A direct concession, rather than a public-private partnership, is the best solution for the development of Peruvian port Callao’s Muelle Norte terminal, Alberto Ego-Aguirre Yez, vice-president of Lima’s chamber of commerce (CCL), told BNamericas.

“We are not in favor of state participation. There was a time when the state would take part in everything, but I think that time has passed,” Ego-Aguirre said.

Despite multiple offers from private firms to operate Muelle Norte, national ports operator Enapu has said it will look to define a “strategic partner” to carry out the modernization program – a move that does not favor the port’s development, according to Ego-Aguirre.

“We should concession the port to a worldwide expert and let them do the work,” he said.

“We’re not selling anyone anything – we’re simply concessioning the port’s business to someone for a number of years. This will bring in not only money, but also operational improvements, technology and also business. That’s something the state can’t offer,” Ego-Aguirre added.

Dubai-based port operator DP World presented a US$1.3bn private initiative to modernize Muelle Norte in 2008. Netherlands-based APM Terminals submitted a US$1.9bn initiative in February this year, and Philippine firm International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) is said to be preparing a third offer.

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