and Legislative Powers of the American Government were positive.

The Bolivian President’s official visit to the USA aimed, as a primary objective, more support for the policies subscribed under the “Bolivia Plan”. In August 2002, at the time of taking office, the Bolivian Government launched several policies, which will contribute towards the benefit of the most vulnerable sectors of society by generating employment, boosting national economy growth and production; and strengthening the financial system. During those several meetings, numerous issues were addressed, however the Fund For Recovering Companies and the Strengthening of the National Financial System were particularly raised. It was informed that a US$ 100 million were compromised by the Inter-American Development Bank and another similar amount by the Andean Development Corporation. It was pointed out that the important advances made during these discussions had the aim of getting more support for governmental policies to revert the economic crisis, to tackle unemployment, to eliminate corruption, as well as promote social integration and participation.