A resounding success at the AAPA LATAM 2025 Congress: Latin America takes the lead in global port transformation

Lima, June 27, 2025. The AAPA LATAM 2025 Congress concluded this week in Lima with outstanding results, consolidating its position as the most influential port forum in the Western Hemisphere. With a record attendance of nearly 800 strategic leaders from the sector—including senior executives, ministers, port authorities, and major investors—from more than twenty nations, the event established itself as a key platform for rethinking the continent’s logistics future.

The leading voices at the meeting agreed that Latin America has a key responsibility: to lead the transformation of global port infrastructure, adapting to new logistical, technological, and environmental demands. This leadership involves not only increasing capacity and connectivity, but also incorporating disruptive innovations such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, clean energy, and advanced governance models that ensure resilience to climate change and dynamism in international trade.

During his speech, Juan Duarte, executive president of AAPA LATAM, emphasized the region’s strategic role. “Latin America and the Caribbean are called to lead port transformation, investing in increased capacity, connectivity, and technological adoption. Emerging markets are leading this transformation, and we cannot be left behind. We are already seeing historic investments that could reshape the port and logistics ecosystem across the continent,” he stated.

Throughout the event, panels focused on digital transformation and port automation; decarbonization and sustainability; city-port governance; security; organized crime and new threats; global shipping strategies; and the relationship between infrastructure, logistics, and regional integration, among others.

The AAPA LATAM 2025 Congress not only marked a turning point in the port agenda, but also sparked a new era for Latin America. The region seeks to consolidate its position as a key player in global maritime trade, promoting smarter, more sustainable, and more competitive port infrastructure. The focus is on the future, where technological integration and international cooperation will be essential to addressing the challenges of the 21st century and ensuring sustainable and prosperous development for all.

During the closing ceremony, two important collaboration agreements were formalized. First, a general protocol of action was signed between the State Ports of Spain, represented by Nuria Gaitón, and AAPA LATAM, represented by its executive director, Juan Duarte. A memorandum of understanding was also signed with the Association of Free Trade Zones of the Americas (AZFA), led by its executive director, Julio Rodríguez.

Regarding these agreements, Juan Duarte emphasized: “The signing of these agreements seeks to strengthen cooperation, strengthen ties, and consolidate harmonious collaboration between our institutions.” Regarding the AAPA LATAM 2025 Congress, he added: “This meeting has set a historic record by bringing together the sector’s leading leaders. We’ll see you in Guatemala 2026 to take this to the next level.”

For her part, Zulma Dinelli, the Congress’s general director, stated: “We leave with the certainty that this congress has forged lasting alliances and fostered new spaces for exchange. We don’t just share knowledge; we share commitment and vision. This is just the beginning of all we can achieve if we work together.”

The countdown to AAPA LATAM 2026, which will take place in Guatemala, has already begun, along with the promise to continue building a legacy that will transform the face of global trade from the heart of the region.

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