The Japanese Government is actively considering investment opportunities in the port of Henecán, located in the southern region of Honduras. The National Port Company (ENP) recently revealed a comprehensive USD 120 million improvement package, catching the attention of Japanese officials.

Carlos Bueso, the manager of ENP, disclosed this development after a meeting on Friday in San Lorenzo, Valle, with Yasushi Hosaka, the parliamentary deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, and Jun Nakahara, the Japanese ambassador to Honduras. During the visit, the delegation explored the port and canal facilities, where Bueso detailed the planned enhancements scheduled to unfold in the remaining two years of Xiomara Castro’s administration.

While the Japanese representatives refrained from making official statements, Bueso noted their significant interest in the strategic location of the port, particularly for accessing the Asian market. Currently, the Japanese vice minister is set to facilitate connections with ports such as Nagoya and Hiroshima to elucidate the project, which will be executed through a public-private alliance.

Addressing concerns about the environmental impact and potential repercussions for shrimp production due to dredging the channel, Bueso mentioned plans to meet with aquaculturists in February for clarification.

The ENP is concurrently involved in the design of a bridge, with dredging and other improvements slated for private bidding to expedite implementation. Gerardo Guzmán, president of the Honduran Maritime Port Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that the project would usher in development for the entire country. Despite initial reservations from shrimp farmers, Guzmán asserted that the long-term benefits would outweigh concerns.

With dredging facilitating deeper draft ships from Asia, shrimp farmers stand to gain as they can directly export their products. This development eliminates the need to rely on Puerto Cortés or Guatemala for exports, streamlining the process and potentially enhancing economic prospects for the region.

In light of the positive impact expected, Guzmán outlined a vision where ships arriving from Asia would dock in San Lorenzo. From there, cargo would be transported by land to Puerto Cortés and subsequently continue its journey to the east coast of the United States. The potential improvements in infrastructure and logistics could mark a transformative moment for the Honduran shrimp industry and broader economic landscape.