The recent Latin American Congress of Ports (AAPA Latino) event set an attendance record, with more than 800 delegates from 30 countries over three days.

The event included a technical visit to the Port of Santos, as well as meetings of the Latin American Delegation of AAPA, receptions and social activities, and a trade show which brought together more than 100 suppliers from the logistics and maritime sector.

Reflecting on the event, Fernando Biral, president of the Port of Santos, said: "Regional integration is what brings us together, especially the countries that live from foreign trade through our ports.

"We have had not only a record number of participants, but also a unique quality of speakers and great topics that were addressed here. Therefore, we are very satisfied and grateful for what happened these days in Santos. As the Port Authority, it has been an honour and we are very happy to have hosted the AAPA Latino congress in our port." 

Presentations and discussions highlighted the challenging economic times, post-pandemic reactivation and the alarming increases in maritime freight rates.

The panel on Port Investments and Projects in Latin America was also noteworthy, where different infrastructure and modernisation initiatives that countries such as Peru, Chile, Panama, Mexico and Honduras hope to implement in the coming years were presented.