On November 13, 2023, the Yacyretá dam border crossing between Argentina and Paraguay is set to fully reopen for all vehicles. This action, endorsed by local authorities, follows prior restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and previous partial operations. The initiative aims to bolster local economies significantly by facilitating increased traffic, tourism, and commerce between the two nations.
The Yacyretá dam border crossing between Argentina and Paraguay is set to fully reopen to all types of vehicles starting November 13, 2023, a development anticipated to significantly enhance the local economies, as announced this week. Municipal authorities from Ituzaingó, under the leadership of Mayor Juan Pablo Valdés, along with Mariano Ferreiros, who serves as envoy from the Federal Cabinet and directs the National Border Commission, conducted an on-site inspection this past Monday, finalizing preparatory aspects related to the reopening ceremony. Initially established in August 2019, the crossing faced closure in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following its partial reopening in October 2022, which permitted only public transport with two daily routes, it is expected that full operation will stimulate increased traffic, benefiting tourism and commerce in both cities. “After almost two and a half years of work, we have reached an agreement. The procedures are already moving forward and, as a maximum date, the crossing will be enabled on November 13,” Valdés confirmed to reporters, noting that only a few critical endorsements remain to finalize the reopening. Reflecting on the extensive negotiations, he remarked, “There were many negotiations and claims. With the new national authorities, we were finally listened to and understood.” Valdés expressed hope that the reestablishment of the border crossing would yield substantial economic advantages. The limited reopening in 2022 was attributed to ongoing projects at the Aña Cuá section of the Yacyretá dam, which had adversely affected businesses on both sides of the border. Social leader from Ayolas, Arnyldo Bernal, welcomed the announcement, emphasizing that it fulfills a long-standing demand from residents. The easier access to Argentina for medical treatments was particularly noted by the Paraguayan community. “If it does materialize, and hopefully it will, it will be a great advantage for health, for culture, and for those people who travel for different reasons. There is a lot of expectation; more than a promise, we want it to be a reality. This is the only border that is still closed after the COVID-19 pandemic,” he commented to ABC.
The Yacyretá dam serves as a pivotal crossing point between Argentina and Paraguay, and its reopening is critical given its previous closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The dam has historical significance as a project aimed at improving intercountry connectivity while providing economic opportunities. The reopening will not only facilitate transportation for daily commuters but will also enhance access to healthcare and other essential services, which residents of both sides have demanded for an extended period. Since partial reopening was introduced in late 2022, flow of traffic has been minimal, limiting economic recovery and daily interactions for citizens reliant on cross-border activities. The current development leading to the complete reopening reflects lengthy negotiations and a hopeful outlook towards revitalizing the economies affected by closures.
In conclusion, the full reopening of the Yacyretá dam border crossing on November 13, 2023, marks a significant milestone for both Argentina and Paraguay. It is expected to foster economic growth in the region, particularly through enhanced tourism and commerce, and provide citizens with improved access to essential services. Local leaders have emphasized the critical need for this reopening, which has been anticipated since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and hope to see the anticipated benefits realized swiftly post-reopening.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
