#GuayaquilTheWorldfolio Our World #TheWorldfolio Monday, November 30, 2015 GUAYAQUIL This supplement to USA TODAY was produced by United World Ltd., Suite 179, 34 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0RH – Tel: +44 (0)20 7305 5678 – [email protected] – www.unitedworld-usa.com A model for economic progress

During his fifteen years in power, Mayor Jaime Nebot has overseen the unprecedented social transformation, urban regeneration, and economic development of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s most populated city and home to the country’s busiest port. His enduring popularity serves as a testament to the successful realization of his vision of the city as a model for urban renewal

ocated in the Gua- respect everyone, and we Mayor of Incluvise Growth Speaking about the devel- an enormous social and eco- has led to the development yas province, Guay- also demand respect. We are Mr. Nebot is in his fourth opment of the water system, nomic impact on Guayaquil of an air travel initiative: aquil’s position in responsible for our successes consecutive term as Guaya- Oscar García Poveda, CEO since the rehabilitation, which the $125 million Aerovía the south-western and our failures.” quil’s mayor. His long-lasting of Interagua, says, “I think we also included the construc- project, a cable-car trans- section of Ecuador, The mayor warmly wel- popularity is testimony to his have taken a giant step, be- tion of a mall and food court, port system running at 17 by the Guayas River, which comes foreign investment, vision of the city as a model of cause 12 to 15 years ago, the making it a popular a vibrant kilometers per hour and 30 Lflows into the Pacific Ocean, saying, “We respect and have urban development. city had neither this service, shopping – as well as transport meters above the ground, means it is home to one of the always respected legal secu- His crusade for betterment nor the coverage, nor the qual- – hub for the city. which will have two lines busiest ports in Latin America rity; we offer clear rules and began before his mayoral career, ity. Today, Guayaquil is the Alongside an improved bus connecting Guayaquil with and the Caribbean. Tourism, have a municipality admin- when he was first governor of Ecuadorian city which effec- network, the construction the neighboring towns of business, and agriculture are istration that promotes and the Guayas province. After leav- tively ensures drinking water of bridges across the Greater Samborondon and Duran. also accountable for the city’s welcomes foreign investment. ing the governorship, he was the for 100% of the municipality.” Guayaquil area has also been Offering breathtaking views residents and companies. We are always there willing to province’s congressional rep- The transport system is an- vital to the development of a of the city and its environs, the Nicknamed “the pearl of the help and support prosperous resentative until winning the other important component modern, world-class trans- Aerovía (which will take two Pacific,” Guayaquil is the larg- relationships that can lead to mayor’s seat in 2000. Through- of the city that has dramati- port system. The next to be years to complete) is bound to est and most populated city in the best venture partnerships.” out his political career, he has cally improved during Mayor constructed will be 780-metre be a hit with tourists. Ecuador, eclipsing even Quito, The city also benefits from worked to continually improve Nebot’s tenure. Guayaquil re- high bridge across the Daule With well preserved his- the nation’s capital. the mayor’s smart foreign ne- his city, province, and country. ceived its first rapid-transit bus River, connecting Guayaquil toric buildings, such as the While the city’s vibe is thor- Metropolitan Cathedral, oughly modern, Guayaquil beautiful green spaces, and has a long history. Founded in Malecon 2000, a 2.5-kilometer 1534, it spent almost 300 years broad way along the Guayas under Spanish control, until River, the city has become the the city’s army overthrew the top destination for tourists in Spanish forces and declared Ecuador. Mayor Nebot invites independence the October 9, travellers to “visit Guayaquil, 1820 before it went on to help to observe its progress, experi- other cities declare their inde- ence its gastronomy, its hotels, pendence as well. Guayaquil’s its award winning airport”, as pride in its role continues to- well as to visit the Guayaquil day, and the city’s flag flies as Convention Centre, a 25,000 much as the national flag. meters-squared arena which “Guayaquil will never give hosts concerts, art exhibi- up the right to the freedom to tions, business conferences decide, the fairness to receive, and the annual International or the creativity to progress,” Gastronomy Fair. proclaims the city’s mayor, Guayaquil is also on the fast Jaime Nebot, now in his 15th track to becoming a smart city, year as mayor. He also points as a result of the Digital City out that the city’s independent Project, which aims to provide attitude does not overrule its the city with several digital ser- commitment to Ecuador; ev- vices. The project entails con- erything his administration necting hospitals and clinics, does aligns with Ecuador’s providing e-government solu- “national framework”. tions and investing in comput- Nicolás Romero Sangster, ers, tablets and Internet access General Manager of the for public schools and univer- Guayaquil Airport Author- sities. The plan also includes ity (AAG), describes further the setting up of 6,000 WiFi the city’s role in later history, gotiations. He has secured fi- “We respect and have always respected legal with the town of Samboron- hotspots across the city. “Guayaquil gave birth to [for- nancing from the World Bank security; we offer clear rules and have a municipality don. Costing $83 million, the Over the past 15 years, Guay- mer president of Ecuador] and the European Central administration that promotes and welcomes foreign new bridge will significantly al- aquil has become a much better Eloy Alfaro’s liberal revolu- Bank at favorable, competi- investment. We are always there willing to help and leviate traffic on the National place for tourists and residents tion and all progressive revo- tive rates. support prosperous relationships that can lead to the Unity Bridge located further alike. The hard work received lutions. It was from the city Guayaquil is home to Ecua- best venture partnerships” south and will have access for recognition on a global scale that we promoted civil rights, dor’s principal port, which this cars (four lanes), bicycles and when the United Nations des- women’s equality and rights to year was ranked by the Eco- Jaime Nebot, pedestrians. ignated the city as a model for vote, social justice and liberty.” nomic Commission for Latin Mayor of Guayaquil Already home to the José urban renewal in 2003. Thanks Economics: Guayaquil’s America and the Caribbean Joaquín de Olmedo inter- to Mayor Nebot, Guayaquil spirit of independence factors as the eighth busiest port in And he has succeeded. system in 2006, the Metrovía. national Airport, which is truly is “the pearl of the Pacific”. in its entrepreneurial climate. the Caribbean and Latin Since beginning his first It has since become one of the known for winning inter- There is no doubt that America. The port accounts term, the city has seen sig- principal and cheapest means national awards in its cat- the city leads the nation in for approximately 83% of the nificant improvements in its of transportation in the city. egory thanks to its friendly economic indicators, and nation’s non-oil imports. water and sewage services, a Another feature of Mayor operations and its custom- private-public partnerships “It is evident that the long remarkable success that to- Nebot’s legacy vis-à-vis public er-centric focus, Guayaquil and protections for the pri- standing history of entrepre- day has led to nearly 100% transport was the rehabilita- will also have a new airport vate sector feature in its neurship is more alive than ever. coverage within popular tion of Terminal Terrestre in approximately 30 kilometers economic success. The lo- Guayaquil is also positionsing it- neighborhoods making the 2002, which had been in a state south of the city to handle cal authority encourages in- self strongly in the tourism sector, city a leader in Ecuador. of deterioration for many years. the steadily increasing air vestment and development, as a city to be seen, to be enjoyed This has been thanks to the The bus terminal is now the traffic, as the city attempts A UNITED WORLD and decisions in business are and to be visited, with award- work of EMAPAG, the regu- beating heart of Guayaquil’s to lure more tourists, par- SUPPLEMENT PRODUCED BY: made quickly. winning airports, hotels and lator of drinking water and public transport system and ticularly from the United Karla Arteaga, Country Director; Mayor Nebot reaffirms, hidden gastronomy to fall in love sewage management, and is used by 25 million people a States. Oscar Crespo Madrid, Editorial “The state must guarantee with. It also plays host to world- Interagua, a private service year. Eduardo Salgado Man- The success of Guaya- Director; Rodrigo Condines, access to markets.” All par- class international events hosted provider that has been tak- zano, General Manager of the quil’s ground transporta- Editorial Coordinator; Fatima Ruiz ticipants in a business ven- at the Conference Center ‘Expo ing care of the water supply Fundación Terminal Terrestre, tion system, the ‘Metrovia’ Moreno, Regional Director ture are up-front. “Here, we Guayaquil’.,” adds Mr. Nebot. since 2001. says that the terminal has had (a bus rapid transit system),

