By The Star Staff
Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro R. Pierluisi announced Monday that construction work has begun in the Port of Mayagüez and the Port of San Pedro de Macorís in the Dominican Republic that will enable the Baleària ferry company to start a maritime route between both towns in the summer.
“Today we celebrate the beginning of construction work at the facilities of the Port of Mayagüez in Puerto Rico and the Port of San Pedro de Macorís. These works consist of constructing a new multifunctional passenger terminal in the port of San Pedro de Macorís and adapting more than 100 thousand square meters of these facilities in the Port of Mayagüez. The facilities will have the latest in technology and the route is scheduled to begin after the summer. This Baleària project will promote the mobility of passengers and merchandise between the Antilles, provide access to European markets, and boost tourism and trade between our jurisdictions,” the governor said.
“The development and construction of this new maritime connection has an investment of $100 million, both from government funds and private funds in both jurisdictions,” Pierluisi highlighted.
The governor was accompanied by the executive director of the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, Joel Pizá; the executive director of Baleària Eurolíneas Marítimas, Adolfo Utor; the executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (CTPR), Carlos Mercado Santiago; the president of the Port of Mayagüez Development, Francisco Noya; the president of America Duty Free, Simón Falic; and other officials.
During his speech, the governor highlighted that relations between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic have deep roots that go back throughout history, which is why “this new project is of utmost importance, because it unites us and strengthens the cooperative efforts that “benefit us mutually.”
He said tourism is a pillar of the economy. “We will always bet on this sector that highlights and exhibits everything that Puerto Rico offers our visitors. My administration has focused on cultivating the tourism potential of our island, demonstrating to the world that in Puerto Rico, we are an example of resilience, recovery, and economic growth, as well as a destination rich in history, culture, and natural and entertainment attractions. That is why we celebrate the successes we are achieving and reiterate our commitment to continue working so that we continue breaking records. The dynamic growth of our tourism serves as a good example to Baleària that we are a successful partner and that investing in Puerto Rico makes sense,” he said.
Baleària now joins hundreds of companies that have decided to bet on Puerto Rico, contributing to the creation of new jobs and the injection of funds into the economy, reflecting the potential that the Island has for the establishment and development of businesses in the region.
“I am sure that this is just the beginning of more expansion opportunities for Baleária and the rest of our local and foreign partners,” Pierluisi added.
The executive director of the Ports Authority stated that “the new route established by Baleària, in addition to being a new opportunity to strengthen the maritime industry, tourism, and economic activity in the west, also represents a new transportation alternative for locals and visitors. I congratulate Puerto Mayagüez Development, Inc., the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC), and all the people who made this great achievement possible for the western area of Puerto Rico.”
The executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (CTPR), Carlos Mercado Santiago, stated that the collaboration with Baleària “will be a successful and convenient one, both for the organizations involved and for travelers from the leisure sectors. and business.”
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