Guatemala and the United States through the Ministries of Defense of each country, agreed to work together for the modernization of the Port Company Quetzal (EPQ) in Escuintla.
The reactions have been positive and the participation in this cooperation program by the US Army Engineers Program is highlighted.
Positions
The Foreign Trade consultant and former Communications Vice Minister, Mariano Díaz, declared that he has suffered from a poor port and is a condition that has come for years, so we must welcome this cooperation, which will carry out the construction of what the construction of what that it had been requested and that somehow there will be transparency in the management of the funds when carrying out the body of engineers of the US Army. UU., which in turn will cause a prestige, so it is a lasting work on the docks, the bingers and the maneuvering dock and the aircraft itself.
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Jose Maria Echeverría Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Competition (ICE) affirmed that it is based on the main point and that is that any agreement that makes the modernization, so urgent, of the country’s infrastructure a reality is beneficial for all, not only for the industry and trade. So, modernizing such an important port is a basic platform for the competitive development of Guatemala and a first step to achieve the goal of making a reference country in the region.
He declared that the endorsement of an authority as rigorous as the United States Army Engineers Corps and the collaboration of Guatemalan authorities, shows a visionary interest in improving productive conditions. “The road map, and its correct implementation can be a decisive step for the growth of Guatemala and a catalyst for the improvement of competitiveness,” he reiterated.
Great modernization
The announcement that the understanding agreement is signed in May, that is, as soon as possible also reflects a message, according to the interviewees.
For the director of the ICE the letter of understanding that is the instrument that will lay the basis for the development of the project and its consequent results. For this reason it is crucial that the analysis that is done must be focused in technical terms, strategic planning and correct execution. And the selection of priorities will be vital, as well as risk management and the implementation of standards that make the modernization of EPQ come true.
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In general terms, in his opinion this “commitment” is essential for transformation is, of course, an integral part of this process of transformation and by representing not only the physical modernization of the EPQ environment, but also an important step in the Consolidation of Guatemala as a competitive country, the analysis must be alien to ideological discussions or to think that this is an immediate solution to the challenges.
Díaz recalled that Guatemalan engineers who built EPQ are already retired and Guatemala needs experienced technicians to make ports, especially in the specialty of driving tides, currents, subsoils, among others.
“We must welcome this cooperation, which will build what had been requested and that somehow there will be transparency in the management of the funds when the body of engineers of the US Army. UU.”
Mariano Díaz, Foreign Trade consultant and former Communications Vice Minister
“The maritime load of Guatemala comes in increase; The important thing is that EPQ is the largest port in the management of tonnage in the Pacific aspect of Central America in the last three years for industry and commerce and is an installation that deserves more attention, ”he said.
He recalled that the creation of employment and investment comes from the hand of the creation of infrastructure, such as that of the port, so it will imply that a better activity, greater efficiency and management of the loads that enter the country and that are leaving.
Short -term expectations
In August, another official mission will be arriving, which will be filled to formulate a program, so those consulted see a future execution.
“The main expectation before the visit of the technicians to begin the execution of the project rests that studies are achieved are based on precise information and that guarantee the viability and efficiency in the intervention of EPQ. The validation of the designs and studies will lay the basis so that this modernization is not only an urgency project, but is sustainable or a catalyst for the economic development of the country, ”said Echeverría.
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On the other hand, the expectation of having technical and scientific results of studies and designs will give an important thrust to the strengthening of the country’s competitive image, being able to represent more interest in local and international productive sectors to diversify and increase investments in Guatemala.
Díaz is the idea that the US Army Corps of Army. Panama.
He recalled that it is the main port of raw material entry for Guatemala and El Salvador, even for Honduras in the Pacific part, so it is very large, so it needs the engineering works of the commercial dock in at least at least 600 meters on the northeast side that would give two 300 -meter bingers that are the average length of ships that come to Guatemala.
A third phase could be the deepening in the maneuvering dock and its access channel so that they can receive post Panamax ships, the construction of a new break waves with the latest generation design.
Also the possibility of the growth of the port over the sea, and not on the earth that is a trend in the industry, because there is no limitation, and vent the commercial docks, which in its time was an initiative at the time.