THE PLACE to be
Catalyst of MICE tourism in Ecuador HJ Becdach has developed a name for itself in events, bringing together the movers and shakers in different sectors.
How would you characterize the evolution of HJ Becdach since its inception?
In 41 years, HJ Becdach has done an important job for the benefit of the company, families, executives, and country. We have been able to invite in many investors over the years through premium events such as Ecuador Oil & Power, of which we are now holding the 25th edition, and Expominas, which has been held for the past 14-15 years. When Expominas started, the mining industry in Ecuador was only just emerging, and the first edition was done with the participation of just six companies. For the 2021 edition, we will have over 300 companies present. As the mining sector in the country grows, so does Expominas, which is also the case for the oil industry. HJ Becdach sets itself apart because it is a reference point in the energy sector, be it oil, gas, power, renewable sources, or mining. During Expominas, all components of energy are involved. The participating companies work with oil and power, energy and electricity, renewable sources such as wind and solar, and with carbon, green energy, and electric mobility. We will also present all the mining companies and companies that provide services to the mining and oil industries. There are huge expectations for the event, as it symbolizes economic reactivation post pandemic.
What can we expect from Expominas this year?
It is the biggest event held in Quito in almost two years, since the pandemic began. During the program’s three days, we will have keynote speeches, technical conferences, panels, and forums. We will host over 160 keynote speakers and hundreds of conferences held in-person in four conference halls, which will simultaneously be transmitted online, making them hybrid conferences that everyone around the world can attend. Our slogan is “Ecuador becomes the world energy center,” be it through mining, oil, gas, or electricity. This is the Ecuador we want to present. We will have over 300 companies visiting from nine countries and visitors from across the world and every province in Ecuador. Our visitors will range from interested professionals and engineers to people related to the oil and mining industry in some capacity. Throughout the three days it will be possible to see the magnificent latest technology, showcasing not only environmental care, but also the social responsibility efforts of participating companies. We have even invited high school and university students for a closer look at the various new professions they may wish to enter and to see what it means to be part of the energy sector.
Hosts the largest expo for oil and power in the country
What role will the industry play in the country’s economic reactivation?
Mining is the fourth-largest sector in terms of exports and became so within a short period. We have two exporting mining companies: Lundin Gold with its Fruta del Norte gold deposit and ECSA Ecuacorriente with its Mirador copper field. With some of the exports reaching the USD1,800-million mark, in four- or five-years’ time we estimate producing from an additional four or five mining fields. By 2025, Ecuador will be able to export between USD4,000 and USD5,000 million per year, or even higher. Mining investments are long term and high risk, not just here but worldwide. If you are going to be investing for such a long time, you require legal certainty, access to a trained workforce, and you need to have access to technology that will enable you to take care of the environment, while offering ideal results in mineral discoveries. Ecuador is a blessed country; in every province and every field it has a diversity of minerals. Ecuador has the same level of minerals that Chile and Peru have. What do companies interested in investing do? They chose the country with the best legal certainty, with easier investment procedures. With this, there will be many more companies coming to invest in Ecuador.