The Governor of Risaralda invited Hitachi Energy to get involved in the reconstruction of the department

At the invitation of Hitachi Energy, the governor of Risaralda, Juan Diego Patiño Ochoa, visited the company's transformer plant in Dosquebradas, where he participated in a discussion with its international directors and invited them to join the reconstruction process of the department, after the damage caused by the earthquake of August 10.

The meeting included the participation of Bruno Melles, CEO of the Transformers Business Unit; Luis Francisco Flores, president of Latin America North; Andy Goggin, executive vice president of the Americas region; and Yasutoshi Miyoshi, president of Hitachi Limited for Latin America.

During his speech, the president thanked them for the invitation and highlighted the history of Hitachi Energy, a company with more than 60 years of industrial presence in Dosquebradas, as well as its contribution to job creation and the development of the country's energy infrastructure.

Patiño Ochoa outlined the consequences of the earthquake and pointed out that, according to the estimates presented during the meeting, the recovery needs are close to 23.5 trillion pesos, a figure that demonstrates the magnitude of the financial challenge facing Risaralda.

Works for Taxes for Reconstruction

The governor highlighted the Works for Taxes mechanism as an alternative to link the business sector to the recovery of the affected territories.

He explained that the regulations issued within the framework of the emergency expand investment possibilities to the 14 municipalities of the department, in sectors such as health, education, sports and infrastructure.

In this regard, he indicated that the Governor's Office is making progress in the formulation of projects and expressed its willingness to establish technical working groups with Hitachi Energy, in order to present the initiatives and explore financing alternatives.

“I encourage you to continue trusting in Risaralda, in its infrastructure, and above all, in its people. Here you will find resilient people, eager to move forward and start anew,” the governor stated.

Competitiveness and regional development

During the discussion, the governor also presented the department's main strategic priorities, including road connectivity projects, the pre-feasibility studies for the Coffee Train, and the construction of the High Complexity Regional Hospital in Cerritos.

He also highlighted the importance of maintaining business confidence and promoting investments that contribute to competitiveness, job creation and economic development in Risaralda.

Patiño Ochoa reiterated that the reconstruction of the territories affected by the earthquake is a priority for the Departmental Administration, without ceasing to advance in the strategic projects contemplated for the region.

Finally, he thanked the Hitachi Energy executives for facilitating this space for dialogue and reaffirmed the Risaralda Governorate's willingness to strengthen collaboration with the private sector.