ABSTRACT
The Manta—Manaus axis (Figure 3.1) is a planned transport corridor that will stretch from the port of Manta in Ecuador, to Manaus in Brazilian Amazonia. The axis will carry goods for consumption by road, hydro-way, port and airport, but also aims to encourage the construction of modern industries in the territory, including ‘maquilas’, or factories. The Manta—Manaus axis is part of plans made under the South American Regional Infrastructure Integration Initiative (IIRSA), a set of projects that aims at reorganizing the South American territory, making it more functional to the needs of global goods production and circulation. The axis is part of a larger plan to connect Latin America with Asian markets, by connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and areas with high concentrations of strategic resources. Among the poles of development are the cities of Manaus and Belem, currently two important tax free zones, and the city of Manta in Ecuador that is increasing its port capacity.
