For months, we have listened to world-class experts, various companies in the sector, and ideas from port operators and customers. «I have designated the Presidential Advisor, Engineer Alberto Aleman Zubieta, without unnecessary references, as the coordinator of a technical team that will involve the various competencies related to the ports. The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, announced today that until the ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice that declares the contract between the State and the company Panama Ports Company unconstitutional is executed, a period of continuity for the current operator will be in effect, with no operational changes. Afterwards, Mulino indicated, a transition period will begin until a new concession is completed, under terms and conditions favorable for our country. Therefore, we assure you of the continuity of the existing links and an orderly administrative transition. There will be no improvisation whatsoever,» the president assured. He pointed out that he has instructed the Maritime Authority of Panama to meet immediately with the company Panama Ports Company to coordinate the necessary actions with the aforementioned purposes. We expect the company, a member of Hutchison Port and a subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings, with a global presence and proud of its corporate reputation, to collaborate openly during this stage. The Panamanian State is guarantor of the defense of the rights that the company is entitled to by Constitution and law, and will also be the overseer of the contractual obligations that correspond to it, until the transition period I have referred to culminates, he pointed out. In turn, the Ministry of Labor will also accompany this process, ensuring that the transition is fluid and transparent for all, as the governing body of labor relations in the country. The Maritime Authority and the Ministry of Labor have the direct instruction to maintain an open and close dialogue with you, protecting your rights and ensuring that the continuity of all workers, as well as the recognition of their rights, are respected and maintained. To the suppliers and customers of the Ports: We understand the importance of predictability for your companies and contracts. They will continue as they have until today, without any variation, the head of state said. He expressed that conversations and presentations have been advanced with companies of extensive experience in port operation at a global level. This measure would only be activated from the moment the ruling dictated by the Supreme Court of Justice is executed, until a new concession is produced, after an open and participatory process, defending Panamanian interests, with the guarantee of better resources for our country. This news was first published in La Verdad Panamá. In this way, we will guarantee that each step is taken with order, professionalism, and clarity. Among all the management, we highlight the one carried out with APM Terminals Panama, a subsidiary of the AP Moller-Maersk group, which has shown willingness to temporarily assume the operation of both terminals and has the necessary capacity and experience.