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content 2 Monday, November 30, 2015 Distributed by USA TODAY GUAYAQUIL Annual tourist arrivals swell

toGuayaquil is a city1 with a millionpurpose, and that is to make sure its visitors have a good time. One of Ecuador’s most versatile destinations has polished its tourism act, presenting today’s visitors with a multi-tiered offering

uayaquil is Ecua- rich history and modern boasts seafood square, with dor’s largest city, transformation. Along with a food court solely dedicated with a thriving the Malecon 2000 (which to Ecuadoran maritime deli- manufacturing sits on the site of the famous cacies and suitably adorned base, but rival- meet between Simon Bólivar with the Fish in the Water ing this dynamic commercial and José San Martin during sculpture. Nearby is the activityG and growing in tan- the country’s War of Inde- grand 9th October Avenue, dem over the last decade has pendence), Guayaquil’s na- boasting no less than 23 na- been the city’s blossoming tives identified the historic tional heritage buildings. tourism sector. From a tropi- Las Peñas neighborhood Not surprisingly, Guaya- cal climate and rainforests near the boardwalk with quil is fast gaining fame as within a 30-minute drive to its pastel-colored, colonial a premier event and confer- shiny new infrastructure like wooden mansions reminis- ence destination. Hundreds the Malecon 2000 riverside cent of New Orleans French of regional events are pull- boardwalk (one-and-a-half Quarter. No less than 11 Ec- miles of pure tourism delight uadoran presidents once re- featuring museums, gardens, sided in what is the city’s old- fountains, shopping, restau- est neighborhood. Nearby rants, bars, river cruises and is a third wonder: the semi- South America’s first IMAX circular Bolivar-San Martin theater), Guayaquil has it all. monument, a lasting trib- And it’s not just Ecua- ute to that historic meeting dorans who are in on the between South America’s secret. The city is drawing famed liberators. a growing number of visi- The remaining of the tors from abroad, many of seven wonders includes the whom arrive on one of the neo-gothic Metropolitan many cruise ships that pull Cathedral with its impres- into port each year. Today, sive stained glass depictions the Pearl of the Pacific at- of the apostles, along with tracts over a million annual the Municipal Palace and visitors. These travelers have the Moorish Watchtower ing in over half a million sified as best in the world in bodies, is working to estab- shellfish are a daily fare in learned, as Gloria Gallardo, (topped with an Arabic Byz- participants each year, and its category. We are going to lish the city as a destination. this town, which boasts a Director of Public Enter- antine dome). Lastly there is the city’s authorities are in- have a completely digitalized “We have just finished a mar- cuisine of mixed Ecuador- prise for Tourism and Civic the Salado Estuary Pier, built tent on seeing these figures city. Guayaquil is the first ket study in the convention an, European, and Chinese Promotion, says, “Guayaquil in 2009 as part of Guayaquil’s rise further through events city in the region to have free segment, we know where influence. Shellfish and is unique”. urban regeneration project. like this year’s World Cocoa WIFI throughout the city, we want to go and we have fish cebiches, fried pork, In 2011, residents voted It is set amidst mangroves Summit, according to Ms. which is very important for a strategic plan to get there.” cheese dumplings, and on the city’s top seven at- and tropical gardens and Gallardo. business tourism,” she says. Once these visitors arrive, corn and meat stews are tractions under a promo- offers visitors an idyllic “Guayaquil is going to In order to grow as a con- they will soon discover an- all typical dishes. Guaya- tional campaign titled “The outdoor area for concerts, be a major conference and ference destination, the city other great Guayaquil asset quil now hosts a large an- Seven Wonders of Guaya- fountains, and monuments. convention hub. It has all the has created a conventions is its gastronomy. This city nual food fair called Roots quil,” choosing architectural Indeed, thousands visit each necessary ingredients. We bureau, which, through is especially concerned with that draws chefs and visi- marvels spread through the day. The Pier’s Writers’ Walk- have hotel capacity and un- membership in international its belly and foodies are in tors from around the world urban spread that were most way pays homage to five na- congested transit routes. We MICE (Meetings, Incentives, for a gastronomic journey (over 60,000 visitors in the emblematic of Guayaquil’s tive scribes. Salado Pier also have an airport that is clas- Conferences, Exhibitions) sure to delight. Seafood and last editions).

‘This city has always been an icon of freedom and progress in Ecuador’ United World has tinue contributing to prog- institute women’s vote and and point out that it is Quito, get the best out of it. Perhaps gathered the opinions ress and well-being through equality, to legalize divorce, but what is collected in Quito when talking about Guaya- of some of Ecuador’s various economic activities and others. is not equal to what is pro- quil, at no time should we most important business and investments. Guayaquil has always been duced there. The oil is pro- use the term regionalist, and political leaders on the catalyst for the modern duced in the east but taxed but rather we should just Guayaquil’s leading role Jorge Arosemena, Former ideas that came from Europe in Quito. The chocolate fac- focus on the term diverse, and the inherent values Political Chief of Guayas against the conservative sta- tories produce here but the because Guayaquil imposes and traits of people from Province: Guayaquil plays a tus quo, which always shut main offices are in Quito. dynamics that are different the Guayas province significant role in all aspects itself inside the country. So, it is important to as- to those of the country. It is of Ecuadorian life. As the And you can still notice that. sess other variables. The not better or worse, just dif- most populated city and the While in the rest of the coun- declarations that are given ferent, which means that ef- What is the role of Guay- driving motor of the coun- try the concept of “21st cen- in both towns reflect the so- fectively due to a number of aquil in the dynamics of try, it naturally holds great tury socialism” is thriving, in cial economic aspects that other geographic elements, Ecuador? influence in any political, Guayaquil there is develop- each one has. this converts it into what it “Guayaquil’s citizens social, economic and cultural ment and entrepreneurship is – the country’s main port. are experienced and Bruno Leone, President, movements in Ecuador. It is a José Coco Yúnez Parra, self-respecting because Servigroup: The most sig- thriving city characterized by Rodolfo Kronfle, Presi- Mayor of Samborondon: Sandro Coglitore, General they know what they nificant social plan a gov- the hard work of its citizens, dent, Guayaquil Stock Ex- I believe that Guayaquil is Manager, Omarsa: I believe have achieved is the ernment can implement is making it the first and fore- change: Since I was born, one of the cities that have that over time, Guayaquil has product of their own one which helps people to most city in the country. Its and for a long time, Guaya- developed the most in South been the leading city of Ec- work and effort, and find honorable, stable and location on the port makes it quil has been the financial America over the last few uador in all kinds of ventures also that they don’t legal employment, which a city open to everyone. Here, and numerically speaking, years; this is indisputable. The in the private sector. The owe anything to serves to promote dignity there is a natural chemistry largest city of Ecuador due people who know Guayaquil shrimp and banana indus- anyone. This feeling among individuals. Guaya- between Guayacos and for- to a series of circumstances. know that it has changed tries were started there, co- of being a free quil is the leading city in eigners, who work together Politically, even though it a lot; we are old enough to coa and fishing are also very product of your own Ecuador for employment. It with the same goal of help- was not the capital, I think see the difference in the city present here. And thanks to undertakings is one is a city that thrives on the ing the city to grow and be- that it was the most impor- over these past two decades. its port it is the driving force of the distinguishing work of its people. There is come more beautiful. We tant city in the country, be- Of course there is a long way for both imports and exports. characteristics of the a saying I like to recall, and take pride in the growth and cause here is where the most to go. It is a very big city with This is why private activity people of Guayaquil” it is that “the primary social development Guayaquil has important revolutions in his- nearly 3 million inhabitants, dominates over public activ- responsibility of a company experienced in the last 25 tory occurred. which for many years have ity, unlike in other regions. Bruno Leone, president is to be profitable so that it years thanks to Mayor Jaime From here came the most been manhandled by politi- The flower industry is cur- Servigroup can support employment Nebot and León Febres- important leaders of histo- cians, and this has caused rently being developed, but and endure the test of time.” Cordero. Ours is a city with ry, such as García Moreno, many problems which have it has not yet achieved the So, the role of our city is this: much to offer and to share Alfaro, who were the most been gradually resolved. relevant volume in income of to promote entrepreneur- with newcomers, and this is brilliant representatives of We have four municipalities the private exporter sector. ship, defend the freedom to evidenced by our position as political movements, which separated by a river, but they work, and undertake new the most visited city by both in their time were revolu- are joined by bridges, and by Ivan Ontaneda, Presi- activities, and through these native Ecuadorians and for- tionary. All of this, without tradition, culture, and history. dent, ANECACAO: I al- duties achieve a respectable eigners. Guayaquil has a place Guayaquil being the political By strengthening this greater ways say that Guayaquil is standard of living for our for everyone. capital of the country. Guayaquil area, even though a city of 4 million traders; citizens. With time and with great we have different political it is the economic engine of Nicolas Romero Sangster, skill by the central govern- views, it will turn Guayaquil the country, powered by the Henry Kronfle, Presi- General Manager, Guaya- ment, Quito began to acquire into a center of really impor- small and large businesses dent, National Business quil Airport Authority: a very important position in tant development in Latin and industries represented Bureau: Guayaquil plays Guayaquil has always been being the financial part of the America. in Guayaquil. I believe that a paramount role. Firstly, a leader in all the important country, because all the oil Guayaquil has a natural it is the most populated revolutions that happened in companies operating in the Carla Rossignoli, Execu- commercial soul. Anyone city in Ecuador. And sec- Ecuador. It has always been east had their head offices in tive Director Ecuador- who comes to Guayaquil ondly, this thriving city has the flag-bearing city, always Quito and, therefore, were ian-American Chamber comes to do business at any “Guayaquil’s historically been the driv- ahead of all the fundamen- taxed there. The same thing of Commerce: I believe scale, and that makes it a development model is ing force for development tal changes that took place happened with leading in- that Ecuador is a varied unique city not only in Ec- based on the governance in the country, regardless in the history of this country dustrial companies that had country, with diversity in uador, but in Latin America. structure of public-private of the political leanings of – starting with the port-city’s settled in Guayaquil, with many aspects. I think that Very few cities that I know partnerships, and both the current government or declaration of independence offers of special handouts, this great concept enriches can be identified with sectors work towards the of the money the central on October 9, 1820, and which over time installed each and every region of the commercial soul that same goals of progress, administration pours into then the battle against for- their head offices in Quito, the country in different Guayaquil has; the people, development, liberty, the economy. This city has eign domination. After that although their production ways. Feeling that we are the day to day when you democracy, order, always been an icon of free- there was the Alfaro Revo- bases were in Guayaquil. in fact different should not walk in the center, you can respect for the law, and dom and progress in Ecua- lution, the most progressive Then, if we intend to ana- be a concept that separates identify yourself as some- investment” dor, generating confidence in all Latin America. Alfaro’s lyze which is the financial us. On the contrary. To be one from Guayaquil, trad- among the economic actors Ecuador was one of the first capital of Ecuador, which able to find that diversity ing, selling anything, that is Henry Kronfle, President established in our city, and countries to adopt the sepa- for centuries was Guayaquil, or that wealth that exists what Guayaquil produces National Business Bureau encouraging them to con- ration of church and state, to today we might get confused according to the regions, to and transmits.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content Distributed by USA TODAY Monday, November 30, 2015 3 GUAYAQUIL

