The American Association of Port Authorities in Latin America and the Caribbean (AAPA Latam) began its 2025 tour in Guatemala with a key meeting in Puerto Quetzal .
Representatives of the port’s Board of Directors, as well as authorities from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Economy, and the Ministry of Tourism, participated in the meeting.
Also in attendance were Puerto Quetzal’s general manager, Ricardo Monterroso, and its chairman of the board, José Antonio Lemusen, along with Leonel Molina, director general of the National Port Commission of Guatemala.
During the meeting, Juan Duarte, president of AAPA Latam, highlighted the association’s impact and growth , its programs, and its projected goals for 2025.
Key topics such as process optimization, congestion reduction, and infrastructure investment were also discussed. The importance of the participation of ports and terminals in the region and the organization of the AAPA Latam 2025 Congress , to be held in Lima, Peru, from June 24 to 27, were also discussed.
Duarte described the visit as “very beneficial,” highlighting the importance of strengthening collaboration between Guatemalan ports and AAPA Latam.
He emphasized the willingness of Puerto Quetzal representatives to consolidate their position within the association and continue their growth and modernization process. He also highlighted their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in the port sector in the region.
Puerto Quetzal is managed and developed by Empresa Portuaria Quetzal , the institution responsible for its management and development. Its strategic location on Guatemala’s Pacific coast allows for efficient connections to the Pacific Rim, the west coast of the continent, and the Panama Canal, facilitating global trade and boosting its competitiveness in the region.
Founded on November 16, 1985, the port has become a key logistics hub thanks to its advanced machinery, its extensive commercial and industrial development area, and its connection to the country’s tourism industry. Furthermore, its steady growth positions it as a benchmark for investment in port infrastructure and expansion.
Recently, the U.S. Embassy announced a bilateral commitment with Guatemala to promote the development of Puerto Quetzal. This agreement includes feasibility studies, design planning, and training programs with U.S. experts, with the goal of modernizing its infrastructure and improving the port’s operational efficiency.
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