The Central American Commission for Maritime Transport (COCATRAM), in collaboration with the Belize Port Authority (BPA), Port of Belize and Port of Big Creek, is currently holding the 39th Central American Port Forum at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. The purpose of the Central American Isthmus Port Meeting (REPICA) is to promote the exchange of ideas and experiences through the discussion of port issues. It runs from Tuesday, July 25 until Friday July 28, 2017 and is attended by over 80 participants from the region.
The Main address declaring the conference open was delivered by CEO in the Ministry of Transport and National Emergency Management (with responsibility for Ports) Ruth Meighan, who spoke on behalf of the Minister, Hon Edmond Castro.
In her address, Ms Meighan stated: “Today marks a milestone in Ports and Port Development, especially for Belize and the region. I am told that we have unprecedented attendance. So while we understand that you all wanted to enjoy a piece of this Jewel we call Belize, this high level of participation is most of all indicative of the importance of the forum – to share ideas, to network, and to be visible to the other stakeholders in the industry; to share best practices; to analyse the effects of changes in the transportation industry particularly as it relates to the ports and to coordinate efforts. Important as well is to share experiences/problems/challenges and to strategies on a way forward in relation to modernization and implementation of national plans, innovations and legislation…. Over the next few days, presentations will be made, experiences and best practices will be shared; and at the end of this forum, we will be in a better position to move forward with new ideas.”
The event is held annually and is rotated among the Central American countries, including Belize and Panama.
