ANDRÉS MENDIZÁBAL
TBY talks to Andrés Mendizábal, CEO of Oleoductos de Crudos Pesados (OCP) Ecuador.
BIOGRAPHY
Andrés Mendizábal is the CEO of OCP Ecuador. He has extensive experience in the energy sector. He has been a part of OCP for more than 15 years, holding positions such as engineering manager and director of operations. He obtained a degree in industrial engineering from the National University of Comahue and a master's degree in business administration from the International Business School of America Latina. He has participated in different courses and programs in Ecuador, the US, and Argentina, such as Management Skills Program (ADEN), International Petroleum Management Certificate Program, and the Intensive Business Administration Program (IAE).
OCP Ecuador has been operating for more than 16 years. How has it impacted the Ecuadorian economy?
OCP Ecuador has transported 855 million barrels of oil in 16 years, which represents USD47 billion of Ecuadorian exports. Each year, OCP Ecuador's operation represents 4% of the country's GDP. We invested USD1.47 billion in the construction of the heavy crude oil pipeline from 2001-2003, the largest private investment in Ecuador's recent history, which also generated around 16,000 jobs. Since the development of the pipeline, we have spent USD3.7 billion and paid around USD680 million in taxes. If OCP Ecuador did not exist, the country could not offer new oil concessions because there would be no transportation infrastructure.
What have been some highlights of your corporate social responsibility policy?
OPC Ecuador has invested USD45 million in social investments in around 700 community projects focused on health, education, and productivity. We always seek projects that follow specific goals in these fields so we can create value and growth in the communities through which the pipeline goes.
To what degree is this project an example of how sustainable initiatives can be developed in more sensitive areas of Ecuador that might be subject to oil production?
We have always had high environmental standards, so one result of the pipeline was the creation of higher environmental standards and certifications after our project started. Another strength we have as a company is that we are close to communities. We go through four provinces and have a good relationship with the community. There are always people who are not satisfied, but it is impossible to please every single individual. An example of this is that we did not suffer any impact from the October 2019 protests in Ecuador; that to some degree demonstrates we have a good relationship with local communities.
ANDRÉS MENDIZÁBAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Felipe Ribadeneira Molestina, President of the Board of Directors, Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters (FEDEXPOR)
FEDEXPOR is directing the government to sign new trade agreements, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and implement a host of other measures to increase Ecuador's competitiveness in the global market.
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Walter Spurrier, President, Grupo Spurrier
For decades, Grupo Spurrier has been providing key data and insights to international companies interested in Ecuador. With mining activity picking up pace again, the company is set to play a bigger role in the country's economic development.
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Fernando L. Benalcázar, Vice Minister of Mines, Ministry of Energy and Non-renewable Natural Resources
TBY talks to Fernando L. Benalcázar, Vice Minister of Mines, Ministry of Energy and Non-renewable Natural Resources, on developments in the sector, expectations for 2020, and the potential of Ecuador's economy.
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Agustín Albán, Secretary, Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENESCYT)
Through a holistic education policy, SENESCYT is working on establishing international alliances, creating online learning programs, and increasing the amount of R&D activities in Ecuador's universities.
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Raúl Villacrés Vanegas, Executive Director, Ecuadorian Association of Banana Exporters (AEBE)
Representing 70% of Ecuador's banana exports, AEBE has worked hand in hand with the state to support the circulation of better agricultural, social, and environmental practices in the sector.
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