The norm authorizes the privatization of the company through vertical disintegration, separating their business units and applying different mechanisms for transfer to the private sector. The rolling material will be auctioned in a public auction, and the funds obtained They will be used for a trust to finance rail works. On the other hand, the surrounding roads and real estate will be granted in concession of public works, through a process of national and international tender.
In addition, the decree details that Railway workshops will be concessioned by tender, guaranteeing its operational continuity under private management. Finished these procedures, The company will be dissolved and liquidated, ending its state administration.
The Execution of this process will be in charge of the Ministry of Economy, With the support of the public business transformation agency, responsible for carrying out privatization. Unlike previous experiences, the decree does not contemplate preferences for employees or the implementation of a participated property program.
The advance of the measure
On the weekend, the presidential spokesman, Manuel Adorni, anticipated the news through a publication in his X -account, once the company’s sales and transfer process was completed to private management, “The State will cease to be an operator of the loading services of load and all its infrastructure: rolling material, roads, workshops and real estate, ” explained.
Belgrano Cargas y Logística SA It is part of the Group of eight state companies included in the privatization plan driven by the government after the approval of the “Base Law”. Instead, other companies were excluded after negotiations with allied blocks and opponents.
This company was created in June 2013, during the Government of Cristina Kirchner, with the aim of unify the operation of the three main railway rail lines: The Belgrano line, the San Martín and the General Urquiza. This railway network, which crosses 17 northwest and center of the country, plays a key role in transporting grains destined for export.
In addition to Belgrano Cargas, article 7 of the Base Law contemplates the privatization of other state companies, including Intercargo Sau, Energía Argentina SA (ENARSA), Water and Sanitation Argentinos SA (AYSA), Sociedad Operadora Ferroviaria Se (Sofse) and ROAD ROOMS SA
According to previous statements of the presidential spokesman, in the last year The company needed 112 million dollars in state financing to maintain its operations. Despite this, “the average distance transported today is 500 km, exactly the same as 50 years in the Argentine Republic.” The government also argued that the state company operates with low levels of efficiency.
How will the privatization of Belgrano Cargas be done
The privatization initiative, which will be led by the head of the Public Business Transformation Agency, Diego Chaheris based on a model of “Open access infrastructure concession.” This means that the concessionaire should allow the use of the roads to any operator who wishes to transport load, in order to avoid monopolistic practices.
According to the established guidelines, The national state will maintain the property of land and railways, while the rest of the assets will be transferred to private management.
Source: Ambito
