Public consultation for Santos privatization should occur this year, says minister

The Minister of Infrastructure, Tarcísio Gomes de Freitas, stated on October 27th that the studies to define the privatization model of the Port of Santos, on the coast of São Paulo, are close to completion and a public consultation on privatization should take place later this year.

“I believe that at the end of November or beginning of December we are releasing the documents for a public hearing”, said Freitas, during an online seminar on Agribusiness promoted by the bank BTG Pactual. The model for privatizing the port is prepared by the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES).

Freitas stressed that the winning bid at the auction should apply a large volume of resources to improve the infrastructure in Santos. “We are talking about R$ 16 billion in investment,” stated the minister.

Among the works to be carried out by the winning concessionaire is the deepening of the port’s channel from 15 meters to 17 meters, the construction of a tunnel between Santos and Guarujá, and several other improvements in road and rail access around the port.

With privatization and investments, the government’s idea is for Santos to become “the great container hub in Latin America,” said Freitas. This should also be encouraged by the bill to encourage coastal shipping, known as BR do Mar, which is currently being processed in the Senate and which the government hopes to see approved soon, said the minister.

Source: Agência Brasil

To read the full original article, visit the link:

https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/economia/noticia/2021-10/consulta-para-privatizar-porto-de-santos-sai-neste-ano-diz-minister

Sharing is caring!