Iti’s Commercial Manager Emphazises Bolivian Cargi Is A Challenge

Fecha: 17/09/2012

Bolivia has now a definitely alternative to export their products to the world. This is the Port of Iquique. At present there are several factors in its favor, especially for surplus areas of Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Cochabamba.

According to figures from the country's foreign trade in the first quarter, January to March of this year, export volumes exceeded four million tonnes, 20% up to which were recorded in the same period last year. Soy and wood are the main export products that require ports.

"At this stage there is significant room to grow by the side of the Pacific," said commercial manager of Iquique Terminal Internacional, Jorge Dumont.

FACTORS
Dumont listed at least four factors play in favor of Iquique:

First, the excellent condition of route Huara-Oruro. To the best natural layout, compared to Arica-Tambo Quemado, add the absence of tight curves and smaller slope throughout the layout, then he emphazises that Chilean-Bolivian integrated customs significantly decrease waiting times.

The third factor emphasized is high frequency of vessels, since for Iquique permanently operate 15 shipping lines, bound for the main export markets of Bolivian products, allowing cargo to find vessels in less time than other terminals neighbors and finally relieved investments and certifications achieved by the terminal, ensuring safe handling of cargo and absent of losses and wastage.

In this context, according to figures released by the port of Iquique, Bolivian export cargo increased by 37% in January-July this year compared to the same period last year. Whereas imports and exports when comparing the same periods Bolivian cargo traffic showed an increase of 42%.

Finally, Jorge Dumont said the Port of Iquique maintains a permanent presence in Bolivia, interacting with the main business representatives in the neighboring country.

Source: Diario 21