El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele’s government continues to bolster the country’s maritime port infrastructure to promote tourism and create employment opportunities for the eastern region of the nation.
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Adriana Mira, along with the Presidential Commissioner for Strategic Projects, Cristian Flores, signed a cooperation agreement with representatives from Astilleros Puerto de Balboa (ASTIBAL) in Panama, a subsidiary of the Spanish group Astilleros Canarios S.A (ASTICAN). This agreement aims to facilitate technical cooperation between El Salvador and the company.
“This collaboration is driven by technical expertise and specialized knowledge, which forms the foundation of this agreement. We are building a future of innovation, where the potential of the Salvadoran east will flourish,” stated Flores.
The agreement sets the stage for fostering cooperation in shipbuilding capabilities, exchanging experiences, conducting internships, and more.
Vice Minister Mira emphasized the significance of having a skilled workforce for the project’s success. “As we consider placing a shipyard in our portfolio of strategic projects in the near future, it is crucial that we have this knowledge and expertise from those who already have experience.”
ASTIBAL President, Germán Suárez, commended the government’s plan for developing the Port of La Unión and establishing the shipyard, highlighting the need for training the personnel. “Globally, our sector faces a shortage of qualified personnel. Given the Salvadoran government’s commitment to training people in this field, we are eager to begin the training process,” expressed Suárez.
President Bukele’s administration continues to strategically invest in the eastern region of the country through infrastructure projects, with the aim of transforming the area into a hub of economic and social development for its residents.
This partnership with ASTIBAL signifies a significant step forward in leveraging the potential of maritime resources, paving the way for a prosperous future for the region and the people of El Salvador.