10/31/2008 08h43
Lula signs decree that creates auctions for ports
Gazeta Mercantil - 10/31/2008
With the objective of stimulating private participation in the Brazilian ports, the Federal Government published in the Official Gazette of the Federal Government yesterday a decree that sets new policies for the foment of the sector. The measure establishes that there will be a system of public concessions of ports, in which the private sector can participate through auctions. The main change is that it will no longer be necessary that the owners of private ports only handle their own cargos, as it is established today. With the decree, the ports may be managed by companies that do not handle cargo and only operate terminals for their use by third parties. The decree also establishes that the lands and the building necessary for improvement and equipment installation works of the ports will be expropriated. The expropriation expenses will be the responsibility of the concessionaires and the lands will be part of the port's patrimony. The concession term for the ports will be of up to 25 years, and it may be extended for another 25. Contracts that have already been signed will not be affected by the decree.
