Paraná-Paraguay Waterway: foreign trade entities expressed strong support for the concession promoted by Milei

In a clear advance for the productive infrastructure of the country, the main entities linked to foreign trade and port activity expressed their support for the signing of the concession contract for the Paraná-Paraguay Waterway, one of the most important logistical works in Argentina. The government of President Javier Milei successfully closed the bidding process, a key step that promises greater efficiency, private investments, and development for the agro-export sector.

Through a joint statement, the Rosario Stock Exchange (BCR), the Argentine Oilseed Industry Chamber-Cereal Exporters Center (CIARA-CEC), the Chamber of Private Commercial Ports (CPPC), and the Chamber of Port and Maritime Activities (CAPyM) positively valued the award. The entities defined the Navigable Trunk Waterway as “a strategic asset for the country's competitiveness” and highlighted the work done by the national government to conclude the bidding.

“The signing of the contract marks the consequent start of a new phase for the operation of the system, investments, and the development of improvements in infrastructure,” the chambers stated in the document.

The Paraná-Paraguay Waterway is the key artery through which the bulk of the added value of the Argentine soybean complex circulates, the main driver of national exports. Its proper management is essential to reduce logistical costs, improve international competitiveness, and enhance the productive interior of the country.

A milestone after 31 years

The entities emphasized the institutional significance of the process. “31 years after the last bidding of the Navigable Trunk Waterway, the signing of the new contract constitutes a relevant milestone for the national logistics system and for the main outlet of Argentine production to the world,” they pointed out.

“The participation and exchange instances developed during the process allowed for the incorporation of technical contributions from the different actors in the sector and helped to reinforce the transparency, predictability, and institutional solidity of the procedure,” they affirmed.

With the concession now formalized and under private management, the organizations expressed their willingness to continue actively participating in the dialogue spaces related to the implementation of the contract. Additionally, they offered their technical expertise to support this new phase of the navigable waterway.

Pending issues and a look towards the future

While celebrating the progress, the entities also raised pending challenges to continue improving the competitiveness of the system. They insisted on “the need to advance in the elimination of factors that disrupt the activity they represent —such as the Value Added Tax—” and in the activation of the Trunk Waterway Control Council.

As they expressed, this body “will be key to supporting the implementation of the contract, the development of the committed works, the quality of the service, tariff evolution, environmental management, and the continuous improvement of the Navigable Trunk Waterway.”

This important agreement is part of the policy of deregulation and opening to private investment promoted by President Javier Milei, which seeks to end decades of state inefficiency, reduce costs, and create predictable conditions for the productive sector.

The completion of the bidding for the Waterway represents a concrete triumph of management in infrastructure and logistics, key to increasing Argentine exports and strengthening the real economy.