The government will not proceed with the privatization of the port of Santos, the largest in Latin America, said the future Minister of Ports and Airports, Márcio França, this Thursday (22) to the newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo.
Márcio França, chosen to head the ministry in the government of president-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), said that the decision not to privatize the port had already been taken. The port is an important gateway for exports of agricultural commodities, including soybeans and sugar.
França could not be reached for comment on the decision, which was widely expected, as aides close to Lula have publicly said they were against the privatization plan.
The government of President Jair Bolsonaro had advanced with plans to privatize the port of Santos in the second half of 2022, but failed to overcome obstacles related to the process, including final approval by the Federal Court of Auditors.
“The (privatization) auction will not be held,” França told the newspaper. “The port authority will remain state-owned.”
The new minister also said that there is a chance to grant concessions for areas within the port of Santos.
He added, however, that although the new government has no problems with private sector involvement in port activities, the state should be able to properly regulate the sector.
“We asked that everything be postponed so that the (elected) president can give his opinion.”
Source: CNN Brasil
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