It is precisely the city’s of the city’s history, its muse- TOURISM: DID YOU KNOW? Guayaquil has an array of well-rounded offer that is ums, and its natural heritage cultural, architectural, natural behind the new municipal as well as its unique gastron- and gastronomic delights that promotional campaign, omy,” says Ms. Gallardo. But, have made it Ecuador’s number “Guayaquil is my Destina- she adds, it is just as much one destination tion.” Intended to emphasize for the city’s residents as it Guayaquil’s tourism wealth is for their visitors. as a long-stay destination, “‘Guayaquil is my Destina- the promotion makes a clear tion’ is a concept that is ap- statement that the city is no plied civically as well as in a longer just a layover stop, but touristic sense. It is the tour- has become a worthy desti- ism brand for the city, but it nation itself. is also a civic campaign. We The campaign, which have never stopped working boasts its own online pres- on the civil side of things. If 1 SIGHTSEEING ence with photos, virtual the people of a city do not Guayaquil has many interesting land- tours, and smart phone apps, love their city, they will not “aims to increase awareness be participants in its prog- marks such as the Malecon Simon Bolivar, ress nor in positive change, the Barrio Las Peñas, Iguana’s Park and the city “Guayaquil is going to and their participation, along Lighthouse. be a major conference with pride in their home- and convention hub. It land, is what drives them to has all the necessary be part of that progress,” says 2 Conventions ingredients. We have the tourism director. “So Guayaquil is my desti- As a new member of the International hotel capacity and Congress and Convention Association uncongested transit nation because it is my great routes. We have an home, it is where I make my (ICCA), Guayaquil is set to host global airport that is classified dreams come true, where I live with my family and events and attract business tourism. It has as best in the world in its already hosted the World Cocoa Summit class” where all my opportunities Gloria Gallardo, Director, Public lie. Guayaquil is a guitar, its and the International Poultry Convention. Enterprise for Tourism and Civic soccer, it is a song. It is the Promotion city by the river, the city of the estuary. It is a cradle of freedom. All of these things 3 Birdwatching make this historic city By creating parks through urban unique.” regeneration and supporting animal life in the Guayas River, Guayaquil is now home to over 80 different species of birds and qualifies as an “elite location” according to the Partnership for International Birding. Juan Pueblo: just your average Joe The average guy, the man on paigns, he is now better dressed, the modern Guayaquilean Juan Pueblo appeared in the street, Juan Pueblo: when sporting a white guayabera and woman, university educated, public with his new girl- Guayaquileans were asked to sky-blue pants, the colors, not a professional, and head of the friend for the first time choose a mascot for their city in coincidentally, of Guayaquil, family in many cases. “There this year at the Valentine’s 1992, they chose John Doe, or and upwardly mobile. was nobody representing Day parade. Wearing a sky- in their case, John Town (Juan “He is an icon of the city, of the our women, and that was a blue and white dress and a Pueblo). Since then, the aver- people of Guayaquil,” says Gloria massive oversight, because tiara, Juanita was warmly age Joe has become a symbol Gallardo. “He loves Guayaquil, Guayaquil’s women are part received by a pleasantly of Guayaquil, not surprising stands up for our biggest causes, of our history, our traditions, surprised crowd of Guay- given the city’s working class is involved in and excited about our culture and our progress. aquileans. “People loved roots and spirit of entrepre- the city’s progress and urges ev- They also form part of the her. Children, senior citi- neurialism. eryone to take part in it. That is city’s economic heartbeat. zens, young people, every- But Joe, originally from a Juan Pueblo.” Guayaquil’s entrepreneurial- body was lining up to have poor background, has since Now Juan has a new part- ism is represented in large their photo taken with Juan grown from his humble roots. ner (“What man can stand part by women. It’s impres- and Juanita,” reports Gal- Featured in the city’s promo- to be alone?” asks Gallardo), sive. And nothing existed to lardo. “She was an instant tional, cultural and civic cam- Juanita Pueblo, a symbol of represent this,” she explains. success.”

