Roundup: Chancay megaport progressing, Jorge Chávez airport early opening

Chancay megaport

Construction of the US$3.6 billion Chancay megaport north of Lima progresses as planned, with the US$1.3bn first phase expected to be ready for the APEC CEO Summit 2024, which will take place from November 13 to 15.

Jason Guillén Flores, safety, security and environment manager at Cosco Shipping Ports Chancay Perú, told a special congressional committee that the first phase is 93% complete, and that the port has handled its first container ship as part of the operational tests prior to the start of operations. The ship was 350m long and transported 1,700 containers.

The port could contribute the equivalent of 0.9% of GDP in 2025. Considering 2023 GDP, the percentage is equivalent to US$2.41bn, according to the central bank. The economic impact of the port will be similar to the launch of large mining projects, such as Quellaveco and Cerro Verde.

But experts warned that a lack of complementary infrastructure could lead to a collapse of the area around the port.

"I have not seen a specific plan for what the entire area should be, including entry and exit roads, storage centers for various bulk cargoes, among others. We are missing a lot. An autonomous authority will be required to make a strategic plan for the area," economist and former congressman Guido Pennano told a radio broadcaster.

Jorge Chávez airport  

The new US$2bn Jorge Chávez airport, which replaces the current facility serving Lima, will start limited operations for the APEC CEO Summit.

Foreign trade and tourism minister Desilú León told state media that “terminal 2 is expected to operate during APEC, but only for the economies that arrive for the meeting. The official inauguration is scheduled for December 18.”