Economy and Finance Minister Fernando Lorenzo, along with Industry, Energy and Mining Minister Roberto Kreimerman and Colonia Intendant Walter Zimmer, took part in the official event organized by the National Customs Bureau for the inauguration of the free zone for the Montes del Plata project in Punta Pereira. The project includes the construction of a modern pulp mill, a port and a biomass power generation unit. 
At the event, Lorenzo stated that Montes del Plata encapsulates the best features of the investment projects our country should have. 
The Economy Minister said the project combines practically all sectors of the national economy and will be a great opportunity to add value to primary production. Lorenzo also noted that the project will bring together new forestry activities as a booming sector in Uruguay. 
Likewise, Lorenzo said the investment involves the best international technologies in the cellulose pulp sector that will require the best capacities of the sector while posing a challenge for the logistics industry. 
In turn, Montes del Plata General Manager Erwin Kaufmann said the company aims to be a relevant player in the countr`s development by creating efficient and long-term production chains. 
As such, he affirmed that Montes del Plata is a long haul venture and went on to explain that the value chain that begins at the nurseries will be a great link that culminates a process that will directly and indirectly involve about 5,000 people at the pulp mill, port and power plant. 
Minister Kreimerman underscored the contribution of these types of products to the creation of a critical mass to enable the development of other companies that will provide products and services. 
También Kreimerman resaltó la contribución de proyectos de este tipo a la formación de una masa crítica que posibilita el desarrollo de otras empresas proveedoras de servicios y productos. 
Intendant Zimmer expressed the reliability characterizing Montes del Plata which shows that here on, together we will follow a harmonious path. I hope this results in the significant benefits and development this country is expecting and that have been in progress for the last few years.. 
Though the preliminary work at the Montes del Plata site began last week, the construction of the pulp mill will begin once the Environmental Management Construction Plan is approved by the National Environment Bureau (DINAMA) and the construction permit is issued by the Intendancy of Colonia.