CEO of the Panama Canal Authority, Alberto Alemán Zubieta, receives the Latin Trade BRAVO Business Award for Distinguished Service in the Hemisphere on October 28. With nine categories, including a Lifetime Achievement Award and Dynamic CEO of the Year, the BRAVO Business Awards are given to those playing a key role in improving Latin America’s economy, business and education.
“I am humbled by this honor and I share this with the world-class workers of the Panama Canal who have worked with me for many years to bring to fruition our vision for our country and the region – the historic expansion of the Panama Canal. As we pursue new milestones, we hope to continue to be a game-changer in the trade industry.”
Under Mr. Aleman Zubieta´s leadership, the Panama Canal has begun an extensive project to expand its interoceanic passage to increase global trade. The expansion will double capacity as well as create a new lane of traffic along the Canal through the construction of a new set of locks. The Canal’s entrances at the Atlantic and Pacific channels will be widened and deepened as well.
Alemán Zubieta began his professional career in the construction field. His participation in the Blue Ribbon Committee to determine the infrastructural needs of the Panama Canal into the next century, earned him the recognition and insight to be appointed as Administrator. From 1996 to 1999, he served as Administrator of the former Panama Canal Commission, the United States Government federal agency which was responsible, until December 31, 1999, for the administration and operation of the Panama Canal. During the following two years, he served simultaneously as Administrator for both the Panama Canal Commission and the Panama Canal Authority, ensuring that the decisions taken under the Panama Canal Commission would have continuity under the Panama Canal Authority. In 2005, the Board of Directors re-elected him to lead the Panama Canal Authority for another seven years.
Under his leadership, the Panama Canal Authority´s vision has been to transform the Canal into a world leader in services to the maritime industry, to be the cornerstone of the global transportation system, and a model of excellence, integrity, and transparency.
The maritime industry has acknowledged his leadership in transforming the Canal into a successful model of operation.
Alemán Zubieta is the recipient of numerous national and international awards for his achievements and contributions to the world maritime industry. In 2009, Alemán Zubieta received the most prestigious award from the maritime industry, the “International Maritime Prize” from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The Panama Canal has had a far-reaching effect on world economic and commercial developments throughout most of this century. Since its opening to international commerce, the Canal has changed trade patterns and made the world more accessible. The completion of the waterway’s expansion will bring a new level of change and opportunity, which is awaited with great anticipation and pride. Expansion will open the Canal to new routes and untapped market segments, allowing larger vessels to transit and increasing capacity.
The $5.25 billion project includes the construction of a new set of locks that will allow the transit of longer and wider ships.
About the Panama Canal Authority (ACP)
The ACP is the autonomous agency of the Government of Panama in charge of managing, operating and maintaining the Panama Canal. The operation of the ACP is based on its organic law and the regulations approved by its Board of Directors.
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Source: pancanal, October 31, 2011