Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
Results for “development”Clear
Ronald Javier Macias Villamar, known as alias Javi and identified as the brother of Los Choneros leader alias Fito, was captured in Colombia. Ecuadorian officials say the operation involved the National Police, Armed Forces, National Intelligence Center and Colombian authorities.
Ecuador’s Jóvenes en Acción program is expanding from 80,000 to 150,000 beneficiaries. Registration opened June 16 for vulnerable young adults ages 18 to 29, with selected participants receiving three $400 transfers over three months after completing assigned activities.
A heavy downpour on Thursday, June 11, flooded streets in Ibarra and Atuntaqui, with water rising above half a meter in some areas. In Cotacachi, farmers in Peribuela reported damaged corn and fruit crops after the storm and hail.
Ecuador launched a national policy for 2026-2035 to reduce adolescent pregnancy, keep girls in school and coordinate health, education and social services. The country records more than 32,200 births each year among girls and adolescents ages 10-19.
El Universo reports the government proposed transit-law reforms that would give the National Police control over the national road network and strengthen access to toll-road images and cantonal transit-agency information.
President Daniel Noboa announced a $460 million plan to protect the Ecuadorian Amazon over 17 years through the Biocorredor Amazonico, with funding aimed at protected areas, ranger capacity, biodiversity monitoring, control systems and sustainable tourism.
Ecuador's National Assembly approved a new marine-coastal governance law on May 21. Expreso reports it creates tools to protect breaking waves, regulate maritime activities and catalog important surf zones.
The militarization of Puerto Bolívar has surfaced the human cost: at least 300 families forcibly displaced, criminal group Los Lobos occupying up to 500 homes, and the terminal tied to 10.8 tons — 11.24% — of drugs seized nationally. Over 1,000 troops are searching 1,642 homes.
President Noboa meets VP Vance this week to discuss security, migration, and trade. Ecuador is also seeking a civilian nuclear energy agreement with the US — a first.
Aeropuerto de Cancún acquired the Brazilian partner's stake in Quiport, gaining indirect control of Mariscal Sucre. Ecuador's competition regulator approved the deal.
A survey of 2,570 companies found that nearly half can't fill open positions. The biggest barriers: lack of experience, weak digital skills, and wages that don't compete.
The Cangrejos project, ranked 13th among the world's largest undeveloped gold deposits, gets a 26-year exploitation contract. Chinese-backed Odin Mining will invest $1.6 billion and generate 1,168 jobs. The government expects $6 billion in total revenue.
