Argentina governor proposes joint tender with Chile to clear snowbound Los Libertadores pass

The main route connecting Argentina and Chile, the Los Libertadores pass, has been closed for nearly a month due to severe snowfall, prompting a proposal for joint international action. Mendoza Governor Alfredo Cornejo suggested that Argentina and Chile should jointly tender the snow-clearing operation to private companies, arguing that specialized firms can complete the task much faster than current efforts.

Cornejo criticized the coordination among various agencies involved in reopening the corridor, stating the issue is not a lack of machinery. "We want to propose to both national governments a joint, outsourced tender for the cleaning of the route," he said, citing examples of companies that can clear roads within 48 to 72 hours.

Manuel Millones, the presidential delegate for Valparaíso, Chile, indicated that such a proposal requires analysis at the national government level. "This is a matter that must be discussed at national levels, between our governments, and its possible implementation and effectiveness assessed," he stated, adding that the idea could be discussed at a bilateral meeting in Buenos Aires in September. Millones also defended the work of Chilean officials, calling the road maintenance unit "highly competent and specialized."

The Regional Chamber of Commerce of Valparaíso highlighted that the current closure is the longest since the pass opened in 1980. The interruption has left hundreds of trucks stranded and is raising concerns about its impact on foreign trade and imported goods.