What are the set of values they a foreigner or from the and traits of the typical highlands of Ecuador. Guayaco? Nicolas Romero Sangster, Bruno Leone, President, General Manager, Guaya- Servigroup: Work. Guaya- quil Airport Authority: quil’s citizens are experienced The people from Guayaquil and self-respecting because are frank and direct; they they know what they have don’t like wasting their time. achieved is the product of They are bold and resource- their own work and effort, ful. But at the same time they and also that they don’t owe also have an important philan- anything to anyone. This feel- thropist side to them. There ing of being a free product is no other Latin American “As the most of your own undertakings city with as many charities as populated city and is one of the distinguishing Guayaquil. We must not for- the driving motor characteristics of the people get that the first hospital built of the country, of Guayaquil. We are likewise by the state in Guayaquil was Guayaquil naturally known for our charity and in 1971. Until that time, it was holds great influence solidarity, our honesty and the charity commission that in any political, transparency. I believe that was in charge of the General social, economic and these characteristics, com- Hospital, the maternity unit, cultural movements in bined with our nobility, are the hospice, the cemetery, Ecuador” what set us apart. etcetera, so the charity com- mission really took us from Jorge Arosemena, Henry Kronfle, President, the cradle to the grave. Former Political Chief of Guayas National Business Bureau: When we opened the Province Honesty, perseverance, digni- airport, our major concern ty, order, freedom, and respect was thinking that the people for the law. Guayaquil is the would not take good care of most populated city in Ecua- the public restrooms, or the dor, where both native-born fish, the plants, and all the residents and newcomers rest of the things we placed from other areas of Ecuador there, which are after all pub- live and work together. Once lic property. And actually in Guayaquil, anyone can see the ones who helped us the that the model of our city rests most in maintaining the air- on the essential nature of two- port’s facilities were the very way communication between same people from Guayaquil, the local government and the who are always interested private sector. Guayaquil’s in having an airport that is development model is based comfortable, clean, and well on the governance structure organized. of public-private partner- ships, and both sectors work Sandro Coglitore, General towards the same goals of Manager, Omarsa: It seems progress, development, liber- to me that it is very easy to ty, democracy, order, respect do business with the people “The people from for the law, and investment. in Guayaquil. Usually, people Guayaquil are frank from Guayaquil are transpar- and direct; they don’t Jorge Arosemena, Former ent – they hide nothing – and like wasting their time. Political Chief of Guayas are extremely hospitable, They are bold and Province: As my late uncle friendly and upfront. We see resourceful. But at the and former president of Ecua- these characteristics in the same time they also dor Carlos Julio Arosemena image that the more than 40 have an important Monroy used to say: “Being destinations with which we philanthropist side to Guayaco is an attitude to- do business have of us, and them. There is no other wards life and a lifestyle in that distinguishes us from our Latin American city with itself”. We are warm, welcom- competitors. We have no reli- as many charities as ing, supportive, and friendly. gious or gender problems, as Guayaquil” The beauty of this charm is can happen with other coun- that our way of living is con- tries, where some producers Nicolas Romero Sangster, tagious and has led to great may receive different treat- General Manager, Guayaquil Airport contributions to the city from ment to their counterparts. Authority everyone who comes here, be Here everyone is welcome.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content 4 Monday, November 30, 2015 Distributed by USA TODAY GUAYAQUIL

Guayaquil Siglo XXI Foundation transforms the image of city Streets, public spaces foundation is explained in by the installation of sewage teries connecting the city Echoing the sentiments “A major part of urban and parks are all being the words of General Man- networks leading to the pub- center with the financial dis- of the management of the renewal involves modernized in the city ager, Eng. Wilfrido Matam- lic sewer system. trict. Currently, the street is Foundation, Mayor Jaime visual decontamination” oros, who says that it “tran- Visual decontamina- undergoing major architec- Nebot says these works will n behalf of the scends public works, having tion is an important part tural renovation with cultural have a knock-on effect on Wilfrido Matamoros, Municipality of rescued the self-esteem of of urban renewal, says Mr. spaces also being developed. the economy of Guayaquil, General Manager, The Twenty-First Century Guayaquil, Gua- Guayaquil with the renewal Matamoros. What has been There is also the investment by spurring the construc- Foundation for Urban Regeneration yaquil Siglo XXI of its landmarks.” achieved with the burying of large hotel chains, which tion industry, creating jobs (Twenty-First Century) Fo- Among the most signifi- of overhead wires, electron- have chosen Guayaquil for its and promoting domestic undationO for Urban Regen- cant projects to highlight ics, and telephone lines, tourism potential. and foreign tourism. eration is a private non- are: the rehabilitation of the together with the replace- Plans for the construction To conclude, Mr. Mat- profit organization that for banks along the Salado Estu- ment of concrete poles with of a Cocoa Museum, the Mu- amoros confidently asserts the past 15 years has been ary, the Santa Ana port and metal ones, and the paint- nicipal Museum of Modern that in the coming months, responsible for the restora- hill, regeneration of October ing of the facades of build- and Contemporary Art and visitors can enjoy two ex- tion, repair and rehabilita- 9th Boulevard and the recon- ings, has completely shown the Museum of Natural His- traordinary artistic works tion of streets, monuments struction of parks. Special at- a new face of Guayaquil. tory have been approved in that reflect the history and public spaces con- tention has been given to the Panama Street, which order to integrate them into of Guayaquil: the Monu- sidered important for the banks of the Salado Estuary, initially was used for cocoa a ‘Promenade of the Arts’ ment of Guayas y Kil and both commercial and tour- where it has been possible to farmers to dry their crops, that will also function as a the Monument of Christ of ist sectors. The work of the reduce the pollution caused became one of the main ar- place for street performers. Consuelo.

InFrom the 90s, the city’s water 63% system left much to to be desired100% when it came to waterwater quality, pressure, andcoverage accessibility. This situation led thein municipality 15 to form years a project to modernize and privatize services, allowing the city to begin the task of supplying drinking water and a city sewer system to the entire population.

ome to a dynamic offerings were either unsatis- proved the quality of water water, but that they have it in As far as water treatment realm of providing knowl- economy that factory or nonexistent. and waste management ser- their homes, as ensuring do- goes, EMAPAG received more edge and know-how with has flourished However, since 2001, vices in Guayaquil has been mestic access and high quality than 200 million dollars worth regards to all aspects of the thanks in no EMAPAG has become the the transfer of administra- water were both top priorities of financial support from the water cycle -- from collection small part to the regulator of these services, and tive responsibility from the for the municipality. Much World Bank and the European to treatment, to distribution support of its local municipal- International Water Services national to the local level. to the pride of local authori- Investment Bank, as well as and disposal, right down to ity,H Guayaquil offers its citizens of Guayaquil -- also known As of 2007, the municipal- ties, the quality of the water in an additional 50 million from sales management. a wide variety of vital social ser- as Interagua -- is the service ity of Guayaquil has been in Guayaquil has not only been the municipal government in Now the leading utility in vices, the most lauded of which provider. Together, these two charge of dictating the politics corroborated by tests from na- order to provide universal ac- Ecuador, Interagua boasts are its high-quality water and companies decide on what of the industry and oversee- tionally renowned laboratories, cess to wastewater collection triple certification for qual- its efficient wastewater man- type of action is needed and ing the entity -- in this case, but also by the satisfaction ex- in the southern part of the city ity, occupational health and agement system. prioritize the most important EMAPAG -- that regulates the pressed by citizens and the fact of Guayaquil, which is home to safety, and environmental The Empresa Municipal de investments so that the sectors technical, economic, and legal that the percentage of illnesses one million residents. As part management. It is among the Agua Potable y Alcantarillado in most need receive the infra- aspects of the industry, as well related to water consumption of this undertaking, a state-of- nearly 9,000 global companies de Guayaquil, more com- structural improvements and as managing Interagua. have drastically decreased. the-art wastewater treatment subscribed to the UN Global monly known as EMAPAG, basic sanitation services they Overall, since this new plant will be constructed in the Compact – a voluntary initia- is the municipal company need. Leveraging their human model of water management southern part of the city, and tive based on CEO commit- responsible for setting the resources from local popula- was established in 2001, 100% Among the other the sewage system from 30,000 ments to implement universal standards of drinking water tions, EMAPAG and Interagua of the city has had access to significant changes households in the area will be sustainability principles and and sewage management in not only improve the quality of running water since 2013, and that have improved the repaired and or upgraded using to undertake partnerships the city of Guayaquil. Through life in Guayaquil by providing by 2016, it is expected that all quality of water and modern, non-invasive tech- in support of UN goals. At sensitivity to local needs and access to basic services such as citizens will benefit from a waste management nology that will avoid having the core of the company’s the enforcement of exacting drinking water and a dignified dignified wastewater collec- services in Guayaquil to break through sidewalks or ethos is the idea that social standards, EMAPAG has been wastewater disposal system, tion system. This is all in stark has been the transfer create other similar construc- responsibility means doing able to create an efficient sys- but also create jobs, provide contrast to the beginning of of administrative tion disturbances. In order for everything possible to lever- tem for providing potable wa- professional training so that lo- the century when only 63% responsibility from the all of this to happen as planned, age skills, technology and re- ter and sewage services to the cals can perform competently of the population had access national to the local the government and various sources for the greater good. It entire city. This is especially in those jobs, and stimulate to running water, and less than level. As of 2007, state financing and credit agen- prides itself on employing best remarkable since only just 15 the local economy through 50% lived in areas serviced by a the municipality of cies have had to join forces and practices for the use of water, years ago it was not possible both direct and indirect em- wastewater collection system. Guayaquil has been in cross check balance sheets for on operating sustainably. to privatize municipal services ployment. It is important to note that all charge of dictating the what will eventually represent Through its ‘We Are Water’ such as water and waste man- Among the other signifi- citizens of Guayaquil not only politics of the industry a $450 million investment, program, Interagua makes an agement, and as a result, these cant changes that have im- have access to clean running and overseeing the entity which includes the water treat- effort to inculcate a culture of ment plants that will service respect for natural resources the city and its residents. in the local communities of A critical cog in the system Guayaquil. Through talks, that will ensure these goals workshops, conferences and are met, EMAPAG was estab- other activities, children lished in 2012 with the aim of are taught about water and helping to improve basic liv- are shown ways to preserve ing and health conditions in and treasure this important Guayaquil through ensuring natural resource. Likewise, efficient and high-quality Interagua’s ‘Plant Water’ water and wastewater man- project takes things a step agement services, as well as further by encouraging chil- effective storm water drain- dren to plant trees and garner age. It has a solid reputation a more hands-on understand- within the community and is ing of the fundamental role known for its lean manage- and importance of water in ment and high ethical and our ecosystem. moral standards. Dedicated As a result of the unified ef- to providing the best possible forts of Interagua, EMAPAG, services, it is a company that and the municipal govern- functions closely attune to ment of Guayaquil, the city emerging community needs. has become a role model; it In tandem with EMAPAG, is now the only metropolis in Interagua works to serve the the country where water and citizens of Guayaquil. Based sanitation have a regulatory in Amsterdam, Interagua is a body. Although public com- conglomerate of several Ec- panies in cities like Quito and uadorian and other foreign Cuenca have also made great companies including Veolia, strides in providing greater and is specialized in provid- access to basic sanitation and ing potable water and basic higher-quality offerings, the sanitation. It’s most signifi- Guayaquil model is still the cant contributions are in the most revered.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content Distributed by USA TODAY Monday, November 30, 2015 5 GUAYAQUIL Privatization has transformed the transport sector over past decade Mayor Jaime Nebot’s decision to the hand the management of the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport, the city’s main bus terminal and the Port of Guayaquil over to private firms has turned them into profit-making machines. And the companies in charge are using these profits to fund their expansion plans.

