Negotiations are currently under way to promote the construction of a huge complex in Veracruz, Panama, that will include hotels, casinos, golf courses and a harbor for cruises. The complex, which will be named Panamarina, has the approval of Panamanian president Martín Torrijos.

Carlos Llamas, a Spanish businessman, said that his group is in active negotiations with the Government in order to obtain the permits necessary to start the construction of the complex that has been valued in 2,400 million dollars. Llamas said that the project is well seen by Panamanian president Martín Torrijos, who has sent a presidential advisor to validate the permits and oversee the administrative issues.

Although the proposal has caused some negative reactions, specially from the environmental and urban sectors of the Panamanian society, Llamas remains optimistic: “we are requesting the Government to give us operational rights over the maritime area and in exchange we will provide them 300 million dollars in infrastructure for the Veracruz community”, he said.

The investment group has already finished the environmental impact study that will be presented to the National Environmental Authorities. They have also gathered with maritime and air authorities in order to fulfill the environmental standards existing in the country.