Arce said that Potosí can become the center of lithium industrialization. | Photo: @LuchoXBolivia

La Paz, September 18 (RHC)-- Bolivian President Luis Arce affirmed this Friday during the inauguration of the Summit for the Economic and Productive Reconstruction of Potosí that in that department the de facto government of Jeanine Áñez doubled extreme poverty.

"Extreme poverty in 2019 in Potosí was 21 percent, while with the coup government it reached almost 40 percent," Arce asserted.  According to local media, these figures show the doubling of this negative item in approximately one year.

At the same time, the Bolivian president urged to generate projects capable of boosting the industrialization of mining and agricultural production since, according to reports, almost 70 percent of imports in Potosí are foodstuffs.

On this issue, Arce recommended considering the enormous potential of the territory, especially in areas such as potatoes and fruit, in order to ensure food security and sovereignty.

Regarding mining, he recommended conducting in-depth studies to quantify mineral reserves in order to avoid wasting efforts and resources.

The Bolivian president gave special emphasis to the fact that, due to its potential, Potosí can become the center of lithium industrialization, a mineral that other departments such as Cochabamba, Santa Cruz and La Paz have to import.

In addition, Luis Arce stressed the importance of promoting tourism, especially taking advantage of the attractions of northern Potosí, the Salar de Uyuni and Cerro Rico.