In one of my previous post: The Germans are coming to Costa Rica, I promised to follow up on the development of the docks in Limon, and I am happy to tell you that the negotiations are going well.
But let me give you first a brief description of the current dock situation in Limon.
Currently the docks are being run by JAPDEVA (Administrative Group for the Development of the Atlantic Basin.) Over the years their performance in my humble opinion has been quite poor. Why I am saying this? Well it is very simple, they are suppose to provide 4 million colones (local Costa Rica currency) per year to be used on different development projects among the province of Limon; never the less 50% of the projects do not “see the light”, and most of the time 25% of the whole amount is destined to deal with “Administrative expenses,” leaving only 1 million of the original 4 to help the province.
Yes I know what you are thinking…I really do; but let’s move on to the good part.
The Costa Rica government has decided to take action and plans to hand over the dock’s administration to a private group. While preparing a good “pre jubilation” deal for JAPDEVA’s port employees.
(These negotiations are schedule to start on April)
Now I remember to have mentioned the fact that several German companies were interested in taking the challenge on the famous seaport in Costa Rica; and this is the name of one that is more likely to “nail” the agreement. Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) They are providing several reports to the Costa Rica government regarding the future plans for the dock’s development, and are more than willing to follow the guide lines stated by the law in the Central American country.
All in all the “new kids on the dock” should be up and running this coming 2009; bringing a new mentality and job opportunities to Limon.