Netherlands-based international port operator APM Terminals might reconsider its participation in the tender of El Salvador's La Unión-Acajutla port complex if the uncertainty regarding the concession model persists, a high-placed industry source told BNamericas.
"There is a possibility that the company might lose interest in the concession if an agreement is not reached soon," the source said.
The El Salvadorian government's original proposal was to privatize the complex under a two ports, one operator model.
However, the proposal was rejected by the political opposition and on July 29 President Antonio Saca appointed vice president Ana Vilma de Escobar head of a special committee responsible for creating a new privatization model.
On October 9, Escobar announced the government was preparing a decree to privatize the port under a mixed public-private concession plan.
CND SYMPOSIUM
On November 26, the national development commission (CND) held a symposium which was attended by four concessionaires that have expressed interest in the project.
APM and Spain's TCB Terminal de Contenedores de Barcelona were among the companies present.
According to local press reports, they all regarded the fact that the terminal is nearly finished without a definitive concession model as "absurd."
"The company was very clear about saying that an agreement is needed. The port needs to start operating as soon as possible because, although construction is nearly complete, the concession model has not yet been determined. Additionally, the terminal needs to be equipped," the source added.
GUATEMALA
The source said other projects are being developed close to El Salvador that could take attention away from La Unión-Acajutla.
"In Guatemala there are two projects to expand the ports Quetzal and Santo Tomás de Castilla that have not crystallized yet. However, rumor has it they are speeding things up to beat El Salvador," the source added.
APM has no specific deadline to make a decision about whether or not to participate in the La Unión-Acajutla tender.
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