PANAMA
CITY, July 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Banco
Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex), in
collaboration with the community of Kosovo, located in Puerto Caimito,
Panama, facilitated the
reconstruction of its access bridge, using plastic waste extracted
from beaches and mangroves in the area, reconverted into raw
material.
More than 350 hours of volunteer work by Bladex employees, the
commitment of the community, the support of the Panamanian Ministry
of Public Works, and the alliance with the Botellas de Amor
Foundation made this possible.
"We are proud to have been part of the reconstruction of a
bridge that, is not only the single access road to a community
inhabited by more than 300 people, but has also had a positive
impact on the environment by preventing almost 2 tons of plastic,
which were used for the work, from ending up in our oceans... It is
a true bridge of hope and transformation," highlighted Jorge Salas, CEO of Bladex.
This recycled plastic bridge, with a span of 46 meters, marks an
important milestone by becoming the first bridge of its kind in
Panama and the longest in the
Region. Its construction is an inspiring example of how the
circular economy can have a significant impact on mitigating the
effects of climate change.
Under the slogan "One Team, One Community, One World," the institution continues to
work to promote sustainable development in Latin America and to reinforce its commitment
to ESG principles.
About Bladex:
Bladex is a multinational bank,
originally established by the central banks of Latin American and
Caribbean countries, which began
operations in 1979 with the purpose of promoting trade finance and
economic integration in the Region. The Bank, headquartered in
Panama, also has offices in
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and an agency in the United States, to promote regional
development and serve its customer base, which includes financial
institutions and corporations.
Bladex has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange in
the United States of America (NYSE
ticker symbol: BLX) since 1992, and its shareholders include:
central banks and state-owned entities from 23 Latin American
countries, commercial banks and financial institutions, as well as
institutional and individual investors, through its stock exchange
listing. Bladex is committed to sustainability by supporting
people, planet and prosperity in the region through its operations,
as well as its programs and projects that benefit the communities
in the countries where it operates.
About the Botellas de Amor
Botellas de Amor
Foundation is a non-profit organization that was born with the
intention of using plastic from waste to manufacture houses in
low-income areas and furniture for the communities. It has the
first Circular Economy Plant in Central
America located in the special zone of Panama Pacifico.
Contacto:
Jessica Janson - Vice President
– Corporate Communications and Social Investment
Dirección de correo electrónico: jjanson@bladex.com
Tel.: (+507) 210-8619
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SOURCE Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A.
(Bladex)