Universidad del Pacífico visits Chancay
On Monday, July 8th, a delegation from the Center for China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CECHAP), the Research Center of the Universidad del Pacífico (CIUP), and the Faculty of Economics at the Universidad del Pacífico conducted an academic visit to the city of Chancay, its municipality, and its new port to gain further insights into the progress of this significant project. Additionally, the delegation engaged in discussions about the future of Chancay with local officials and authorities.
The UP delegation visited the operation camp, the administrative office construction site, the viaduct tunnel, and the newly arrived specialized container cranes. The tour of the project was led by Engineer Paul Bayona, Deputy Manager of Health, Safety, Environment, and Community (HSEC) of COSCO SHIPPING Ports Chancay Perú, the majority shareholder of the port.
Subsequently, the delegation engaged in discussions with the Mayor of Chancay, Juan Alberto Álvarez Andrade, along with other municipal officials, to gain insights into their development priorities for the district and to address concerns about the current and anticipated impacts of the new mega port on the coastal area. In addition to the mayor, the meeting included Ana María Paredes Montoya de Zurita, Municipal Manager; Elizabeth Diaz, Coordinator of the Urban Development Plan; and Rafael Olortegui, Head of Institutional Image and Public Relations.
During the visit, the delegation was able to understand both the company’s expectations and those of the local authorities. They also observed the advanced technology being utilized in the construction and future operations of this port, which aims to be the only one of its scale in Latin America. The municipal representatives emphasized the need for support from the Executive Branch to address the increased demands that will arise once the port becomes operational. Although they believe that all stakeholders are willing to support them, this has not yet translated into the allocation of the necessary budget for the implementation of new access roads, health services, education, security, and many other needs. Additionally, the technical teams indicated that the ministries must coordinate the implementation of the projects with the municipality, as their local knowledge is essential for expediting the benefits of these developments.
Finally, the UP delegation was invited to tour the Museo Municipal de Chancay[i], where they acquired valuable insights into the cultural heritage of Chancay. This included an in-depth understanding of its rich history in agriculture, fishing, and the arts, particularly the use of ceramics in crafting the renowned clay figurines known as “Cuchimilcos,” which served as the symbol for the 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games in Lima.
The UP delegation consisted of Cynthia Sanborn, Director of CECHAP; Joanna Kámiche, Director of CIUP; Jose Luis Bonifaz, Roberto Urrunaga, and Julio Aguirre, Professors in the Academic Department of Economics; researchers Jacques Diderot, Omar Narrea, Antonio Pagán, and Leolino Dourado; as well as the management team of CECHAP.
[i] Chancay Municipal Museum
