- Shipping time to China has been reduced to 23 days, cutting logistics costs.
- Chancay Port generates $4.5 billion in annual revenue and boosts Peru’s economy.
- Over 8,000 jobs have been created, improving lives and spurring regional development.
Gonzalo Rios is the deputy general manager of COSCO Shipping Ports Chancay Peru S.A. and has spent over 40 years in government positions in Peru. He joined the Chancay Port project in 2019, motivated by the need to be part of an important national work. This year, he saw the opening of the port, marking an important milestone for Peru-China cooperation, reports PR Newswire.
A Historic Opening Ceremony
On November 14, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte attended the Chancay Port opening ceremony via video link. Gonzalo was present at the port with his team to observe this historic day. After the ceremonial command, operations began with quay cranes lifting cargo, and COSCO Shipping Group vessels conducting the unloading and loading activities. The autonomous container trucks moved through the port without disruption, marking the modern logistics revolution.
President Xi’s Vision for Asia-Latin America Connectivity
President Xi Jinping commended the speedy development of Chancay Port, underlining that this is part of the Belt and Road Initiative. “From Chancay to Shanghai, the Belt and Road Initiative is bearing fruit in Peru before our eyes,” he said, highlighting the formation of a new Asia-Latin America land-sea corridor.
Transforming Dreams into Reality
For Gonzalo Rios, the opening day marks years of effort and the achievement of a shared vision between China and Peru. “No words can fully capture how I felt at that moment. Every effort we made over the past five years had been for this moment,” he said. He said that the event filled him with pride and optimism about the future of the port.
Economic Implication and Regional Development
Chancay Port has been transformative for Peru. Shipping to China has taken 23 days, logistics costs have been cut by more than 20%, and annual revenues of $4.5 billion are generated. The Peruvian government is also looking at a special economic zone around the port as a way to boost regional economic growth.
Job Creation and Community Development
Since work started on its construction, the port has created over 8,000 direct jobs and catalyzed development in surrounding areas, bettering the lives of countless families. It was emphasized by Gonzalo Rios, “Bearing my dream and that of many other Peruvians, Chancay Port embodies hard work from both those coming from China and from Peru.”
A Bridge Between Civilizations
The opening of Chancay Port not only enhances economic ties but also strengthens cultural connections between China and Peru. “I believe this port will serve as a bridge for exchanges between two ancient civilizations and deepen the friendship between the peoples of China and Peru,” Gonzalo said.
A Promising Future
Looking ahead, Gonzalo is confident that the route from Chancay to Shanghai will become a pathway of shared prosperity, driving development across China, Peru, and Latin America. According to him, “This port embodies the hard work and dreams of many, bringing opportunities and hope to more people.”
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Source: PR Newswire
