The 26th edition of the AAPA Latin American Congress of Ports strengthened its status as the premier port conference in Latin America by gathering more than 350 participants from over 30 countries and four continents from November 6-9 in Punta del Este, Uruguay, under the theme \u201cLatin American Ports, between Globalization and Protectionism.\u201d<\/p>\n
By Tom Hranac<\/em><\/p>\n Forty-four speakers from 15 different countries debated the consequences of the resurgence of protectionism for Latin America, and although they seemed optimistic about regional trade outlooks, they emphasized the need to promote regional integration and defend the value of free trade to the public. They also identified a more imminent challenge to the region\u2019s ports: the rapid concentration of the ocean carrier industry.<\/p>\n Other panels showcased Latin American projects, examined the logistical potential of South American interior waterways, highlighted new port technologies and shared best practices and green operations for bulk terminals.<\/p>\n \u00c1lvaro Tanco and Schubert M\u00e9ndez \u2013 both from the National Port Administration of Uruguay (ANP) \u2013 received their PPM Latino diplomas during the Congress, raising the total number of program graduates to 31 in the 12 years of its existence.<\/p>\n The Congress also recognized John LaRue, Executive Director of the Port of Corpus Christi, for his support of AAPA\u2019s Latin American Delegation and contributions in benefit of Western Hemisphere ports.<\/p>\n Next year the 27th edition of the Latin American Congress of Ports will be combined with the 2018 AAPA Annual Convention and take place in Valpara\u00edso, Chile, from October 21-24.<\/p>\n