GasOriente has sought to make the existence of the Río San Miguel - San Matías pipeline an asset to the region, and a positive force in the lives of the people. Since the beginning of the project, the pipeline has generated hundreds of employment opportunities that directly contribute to the area’s economy. The construction phase of the pipeline resulted in over 1700 temporary and permanent jobs, approximately 94% of which were filled by Bolivian personnel. Of these, approximately 50% of the jobs went to people from provinces surrounding the pipeline. Pipeline operations, beginning in 2001, created new opportunities for short and long-term employment. Currently, the company employs approximately 150 people, including staff members and contractors. Area employment growth, however, goes beyond GasOriente jobs. Activities related to the pipeline have generated an increased demand for products and services (such as transportation), resulting in increased employment and income for the people who live here.

Revenue flows from the pipeline to the economy
Natural gas is a valuable asset for Bolivians, and it is critical that they benefit from its transport. Bolivia receives 17% of the value of the gas transported to Brazil. This amount is distributed as follows: 13% for Impost Valore Agregade (IVA), 3% for Impost to the Transactions, and 1% Tasa of Regulations for SIRESE.

GasOriente finances community development
In addition to growing jobs and revenues, GasOriente has contributed to the infrastructure restoration and development of communities near the pipeline. During construction, the company made dozens of infrastructure improvements to counter negative impacts of the pipeline. In the years since, the company has made significant investments in the communities, in the form of Community Relations Plans- and the Indigenous Development Plan.

• The company has funded the Community Relations Plan for San José de Chiquitos with an commitment of $1,152,000 US. More than 90% has been invested in significant projects, and the balance will be directed to the restoration of the only standing Jesuit church in the region.

• The Community Relations Plan for San Matías as benefited from GasOriente’s investment of $1,497,800 US. Of this, the community has realized approximately 42% in improvements. The remaining resource has been placed in a Fixed Term Deposit account, awaiting future projects.

• The Indigenous Development Plan is funded by GasOriente at the level of $2,162,000 US. Significantly, the plan goes beyond investing in infrastructure improvements to providing assistance with agricultural productivity and land titling.

While many of these efforts were conceived as short-term programs, GasOriente is working towards programs that will encourage ongoing, sustainable economic development. Our focus: increasing local capacity so residents can move their communities forward in the direction they themselves wish to go.