By Resolution 112 / 2024, the National Government has launched a call for private proposals aimed at the concession of the use, exploitation, administration and modernization of the Border Center "Paso de los Libres". This project covers both the Cargo Terminal Complex (COTECAR) as the Integrated Control Area (ACI), both strategically located in the town of Paso de los Libres, province of Corrientes.
According to the regulation published on Wednesday (09.10.2024), the main objective of this initiative is to optimize one of the most important border crossings between Argentina and Brazil, improving the efficiency of the logistics processes related to the transit of goods and people, as well as the quality of the services provided.
Such a call for "private initiatives» is based on Article 66 of Chapter II, entitled "Concessions" of Title III of Law No. 27.742 (Law of Bases and Starting Points for the Freedom of Argentines). This regulation allows the National Executive Branch to grant concessions, whether fixed or variable, to private companies, mixed entities or public entities. The scope of these concessions covers the construction, maintenance and operation of public infrastructures, as well as the provision of services through the collection of fees or tolls.
In relation to this, the Paso de los Libres is considered the most important border crossing in the interior of the country and the second most important customs post in the Argentine Republic.. At this point, controls are carried out by the Federal Administration of Public Revenues (AFIP), the General Directorate of Customs (DGA), the National Directorate of Migration, among other agencies. Its role is fundamental in international transit, representing a significant volume in bilateral economic activity. This border center is distinguished by its road and railway bridge that crosses the Uruguay River, located at coordinates 25° 8′ south latitude and 57° 1′ west longitude. This bridge connects the city of Paso de los Libres (Argentina) with the town of Uruguayana (Brazil), thus facilitating commercial and cultural exchange between both nations.
Based on the above, private initiatives must comply with the requirements of Article 4 of Annex III of Decree No. 713 (August 9, 2024) and the minimums of Report No. IF-2024-109884440-APN-DNATF#MI, which appears in the Annex I of the standard (see below).
Additionally, interested parties will be able to access all relevant documentation on the Complex Cargo Terminal Center (COTECAR) and the Integrated Control Area (ACI) through the official government websites at www.argentina.gob.ar/interior/asuntos-tecnicos-de-fronteras and www.argentina.gob.ar/iniciativaprivada-ndeg-1-cotecar-paso-de-los-libres.
For this reason, this project represents an opportunity to optimize a key border crossing, boosting trade between Argentina and Brazil.
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