he first thing a visitor with regional bigwigs like Lima notices after land- and Panama. ing at José Joaquín Mr. Romero says that Daular de Olmedo Interna- will attempt to mimic the suc- tional Airport in Guayaquil is cess of Dubai, which managed waterfallsT and orchids. The sec- to become an engine of growth ond is the welcoming faces of for the Emirates through cap- well-trained airport staff. Then, turing transit traffic between they notice the shiny cleanliness Europe and the Far East. Dau- of the installations. lar’s cargo facilities will solidly Voted second in its category establish it as the most impor- (8-12 million passengers) in tant commercial airport in the world for the last three the country, says Mr. Romero, consecutive years, the staff at who stresses that Guayaquil has José Joaquín de Olmedo Inter- been prudent in its planning. national Airport have worked “The logical way to do things hard to present their best faces to is responsibly and with a cool visitors. It is, after all, where their head. We are not building a first impressions of Guayaquil white elephant. We have known are formed. As Nicolás Romero for some time that a new air- Sangster, General Manager of port would be necessary but we the Guayaquil Airport Author- wanted to build it when traffic ity, says, “The airport is the city’s actually demanded it. That mo- window to the world.” ment will come around 2024,” Mr. Romero says the staff he explains. are taught that passengers are Construction on Daular is the most important individu- expected to begin in 2019 and als on the airport premises. A plans are for a modern, top- further emphasis is put on strict of-the-line, environmentally maintenance and upkeep of the friendly facility. “Architecturally terminal facilities. “The idea is speaking, we want it to become “The logical way to do to have the friendliest possible an icon of Latin America,” says things is responsibly and airport in order to alleviate any Mr. Romero. All waste-water with a cool head. We tensions that all passengers will be recycled for irrigation are not building a white feel with the experience of air and the airport will be solar elephant. We have known travel. This is achieved through powered. Wooded areas will for some time that a new the right environment, and with be cultivated to absorb as much airport would be necessary the right decor, but especially carbon emission as possible, but we wanted to build through thorough training for and abundant green areas will it when traffic actually all staff so they transmit the boast flora and fauna typical of demanded it. That moment most positive energy possible, the region. The city has already will come around 2024” with a constant smile and al- invested more than $6 million ways being polite,” he says. in municipal upgrades for the Nicolás Romero Sangster, General This winning culture dates surrounding town, which will Manager, Guayaquil Airport Authority back to 2000 when Mayor Jai- be home to Daular’s future staff. me Nebot took over the reins of lion people per year. That just the city and launched a major Watchful expansion is Guay- goes to show the economic and overhaul of Guayaquil’s infra- aquil’s catchword social impact and importance of structure. The mayor handed This emphasis on successful, the main bus terminal in what is over the responsibility for the yet sustainable, growth has also now Ecuador’s largest city and its airport’s management to the been a characteristic of Guaya- commercial heart.” private sector and its transfor- quil’s land transport sector, and The FTT is using its excess mation over the next decade was in particular its municipal bus funds to expand, with two new such that José Joaquín de Olm- transport. Since its rehabilita- satellite terminals planned for An artist’s impession of the future Daular Airport edo became a regional engine of tion in 2002, the city’s main bus the north and on the coast. growth. Always the epicenter of terminal, Terminal Terrestre, The Daule terminal, which Ecuador’s exports as the main has experienced a remarkable will begin operations in 2016, economy will be stable with for- decade has paid off in spades, not from Europe that ran contrary maritime gateway, Guayaquil revival in both passenger num- will provide service to an addi- eign investment coming; and we only in terms of the city’s growth, to the conservative status quo began growing its tourism sec- bers and local economic activity. tional four million passengers are promoting new investments but also for Ecuador, and it has in the country, and that this is tor little by little with its airport Comprised of the City of and the coastal terminal will to support our the country grow.” served as a benchmark in South still the case. While in the rest expansion; and today, it is the top Guayaquil, Guayas Province boast capacity for 3.5 million The port is currently ranked America. This is true not only in of the country the concept of destination in the country. Transit Committee and the more when finished in 2019. ninth among the ports of Latin tourism growth, but also in inter- 21st century socialism is thriv- Though the infrastructure Citizens Commission, the “Guayaquil is a port city, and America and the Caribbean; and national commercial expansion. ing, in Guayaquil the focus is on work that was carried out was non-profit Fundación Termi- historically an industrial city, Contecon’s 20-year concession Indeed, the city has become the development and entrepreneur- extraordinary, says Mr. Romero, nal Terrestre (FTT) capitalized with a lot of entrepreneurial- agreement allows the time for main engine of economic, so- ship, says Mr. Romero. This is, its effect on the city’s residents on a remodeling of the existing ism,” says Mr. Salgado Manzano. further growth. The company cial and investment expansion of course, a direct reflection of was even more significant. “I terminal launched by Mayor “The mayor has been working intends to position the Port of for Ecuador. Much of this suc- the people who reside there. Not think that the most important Nebot that has since converted for years to transform it into a Guayaquil, through which pass cess is due precisely to the city’s only are the people of Guayaquil part of the Nebot legacy has it into a city landmark. Located center for conventions, com- 70% of the country’s container decision to invest in transport bold and resourceful, Mr. Rome- been regaining our pride in be- in a three storey shopping mall merce and now tourism. This trade exports. infrastructure. ro concludes, but they are also, ing from Guayaquil. We have in the north of the city, the ter- successful transformation has Consequently, Guayaquil’s Mr. Romero adds that Guay- “frank and direct, they don’t like recovered that strength,” he says, minal boasts 250 commercial not only given us more prestige, investment in air, land and aquil has long been an incuba- wasting their time.” Nor do they adding that when TAGSA, the outlets along with spaces for but also greater self-esteem, and maritime transport over the last tor for modern ideas coming like building white elephants. winning concessionaire for the events, holiday festivities and has attracted greater numbers of airport, took over, their main community activities. In 2009 visitors, who come now to see concern was that improve- current general manager Edu- Guayaquil’s boardwalks and ments to the facilities would ardo Salgado Manzano took piers and its beautiful avenues. not be respected by passengers. over the helm, and has since Now the bus terminal has be- They could not have been more pushed to complete this trans- come another feather in the wrong. The city’s residents were formation with a solid opera- mayor’s cap.” the first to take meticulous care tional strategy that has resulted of their new installations. in a $12 million surplus. Smooth sailing Today, José Joaquín de Ol- Today, the FTT oversees It is true that Guayaquil has medo International Airport is transport for 25 million pas- always been, and is, first and growing its passenger numbers sengers annually, with annual foremost a port city, and the by 14% per year and generates revenues exceeding $18 million. transformation that the city annual profits in excess of $20 Such is its success that it has be- has seen has not been absent million. Furthermore, it has come a reference for other coun- in its traditional port sector. managed to set aside $200 mil- tries in the region, like Colombia, Contecon Guayaquil has been lion from these revenues for the for the outstanding modernity managing the Simon Bolivar construction of a new interna- of its installations, its effective Maritime Port since 2007. Con- tional airport and airport city use of technology in managing tecon’s continual investment in in Daular, some 25 miles from more than 3,000 daily routes and infrastructure, latest technology Guayaquil. And the new airport 65,000 passengers per day, and and capacity boosting aimed at is set to become a regional cargo for a business model that has maintaining and exceeding in- and transit hub extraordinaire. successfully combined leisure ternational standards has since and shopping with a passenger resulted in higher productivity Daular, the cherry on top of and cargo terminal. levels and more efficient load- Guayaquil’s transformation “A well-connected country ing times, along with increased When completed in 2024, the with good infrastructure and capacity to 1.5 million TEUS Daular international airport highways is critical for the eco- (20-foot standard containers). will be one of Latin America’s nomic growth of the city. In addi- “Since Contecon took over the largest. It will boast three land- tion to the 25 million annual pas- Guayaquil Port, there have been ing strips (there are only six sengers we have at the terminal, big improvements in opera- airports in the U.S. that have we receive another 90,000 visi- tions, technology, training and this capacity for simultaneous tors per day who come because time management. The service landings and none in Latin of our cargo terminal, to visit the of the port runs efficiently with America) and capacity for 18 shopping center, or simply to eat reduced times of handling, million passengers per year. and wander around,” comments customer service oriented and It will also be an international Mr. Salgado Manzano. “So we friendly with the environment” logistics center, in the running actually receive around 55 mil- says José Miguel Muñoz, CEO of Contecon. “We take pride in keeping the economic heart of the country and the city alive. We know that by having a world class port, we allow business to grow knowing that the international markets are within reach; the country’s

