APM Terminals has called on the Costa Rican government to sign a contract that allows the Dutch company to build a new container port in Moín, website Nacion.com reported.

Under the privatization agreement the government still has until Aug. 26 to sign the final concession, the story reported.

APM Terminals Costa Rica has already paid US$2.48 million in tax stamps and another US$4 million as a construction guarantee, while director Paul Gallie says the company has completed all procedures necessary.

"The government has not yet summoned us and we are already ready," Gallie was quoted as saying.

Atlantic Port Authority (JAPDEVA) president Allan Hidalgo, said the final matters of the contract were still under discussion.

Deputy Wálter Céspedes accused the companyof aiming to monopolize cargo handling in the ports of Limon and Moin, while several strikes have occured this year over the privatization agreement.

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Photo: La Nacion

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