economy

Maritime

MEF inspects site for new port in Aguadulce

la prensa

The inspection was conducted with the purpose of reviewing the proposed request for non-refundable funding presented by the Technical Board of the province of Coclé.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) have initiated assessments on the proposed construction of a new port in the district of Aguadulce.

These assessments began with a visit last Saturday by staff from the Planning Department and Pre-Investment Fund to the area of La Caleta, along El Salado beach; a prospective site for the work.

The inspection was conducted with the purpose of reviewing the proposed request for non-refundable funding presented by the Technical Board of the province of Coclé, chaired by Governor Julio Pinzón.

Jaime Pérez, MEF planner, disclosed that the officials were assessing project feasibility, technical aspects related to the site chosen for the work, and conditions of the old port.  Later, he said, they will be hiring a consulting firm specializing in ports to carry out an official feasibility study.

"It's a very interesting project and, from our point of view, it is viable in all aspects: socio-economic, some technical.  But that will be ultimately decided by the profile or prefeasibility study carried out," he said.

It was learned unofficially that the proposed cost to the MEF for the port project is an estimated $89,000.  One of the businessmen who has expressed interest in the new port thus far is major league ballplayer, Carlos Lee.