The company was certified as Qualified Economic Operator (QEO) for complying with the security standards in foreign trade operations and the national director of Customs, Enrique Canon, gave Montecon the QEO certificate, making the company the first port operator to obtain the qualification. The recognition is granted to those companies that comply with the requirements of the current regulations to protect the country from illegal acts such as smuggling, drug trafficking and terrorism, contributing to maintain the security of the logistic chain" The objective of the companies that work applying and promoting these security and quality standards is to facilitate international trade under a regime of trust, so that it translates into better opportunities for economic growth and competitiveness for the country and its citizens. This distinction is a recognition to the effort of all of us and to the leadership and commitment with which Montecon faces each of its challenges", said Maria Ines Abreu, administration manager of the company. The OEC certification was created by the National Customs Directorate (DNA) in response to the recommendations established by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to guarantee the good practices in the companies linked to the logistics sector. It is obtained through the adoption of the necessary measures to prevent incidents that may affect the security of foreign trade operations.María José Alfaro, in charge of Foreign Trade and Customs at Montecon, who led the certification process and is responsible for managing the system, stressed that the search for certification is voluntary. "Companies are not required to have OEC certification in order to operate. In our case, we assume this commitment with the DNA, with the country and with our clients, demonstrating the will to offer a superior quality service", he said. The procedures followed by Montecon to obtain the DNA recognition allow to assure the supply chain through the realization of an effective transit of goods in time and costs, which also guarantees the fulfillment of security and protection standards that allow to fight against smuggling, drug trafficking and terrorism. In this way, the OEC certification indicates that the company is a reliable strategic partner for DNA, which extends to the other Customs offices with which it operates.