Quijano pledged to continue the management model that had made the operation of the canal successful.

He also vowed to redouble efforts to train operating personnel and to face new challenges, such as the current expansion project, which will double the capacity of the 80-km canal, built between 1904 and 1914 by the U.S.

Quijano also highlighted the importance of expanding the capacity of the canal, saying it would lead to new growth possibilities in international trade.

Aleman, Quijano’s predecessor who served as administrator for 16 years, praised the efforts of the more than 9,000 staff who contributed to the smooth operation of the waterway.

According to Aleman, the key to the canal’s successful operation is to maintain a politically non-partisan policy.

He also stressed the importance of holding a referendum on the expansion project.

Quijano has worked 36 years at the Panama Canal, controlled by the U.S. until 1999, when the operation of the canal was handed over to its host country under the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaty.

Source: Xinhuanet.com