From the shipping sector they demand a prompt solution to the conflict that arose in the waterway after the retention of a Paraguayan-flagged vessel, as they affirm that this measure threatens free navigation.
Raúl Valdez, president of the Center for River and Maritime Shipowners (CAFyM), remarked the dependence that our country has on the Paraguay-Paraná Waterwaysince it is a stretch of great importance for the cargo transportation to other territories.
In this sense, he mentioned that 95% of the loads that pass through the waterway are transported by Paraguayan-flagged vesselswhile 80% of foreign trade moves through barges and local vessels.
Related note: Paraguayan ship detained in Argentina for not paying toll
“We are no longer talking about the toll itself but about the free navigation of the rivers that it is an international law, it is a question even sovereignty for our country“he stated at 1020 AM.
Regarding the meeting held yesterday with authorities from the Foreign Ministry and some deputies, Valdez indicated that the issue “it is already installed where it has to be treated” at the highest political and diplomatic level.
Read also: Waterway conflict is a “national cause” for Deputies
“Paraguay is determined to go not only to the political instances of the waterway agreement but also to Mercosur and other international bodies“he added.
From the River Shipowners Center they hope that this matter can be resolved as soon as possible and that it reaches the last instances to have a definitive solution, in order to avoid more retentions of boats.