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amborondón is one “We help one another of the 10 cantons and this is my greatest of the province of satisfaction the unity of Guayas. Known for the canton despite the its rich folkloric different backgrounds traditions, robust rice pro- Big construction of our people. Here duction industry, and very nobody is marginalized S and everyone is always high standard of living, it is essentially an extension of willing to lend a hand” Guayaquil – the largest city in Ecuador. Since 1996, the projects to José Coco Yúnez Parra, population of the region has Mayor of Samborondón grown by more than 500%, and all signs indicate that it will expand just as rapidly Ultimately, Mr. Pita ex- until at least 2030. substantially improve plains that initiative, dyna- In recent years, the region mism, generosity, indepen- has received one of the larg- dence, and the commitment est influxes of capital in the to move forward with what country, partially as the re- is planned are the character- sult of new investments and quality of life istics that best describe the residents of greater Guaya- construction projects in the The myriad of construction works in Guayaquil and the neighboring town of Samborondón will have a quil. “We like to do things for upscale La Puntilla neighbor- huge impact on livelihoods. But perhaps the most important of all these works is Mi Lote, an affordable ourselves, and to turn existing hood. Linked to Guayaquil by housing project that will slash the housing deficit by providing thousands of homes to poorer families for opportunities into successful the National Unity Bridge as little as $6,500 over the coming years and known for its exclusive endeavors by resourcefully gated communities, La Pun- employing our skills.” tilla also boasts shopping development is important,” population, and provides Similarly, Mayor Yúnez ex- malls, restaurants, bars, and says Mayor Yúnez. “But we FACTS ABOUT THE CITY investment opportunities plains that in Samborondón, over 130 private residential can never lose our cultural for willing companies in the citizens are also making the compounds. Its construction identity. We must respect Only four cities in the private sector. The last 1,800 best of opportunities to make boom kicked off in the late our traditions.” 1 American continent units of the project were just the local agriculture industry 1980s, firmly marking the As the Samborondón area that are not capital recently handed over to their more attractive to private in- area’s transformation from continues to flourish, con- cities have both a US consulate owners, and construction for vestment, and to further de- rural outpost to suburban cerns such as traffic are be- and an autonomous American Mi Lote, phase 2 is expected velop its equestrian sector. He refuge of Guayaquil residents coming more pressing, and in Chamber of Commerce. to last until 2018. notes that the only equestrian in search of more space and a bid to alleviate congestion, Guayaquil is one of them “In Guayaquil people like hippodrome in all of Ecuador is less pollution. the construction of a bridge to own their own home, not located in Samborondón, and Despite its rapid residential linking the area directly with 85% to rent. So the fact that the that the historical presence of development, the majority of Guayaquil is already in the Guayaquil reinvests Mayor has introduced these the horse is very important to Samborondón is mainly rural pipeline. Once completed, 2 85% of its income social projects that allow his region of the country, as with an economy largely de- the 780-meter long bridge people to own their own witnessed through traditional in services for the PUBLIC pendent on rice production over the Daule River is ex- public and in public homes is good, because own- festivities which include ro- deos and horse-led cavalcades. and livestock, explains José pected to reduce traffic on the works. This means that out ing a home gives a person Coco Yúnez Parra, the Mayor National Unity Bridge, which self-esteem,” says Carlos Las- “We all need one another – of $100 received by the municipality, $85 of Samborondón. “In the past, is currently the main artery so, General Manager of Fam- the business owner needs his our people mainly lived from between Samborondón and are re-invested for the people bercell, one of the companies workers, the politician needs agriculture and livestock,” he Guayaquil. Though resi- invested in the project. his community,” concludes says. “We are still among the dents have expressed con- As its name suggests, As the area outside of Mayor Yúnez. “We are proud largest rice producers in the cerns regarding noise and 3 this is where the historic Guayaquil sees a boom in to be from Samborondón, and nation, and we are proud to dust levels during and after Guayaquil Conference housing and construction, although it may take time for produce rice of the highest construction is completed, Mayor Yúnez insists on the our achievements to be recog- took place in 1822. Simón quality,” he adds, but also ac- local authorities have con- importance of planning. “We nized on a national level, that knowledges the increasingly ducted thorough studies on Bolívar and José de San Martín, Guayaquil are ever vigilant of the need we are on the right path is most dualistic nature of the local the environmental impact of leaders of the South American to grow with a certain order – important.” economy which has created the construction. In parallel, movement for independence not quickly, but sustainably,” a larger gap between classes; an Aerovía project is in the from Spain, met here on July he says. To this, Enrique Pita, La Aurora de Daular a change which he suggests works to link the cantons of 26–27, 1822. Late in 1821, when President of the Ecuadorian The project La Aurora de Dau- locals are adapting to with Samborondón and Duran San Martín’s campaign for the Chamber of Construction, lar is located in the Chongón aplomb. (also in Guayas) to Guayaquil liberation of Peru was faltering, adds the importance of treat- parish, in the “New Develop- “We help one another by cable car. Between 70-85% he wrote to Bolívar, whose army ing construction workers ment Pole” of the City of Guay- and this is my greatest sat- of this project will be funded was then in possession of Ecuador, that the two of them with respect. “Construction aquil, 60 kilometers from the isfaction – the unity of the by the local government, and must join forces if the struggle for independence was to does not exist without con- beach at the foot of the new canton despite the different the company that wins the succeed. Bolívar agreed enthusiastically, and the two met struction workers,” says Mr. access route to the future In- backgrounds of our people. bid to carry out the project at Guayaquil Pita. “We need to ensure that ternational Airport. Here nobody is marginalized should provide the rest. we create an environment The housing plan will be and everyone is always will- In addition to the new where these workers un- built along the lines of the ing to lend a hand,” he says. bridge, the Aerovía project, The main port derstand the importance of municipal housing project, Further strengthening the and a new bus terminal that 4 (Puerto Principal) what they are doing and can Mucho Lote 2, and includes bonds between the residents is already under construc- of Guayaquil is be proud of their accomplish- the creation of 14,200 hous- of Samborondón is the fact tion, several urban renova- ments so that they can trans- also the main port of ing units, whose selling prices that they are very proud of tion projects are also slated mit these positive values onto shall be, like for Mucho Lote 2, their traditions and pride to begin. Jaime Nebot, the Ecuador. Seventy percent their families.” approved by the Municipality themselves on ensuring that Mayor of Guayaquil, recently of Ecuador’s external trade Of equal importance, he of Guayaquil. their public spaces are rep- announced plans to build two transits through this port insists, is ensuring financial The La Aurora de Daular resentative of their culture. new water parks and to com- stability and securing private project will be built in stages For instance, the Historic mission cosmetic improve- investments. “For construc- over a total period of eight Park of Guayaquil, located ments including a series of Beginning in 2011, the Mi an area of nearly 400 hect- tion projects to thrive, there years. Each stage or develop- on Avenida Esmeraldas, has public murals throughout Lote program is overseen by ares. With a municipal in- must be a certain economic ment will have an independent a zoo, a botanical garden, the area to celebrate the city’s the Ministry of Housing and vestment of nearly $200 mil- calm,” he explains – the cer- entrance, perimeter fence and and several carefully pre- 195 years of independence. Urbanism which provides a lion, the remaining costs of tainty that there are financial security gate. The plots of land served historical buildings The Guayaquil Digital City one-time housing stipend to the project are being picked resources available to fund will have an area of 97.5 me- and theatrical spaces for Project, now in its first year, low-income families who can up by private developers who development projects and ters squared (6.50 meters x 15 celebrating local customs is on target in terms of the then use it towards the ren- were offered land at 80 cents that buyers can have access meters) for in-between houses on national holidays. scope of wireless internet ac- ovation of an existing home per square meter. to credit. Pita also empha- and 176.04 meters squared Likewise, in 2012, the cess it has provided. or towards the purchase of a “In no other place in the sizes the importance of a (11.75 meters x 15 meters) for Teatro Sánchez Aguilar – newly constructed residence country is land sold at such legal structure that protects corner houses. One and two one of the most modern Affordable housing proj- valued at between $6,434 and an affordable price,” states both buyers and builders so storey houses will be built on theaters in the country ects in Guayaquil $30,000. All of the new prop- Carlos Salmon, the Munici- that they feel secure making these plots. – was constructed on 24 Among the most exciting erties available are at least 40 pal Director of Land and investments in the future. He The developers respon- thousand square meters and and potentially life-changing square meters large and in- District Services, who reit- cites the case of the Czarnin- sible for the development of at an investment of $12 mil- projects already underway clude a bathroom, running erates that Mi Lote is a proj- ski family, which owns several this major project will be the lion. The theater seats 1,100 is Mi Lote, a program that water, and basic sanitation ect generously subsidized by luxurious shopping malls in companies DALDRY, S.A. and people and has already lent aims to decrease the hous- and sewage capabilities. the local government, and Ecuador and is currently back- CONSTRUDIPRO S.A., who its stage to several national ing deficit, ease poverty, and In what will soon become that it has something in it ing the construction of El Do- have extensive experience in and international troupes, stimulate economic, social, a satellite city of Guayaquil, for everyone. It allows lower rado, a commercial hub that the development of housing as well as student associa- and cultural progress by phase 1 of the Mi Lote pro- class families a fair chance at will house the largest IMAX in programmes of social interest, tions, which all deepen the providing public housing at gram launched with the dignified housing, helps the Latin America, in addition to and have been responsible for theater’s sense of importance an affordable cost to citizens intention to provide over government ensure hous- stores, hospitals, clinics, and the development of various to the community. “Urban in need. 20,000 housing units across ing solutions for its growing other social services. sectors within the city.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content Distributed by USA TODAY Monday, November 30, 2015 7 GUAYAQUIL Technological innovation drives food production industry forward The food export industry has formed the backbone of the economy of Guayaquil, a thriving port town and Ecuador’s trading hub. The most important food products are bananas, cocoa and shrimp

