Editing Machala (section)

==Economy==
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Machala is a commercial center for the surrounding [[agriculture]] industries. There is a large trade in [[banana]]s, [[coffee]] and [[Cocoa bean|cocoa]]. The banana industry is especially oriented for exportation, and plays a huge role in the city's economy. Bananas are shipped out from nearby [[Puerto Bolívar]] mainly to North America. Machala's geographical position near [[Guayaquil]] also makes it an important transportation center. Many travelers heading south to Peru or north to Guayaquil funnel through the city. It is not known as a tourist destination among Ecuadorians or international tourists, though its proximity to the [[Pacific Ocean]] positions it close to beaches. Machala has a growing economy that was marked in 2007 by the inauguration of its first mall, with a movie theater, on the outskirts of the city.