“Bolivia, alongside two other MERCOSUR member states, has the world´s largest lithium reserves, and alongside the Amazonian countries we have large deposits of rare earths,” the Bolivian leader stated.

Arce assured that for this reason Bolivia proposes to work jointly for the industrialization process of “our strategic resources, so that profits from their exploitation and industrialization are redistributed for the benefit of our peoples and the energy transition”.

Arce insisted these valuable resources will not be allowed to follow the destiny of others “plundered” for the benefit of only a few, while the majority of South Americans remained in misery.

“Without interference or extra-regional pressures of any kind let´s work so that MERCOSUR becomes a true platform for the development of regional initiatives”. This integrationist structure should promote productive chains, innovation and the industrialization of natural resources with respect for Mother Earth, Arce added.

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