Julio José Prado, the Minister of Production, Foreign Trade, Investment, and Fisheries of Ecuador, has resigned.
Prado served in the government of President Guillermo Lasso for 26 months and will officially conclude his tenure on July 3rd. In a statement on Twitter, Prado cited personal reasons as the cause for his departure.
During his time as minister, Prado played a crucial role in negotiating trade agreements for Ecuador.
Notable achievements include the signing of a Free Trade Agreement with China, Ecuador’s largest trading partner, and a Trade Association Agreement with Costa Rica.
However, pending matters remain, such as finalizing a trade agreement with Panama and negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with Canada.
Prado’s resignation comes just a few months before the end of President Lasso’s term.
Lasso dissolved the National Assembly in May and called for early presidential and legislative elections on August 20th, citing a political crisis and internal turmoil.
The move was prompted by an impeachment trial initiated by the opposition, seeking Lasso’s removal from office.
Prado’s departure marks a significant change in the leadership of Ecuador’s Ministry of Production, as the country continues its trade agenda and navigates the upcoming elections.