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Arias promotes his concept of a Limón megaport in a visit there

January 20, 2007

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

President Óscar Arias Sánchez promoted his $300 million megaport during a visit to Limón Thursday.

With the construction of the megaport — 600 times bigger than the existing port — Limón and Costa Rica will be converted into the Singapore of Central America and into an example of efficiency in world commerce, he said.

Arias is trying to sell the concept of a concession to the skeptical area residents, many of whom now work on the government-controlled docks. With a concession, the government would lease the docks to a private firm or consortium which would be expected to make substantial investments.

"With this project we have the opportunity to change the face of the country and return to a nation more competitive, capable of having more potential than the canal in Panamá," said Arias. He said one reason such a project would be a success is the political and economic stability of the country.

Still not clear is who would use the port. The government has said a big new port would be attractive for merchandise in transit. However, others have suggested that with the new Caribbean port and the Caldera port on the Pacific, Costa Rica could create a so-called dry canal that would take business away from Panamá. The existing rail lines could be refurbished and carry containers from one ocean to the other perhaps at an expense much less than the tolls to take a boat through the Panamá Canal. Panamá plans a $5 billion upgrade of the canal with subsequent increases in rates.

Costa Rica is working with the Autoridad Portuaria de Santander in Spain for technical advice. The current port is in the hands of the Junta de Administración Portuaria de Desarrollo Económico de la Vertiente Atlántica, a government agency.

Arias said he wants to begin construction of the new port in 2008.

Marco Vargas, minister of Coordinación Institucional, said he would be meeting Monday with representatives of the Limón unions to discuss the plan. The megaport is the keystone of the Arais plan to bring development in the Provincia de Limón. Vargas, in perhaps an understatement, said that union leaders were reticent

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