Weekly Report - 15 January 2009 (ISSN 1741-7422)

President Evo Morales sent an emergency high-level delegation to Brazil last week to discuss the recent drop in Brazil's natural gas imports from Bolivia, together with the threat to cut imports further. While the Brazilian government subsequently backed down, it became apparent once again that, with Brazil heavily investing in its own natural gas (and hydroelectric) sector, Bolivia needs to try and diversify its gas export markets.