AAPA Latam to present new port legislation in Guatemala

Last year, the event was held in Peru and attracted a large audience; the topics discussed were highlighted in articles published by A Tribuna (AAPA Latam/Disclosure)

The Latin American Ports Congress, promoted by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA Latam), could provide the setting for an important announcement for Guatemala’s port sector. Leonel Molina, Director General of the country’s Designated Authority of the National Port System, said that the expectation is that, during the event, the approval of the first General Law of the Guatemalan Port System will be announced. The country’s first National Port Authority established under the new legal framework may also be presented.

The event will be held from December 1 to 4 in Guatemala City and has a media partnership with Grupo Tribuna . According to Molina, hosting the congress represents an opportunity to present to the region’s port authorities, logistics operators and other organizations connected to the maritime and port sectors the transformation process currently underway in the country.

Projects

Among the main initiatives, in addition to the forthcoming General Law of the Port System and the creation of a National Port Authority, is a portfolio of strategic projects aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Guatemala’s port system.

The investments cover different facilities throughout the country. At Puerto Quetzal, infrastructure expansion and capacity enhancement projects are underway. Santo Tomás de Castilla is investing in the modernization of its facilities and the introduction of new equipment.

Meanwhile, the Puerto Barrios Railway Terminal is implementing an expansion plan designed to improve operational efficiency, with larger yards, automated access systems and new customs facilities. These initiatives are complemented by road and rail connectivity projects aimed at strengthening Guatemala’s position as a regional logistics hub.

These projects will be among the topics presented in the panel Two Oceans, One Strategy: Guatemala’s Port Vision. On the occasion, national authorities are expected to detail the country’s integrated strategy to expand port capacity and consolidate Guatemala as a regional logistics platform.

Return

The Latin American Ports Congress returns to Guatemala 14 years after the edition held in the city of Antigua, at a time of transformation in the country’s port system and growing relevance of Central America in the new configuration of international trade.

The country’s location between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea is considered strategic. Guatemala is also developing initiatives to strengthen port governance, modernize infrastructure, accelerate digitalization and improve logistics connectivity.

Over four days, more than 700 leaders, port authorities and international experts are expected to participate in discussions on sector projects, international experiences and challenges that will shape the future of maritime trade and port logistics.

Transformations

The event takes place against a backdrop of changes in the maritime and port sectors, including geopolitical fragmentation, the reorganization of global supply chains, advances in artificial intelligence, the energy transition and the emergence of new trade corridors. These transformations affect investment planning, operating models and port development.

The congress organizers emphasize that competitiveness is no longer dependent exclusively on infrastructure. It also relies on the ability to keep pace with changes in international trade, incorporate innovation, increase the resilience of logistics chains and expand cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Importance

AAPA Latam represents ports in different countries across Latin America, from Mexico to the southernmost part of South America. As the regional arm of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), it works to promote the development and competitiveness of Latin American ports on the international stage.

Organized by AAPA Latam in partnership with Guatemala’s Designated Authority of the National Port System and produced by PR Ports, the congress will feature technical sessions, a trade exhibition with industry suppliers, business meetings and activities focused on the exchange of experiences among participants. The program also includes a technical visit to Puerto Quetzal, one of the country’s main ports.