These figures come from a study conducted by Japanese experts on the country's port potential. The first part of this study has already been delivered to the CEPA, the Salvadoran ports authority.

The investigation was funded by the Japanese government, who is concerned by the lack of definition on what model will be used for the port concession. Because of this, the port is currently inoperative, even though its construction is completed. Japan contributed $100 million for the port's construction.

Guillermo López Suárez, CEPA President, explained that the study "analyzes how much each port imports, exports, which products, what equipment is used to handle cargo, where the cargo is headed and what volume do shipping companies move".

Source: laprensagrafica.com

More on this topic

Satisfaction with the Puerto La Union Concession Model

June 2011

The private sector has pointed out the constitutionality of the decree and considers that it is conveying the right message to foreign investment.

Representatives of the Foundation for Economic and Social Development (Fusades) and the National Association of Private Enterprise (ANEP), noted that the decree for the concession is focused on and consistent with the goals of economic development.

Concession Law for La Union Port

March 2011

The bill provides for a 30 year concession and an investment plan of at least $30 million.

The company winning the bid will implement the investment plan during the first five years.

"The Minister of Public Works, Gerson Martinez, confirmed that the project will operate under the 'Landlord' system," informs Elsalvador.com.

El Salvador: National Concession System

March 2011

The union of private companies submitted a proposal for the creation of a national concessions system.

The National Association of Private Enterprises (ANEP) stated that through a working concession mechanism, the country can attract foreign investment for road infrastructure projects, telecommunications, energy, logistics, etc.

100% Concession for La Union Port

November 2010

It was determined that the best option for the port terminal is to have 100% private administration.

This was revealed by the report issued by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), according to the Executive Port Commission (CEPA) in El Salvador.

"The option is called master concession, which means that a company will manage the terminal, but it still belongs to the state," Enrique Córdova, president of Cepa, told newspaper El Mundo. "The master concession for infrastructure is granted to an international operating entity responsible for managing it entirely, for the period of time stated in the contract."