ome to the na- trade, and is one of the flagship ter of North Carolina, which is tion’s largest port, companies of Ecuador, with dedicated to finding out more Guayaquil has a the brand widely recognized about the beneficial effects of long history. Be- as a global benchmark for fruits and vegetables. One of the tween being the quality. In terms of exports, interesting things that has come birthplace of the independence the company is in in several out of the institute is that, based ofH the nation and its status countries, with the United on extensive testing on athletes, today as an economic pow- States, Europe and Russia ac- bananas are a better source of erhouse, the city has always counting for 60% of total ex- fuel than energy drinks, with been a bastion of provincial ports. The US is the biggest marathon runners consistent- and municipal autonomy and importer, with 45% of DOLE’s ly performing better after they an example of progress for the products ending up there, es- have eaten the fruit. rest of the country. pecially on the West Coast. As Mr. Gutiérrez explains, “It The port has had a large role The only transnational has been shown that in these to play in this story. Account- company that has been per- conditions, eating a banana is ing for almost three-quarters of manently present in Ecuador, much better than taking a Ga- the country’s imports and half DOLE places high importance torade, not only because the en- of its exports, it is extremely im- on corporate social responsibil- ergy component is higher but portant to Ecuador’s economy. ity within the country and has because the mix of nutrients Three industries which provide been the pioneer of the industry that a banana has are unique.” the core of trade for the port of for many years. It has been in- It is precisely this kind of pas- Guayaquil – forming part of tegral in defeating a number of sion for its product that makes the economic backbone to the diseases in bananas, which have this company stand out. Indeed, country – are cocoa, shrimp threatened the entire industry such innovative efforts have not and banana. over the past half -entury. It was gone unnoticed, and last year Ecuador is the fourth larg- World Cocoa Summit in Sep- 475 million pounds to about of the country and will con- also the first major exporter to the company was nominated est producer of cocoa in the tember – hopes to leverage 540 million pounds in 2015,” tinue to do so for the coming use boxes to export the product for a prize for corporate social world. The cocoa sector in the these price increases. By 2020 says José Camposano, President years. Currently, in the whole rather than exporting them in responsibility from the U.S. Sec- country has experienced sus- the government plans attract of the NCA. Mr. Camposano country there are about 5000 bunches (which meant that the retary of State John Kerry. tained annual growth of 10% more foreign investment in or- adds that such growth is despite smaller producers, and a total product often arrived damaged So what does the future over the past decade, and is der to produce 450,000 tons of the fact that Ecuador has had to of 7500 producers. This figure and bruised), which is now stan- hold for one of Ecuador’s flag- the third largest sector in the cocoa each year, which would overcome a plague of white spot does not take into account all dard practice. ship companies? “With these country’s agricultural export make Ecuador the third largest (a highly lethal and contagious the indirect jobs created by The company employs a very crops and the market how it system, with a potential value producer worldwide, accord- shrimp virus). the processes of fertilization, large technical team (indeed, is, five years is a lifetime. In of $700 million. ing to Mr. Ontaneda. Today, Ecuador’s shrimp is fungicides, food, packagers, the CEO Patricio Gutiérrez this business you cannot see Guayaquil is where one of Shrimp is another example recognized amongst the best and all of the other indus- himself has a PHD in crop past six months – the markets the best varieties of cocoa in of Ecuador thriving at the high in the world, and the country tries that are forged around physiology) that is used to sup- are constantly changing,” says the world was born, making end of the market. The govern- has obtained quality certifica- the banana industry. port producers. As CEO, Mr. Mr. Gutiérrez. Ecuador the world’s largest ment recently launched the tions for sound environmental The future of the banana trade Gutiérrez, says, “Our approach One thing that is certain is producer of high-quality co- ‘First-class Shrimp’ campaign, management from interna- in Ecuador makes for an inter- has always been to offer our that the cocoa, shrimp and coa. According to President which is based upon a strategy tional organizations. “Ecuador esting read – it is an industry producers not only a contract, banana markets look set to of the National Association with emphasis on elite quality certified the first shrimp farm in that has recently enjoyed three but also assistance. In this line of thrive with the help of inno- for Producers and Exporters and green processes. Thanks the world under the standards years of growth, but at the same thinking, we have many reports vative companies like DOLE, of Cocoa (ANECACAO), Iván to growth mainly fueled in of the WWF (World Wide Fund time, there is a contraction in of the progress of an irrigation which in turn will enable Ontaneda, the reason behind and around Guayaquil, shrimp for Nature) on aquaculture sus- terms of hectares. Indeed, there system we developed, to give Guayaquil to not only main- this is the importance of tech- production is forecasted to be tainability. We also received are fewer hectares today than one example. Also, we were tain, but expand its position nology in Ecuadorian cocoa up 25% at the end of this year, recognition that our shrimp there has been at any point in the first to bring irrigation to as one of the most reputable production. “Ecuador is the compared to year end 2014, ac- output is of the highest qual- the past decade. However, this the country. There have been food technology and food ex- Silicon Valley of cocoa,” he says. cording to projections by the ity,” explains Mr. Camposano. fact just shows the strength of a number of technological ad- port hubs in Latin America. With the recent Ebola cri- National Chamber of Aquacul- The banana is one of the technological innovation in the vances that we have always tried sis damaging 60% of the larg- ture (NCA). other symbolic products of industry, much of which can be to share with the industry. It is est cocoa plantations in the “Ecuador has maintained Ecuador, with 30% of the world attributed to DOLE. very important that, as the larg- world, reducing world supply sustained growth in recent supply originating from the DOLE is one of the biggest est exporter, we have also tried and pushing prices up from years and this year is projected country. As a result, the yel- food companies in South to be a good corporate citizen.” $2,800 to $3,500 per ton, Ec- at 25% in production volume low fruit has a huge role to play America. The company is Dole is working closely with uador – which held the Third compared to 2014, going from in the economic development heavily involved in the banana The Murdock Research Cen-

