We are undertaking modernization programs which were never initiated by the previous government. The current government is therefore completing the modernization of the public sector and public utilities - and the electric sector is one of them. We are tendering concessions of various hydroelectric projects in Ecuador because this country has a huge hydro potential waiting to be tapped. We are willing to receive strategic investors in the electric sector in the form of management contracts, and we are also willing to establish strategic partnerships in the growing telecom sector.

Do you believe that Telecsa is an example of what the country can do to establish new public companies with foreign capital?

Definitely, Telecsa is part of an effort to establish a third mobile phone operator, yet the present situation is such that the government does not have the resources to invest in a new mobile telecom infrastructure on its own, so we are actively searching for a partner that will make the necessary investments together with Andinatel and Pacifictel. Presently there are only two mobile operators in Ecuador: Bellsouth and Porta, each of which has already invested approximately $500 Million. Therefore, it goes without saying that we will seek to invest a similar or greater amount to build a third mobile network.

Do you feel that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is putting too much pressure on the new government to liberalize and deregulate the electricity and telecom sectors?

No. In fact, we are working with the IMF as partners - they are helping us to develop new strategies in order to solve various issues and problems which can help us improve our economic growth.

What are some of the major projects which you are developing in order to support Ecuador's dollarized economy?

The first mega-project that we are developing is the "Ruta de Integración Nacional"; a high speed freeway between the cities of Quito and Guayaquil which will connect these two major cities in only three hours. The project will be allocated through a concessionary bid, using the same concessions model as the Quito Airport project. In fact, we already have some international companies interested in building and managing this important project which will improve transportation and promote the unity of the country by joining the two most important cities of Ecuador.

We are also developing a new project called "Ecuadorian Paradise" that promises to promote the construction of hotel infrastructure along the beautiful coast of Esmeraldas, which includes 12 kilometers of undeveloped beaches. The project will offer concessions of land to international hotel chains and a generous tax scheme to encourage construction development.

However, one of the major barriers to foreign investment is continued corruption and pressure from labor unions. So what is the strategy of President Gutiérrez to reform and increase the attractiveness of state companies like Pacifictel and PetroEcuador?

Our strategy is to make the public sector much more efficient, and on this issue President Gutiérrez is working hand-in-hand with the IMF to modernize public companies. We are inviting the private sector to establish joint ventures and jointly manage the reforms of these companies.

For example, we are proposing the establishment of a management contract for Pacifictel in order to encourage reforms, efficiency and transparency. We are also working towards a joint investment scheme between PetroEcuador and various foreign companies in order to establish new guidelines and reduce bureaucracy.

How do you combine your private business experience with the positions that you are presently holding in the new government?

Pinturas Condor is a family business of which I was General Manager, yet at the present time my brother-in-law has taken the reins of the company and is now manager. Thanks to my experience as manager I believe that I have gained a great deal of experience in the private sector.

I am proud to be working for my country. I am using my experience in the private sector to improve the public sector, thereby supporting the reforms and the vision of President Gutiérrez to improve our country.