He Government On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the bidding nullity for the concession of the Paraná-Paraguay hydrovia, after the presentation of a single offer by the Belgian company Dredging Environmental and Marine Engineering NV (Deme).
Manuel Adorni, presidential spokesman, confirmed that the Government He has asked the National Commission for the Defense of Competition that investigates Deme for “possible pressure on the rest of the companies” or “alleged illicit association to the detriment of the National State and Argentine producers.”
The Hydrovia Paraná-Paraguay is one of the country’s main export routes, used to transport 80% of Argentine exports. The importance of this river route lies in its ability to move large volumes of goods, which makes it a strategic asset for the national economy.
For this reason, the Government promised from the beginning to carry out a transparent and competitive tender. However, the bidding process was not exempt from controversies. Deme me, the only company that presented an offer, had denounced from the beginning that the specifications was directed to favor another Belgian company, Jan de Nul, who had been the previous degree until 2021.
Despite the complaints and accusations of lack of transparency, Jan de Nul decided not to participate in the tender. Adorni stressed that the bidding process was validated three times in justice and that all necessary measures were taken to guarantee their transparency.
However, the presentation of a single offer caught the attention and led to Government to make the decision to cancel the tender. “It can be able to attention that, despite 11 registered companies and that several had prepared the documentation, only an offer has been submitted,” said Adorni.
Interests
The presidential spokesman also pointed out that during the procedure, policy sectors, media and businessmen made lobby in favor of their own interests and demanded that the Government Download the technical standards of the specifications. “We were accused of addressing in favor of Jan de Nul, current dragon that did not present offers, of being very demanding, of incompatible business, corruption among other false accusations,” said Adorni.
The National Commission for the Defense of Competition now has the task of investigating whether to exercise pressures on other companies interested in the tender or if there was an illegal association to the detriment of the State and the Argentine producers. Adorni stressed that the investigation seeks to clarify the events that occurred during the bidding process and establish criminal responsibilities in case of fraud attempt.
Followers in Google News And in our channel of Instagramto continue enjoying the last news and our best content.