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content 8 Monday, November 30, 2015 Distributed by USA TODAY GUAYAQUIL El Litoral goes digital to get smart With Guayaquil on course “Guayaquil is on course ESPOL polytechnic has become one of Latin America’s top colleges, where teaching and research are uniquely conjoined to becoming “the smartest to being the smartest city city in Latin America” in Latin America,” predicts thanks to companies Mr. Tomislav Topic, CEO of like Telconet, ESPOL the Telconet group of com- polytechnic is churning panies. They specialize in out the graduates that will Internet infrastructure and help to turn El Litoral’s related services such as next economy into one driven generation networks and data by knowledge and security, but it is also a mat- innovation ter of personal conviction for Mr.. Topic that El Litoral’s fu- ture depends on transitioning nown to Ecuador- from an economy based on ans as “El Litoral”, manufacturing, commerce the coastal plain and the extraction of primary extending from materials, to one that offers a the Pacific to the full range of highly integrated Andean foothills has long digital services. beenK known for its dynamic With the full support and cell phone coverage. The 700 track moving cars and, on ob- sonville, Florida – 80% of Ec- add value to the final prod- economy. Where you have a cooperation of Guayaquil’s plus video monitoring cam- taining a court order, employ uador’s internet traffic is with uct, which in this case means coast you also have ports, and mayor, Jaime Nebot, consid- eras currently deployed in facial recognition software to the United States. It thus has their professional careers on not just goods entering the erable progress has already the city will soon total over identify persons of interest. plenty of redundant capacity the one hand, and the inno- country, but also concepts and been made on the road to 3,000, allowing computers Telconet was a regional to handle data heading from vations we hope they will in- tendencies. Guayaquil, Ecua- the digital city. “We are in- to optimize traffic flows and pioneer in the introduction or to Aruba, Curaçao, Pana- corporate into the productive dor’s largest city (and port) is stalling some 6000 ultra-high communicate information of fiber optical networks ma and Colombia, while the matrix during the course of ideally situated to catch the speed WiFi stations, any one to drivers via a special cell and the first Latin American bundle that serves Ecuador is it,” says Mr. Flores. “Innova- sea-borne breezes conveying of which can move data at phone app. Policemen can data center to obtain TIER 4 100% country-dedicated. tion is in short supply but new ideas to deal with old 600MB per second.” notes instantly report incidents, certification. They have also “Our goal is to get Ecua- you’re never going to see any challenges. The mindset that Mr.. Topic, who hastens to upload photos taken at the developed a new type of un- dor connected and maintain changes until innovation en- has most dramatically taken add that “this high bandwidth scene, dispatch ambulances, derwater cable in which eight that capability at first-world ters the development chain. hold in the lowland provinces service will be available at no and even file the final pa- fiber optic strands rather than levels. That’s our strategic vi- “Our graduates meet world of El Litoral calls for the cre- charge to all users.” perwork without having to the usual pair of two-strand sion – to be another Korea, class standards. They are very ation of a knowledge-based Of course, a high perfor- return to headquarters. By bundles connect the internet or Norway,” says Mr. Topic, good at working under pres- economy driven by techno- mance network is not just the same token, law enforce- hub in the Ecuadoran city of adding, “I think we’re having sure because that’s what we logical innovation. for the sake of improving ment officers will be able to San Pablo de Manta with Jack- some success with it.” make them do here,” says Mr. Flores. Apart from its busi- “Guayaquil is on course ness school, ESPOL offers its to being the smartest city 15,000 students doctorates in in Latin America. Our Computer Science and Biodi- goal is to get Ecuador versity, in addition to a range connected and maintain of Masters covering most of that capability at first- the pure and applied sciences. world levels. That’s our ESPOL parted company with strategic vision – to the traditional-model research be another Korea, or university after spinning off Norway” a large chunk of campus for the site of PARCON ESPOL, Tomislav Topic, CEO, Telconet a 190-hectare, world-class knowledge park where syner- gies between the academic, productive and research com- munities can be harnessed. The Center of knowledge seven private sector R&D insti- If you already know about tutes currently doing business advanced holistic digital there are dedicated to informa- technologies, greenhouse tion technology, biotechnology, gas emissions, risk manage- water, and sustainable develop- ment for fish farmers, renew- ment issues, nanotechnology able energies, environmental and alternative energies, among management, robotics, nano- other focuses. technology and systems engi- And that’s just for starters. neering, then you’ve probably Mr. Flores is betting heavily already heard of ESPOL. And that once PARCON ESPOL is if not, you’d be surprised to fully up and running, authori- learn that the Escuela Supe- ties will green light a Special rior Politécnica del Litoral is Development Zone known one of Latin America’s top as ZILE covering much of the colleges, where teaching and western coast. Goods that enter research are uniquely con- Ecuador temporarily via nearby joined rather than compet- air and seaports would remain ing for funding and prestige. duty free until after they are Sprawling across a cam- treated or otherwise modified pus occupying 778 hectares with the technology at hand to northwest of Guayaquil, for add to their value before they most of its more than 50-year exit the ZILE. “We should have history ESPOL functioned done it all at once, instead of in as a traditional polytechnic, stages, but twenty years ago the churning out engineers and government then in office had technical specialists to man- other priorities,” adds Mr. Flores age imported 20th-century with just a hint of regret. technologies. In the 1980s, it sprouted a semi-autonomous graduate school of business “The education our administration known as ES- students receive is meant PAE. It used to be said that to add value to the ESPOL turns out engineers final product, which in and ESPAE sees to the entre- this case means their preneurs, but such over-sim- professional careers on plified categories no longer the one hand, and the apply, says ESPOL’s forward- innovations we hope looking rector, Sergio Flores, they will incorporate into who was a former professor of the productive matrix Telconet’s Mr. Topic. during the course of it” “The education our stu- dents receive is meant to SERGIO FLORES, Rector, ESPOL

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content