Korean harbor technology goes to South America

The Korean government is now involved in a South American harbor development project that is struggling to improve its Social Overhead Capital (SOC).

The Korean Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs (MLTM, Minister Kwon Do Youp) announced it organized an abroad ports consortium to support new port development in South America. The consortium visited Brazil, Uruguay and Peru from July 2nd to 9th.

In Brazil, the organized delegation and Brazilian port authorities discussed Policy Architecture for collaboration in the harbor sector. Especially, Brazil has expanded its SOC for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics.

In Uruguay, the consortium and Uruguay's Ministry of transportation and public works held inter-governmental discussions to ensure Korean companies will take part in the development of Punta de Sayago Port. Korea and Uruguay already contracted with an MOU in 2011.

A representative of MLTM stressed it will support Korean companies looking to break into South American port markets, and forge technical relationships with governments. < 김보람 기자 brkim@ksg.co.kr >