The Minister of Infrastructure, Marcelo Sampaio, brought with him a new suggestion for the privatization of the Port of Santos: the extension of the concession period of the Santos Port Authority (SPA) from 35 to 50 years. According to the minister, international investors are concerned that the current term is insufficient for the compensation provided in the concession. For the director-president of the National Federation of Port Operators (Fenop), Sérgio Aquino, the Federal Government demonstrates caution by saying that it will evaluate the proposal. However, he reveals concern about the possible extension of the term. He believes that the basis of the process should follow along with the privatization of Companhia Docas do Espírito Santo (Codesa), auctioned in March for 35 years. However, Aquino assures that the government’s investigation of the subject is necessary, given the investors’ concerns about timeliness. According to the federal government, the Port Authority of Santos is expected to be auctioned in the second part of the year.
Sources: A Tribuna/Datamar News