are limitations on foreign ownership, but these are subject to change, on a case-by-case basis

through specific legislation, and can be effectively circumvented through the establishment of

a foreign controlled Mexican corporation.

 To date, the government has granted 61 concessions in 13 ports. Several ventures are

already in existence or in planning which take advantage of the new Law of Ports and may

impact the capacity of the ports to handle perishables. The previously mentioned Del Monte and

TMM joint venture to streamline Del Monte's international shipments is an example. They

intend to develop specialized terminal facilities for tropical fruit in southern Mexico along both

coasts. Also noted above, two private firms have concessions for refrigerated warehouses in

Manzanillo. However, there have also been reverses. In April of 1993, Grupo Protexa S. A.

and Burlington Northern initiated a barge service from Galveston to Coaltzacoalcos, with

anticipated expansions to Vera Cruz and, possibly, Altamira. The concessions had been secured

in the first two ports and the facility was complete and in operation in Coaltzacoalcos.

Unfortunately, all operations were cancelled. Similarly, CSX Transportation and Sealand have

suspended work on a cross Gulf service, slated to begin in late 1994.