AAPA Latam announces Juan Duarte as Executive President

A New Chapter Begins for the Regional Port Industry

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is pleased to announce the reconstitution of its presence in Latin America with the appointment of Juan Duarte as the first Latin American to serve as Executive President of AAPA in Latin America. This appointment marks a milestone in the history of the organization and reinforces its commitment to the region.

Duarte comes to the head of AAPA Latin America after his outstanding performance as CEO of DUAGA, a leading consultancy in the port sector in Latin America, and his active participation in the AAPA Professional Development Board in the United States, where he has contributed to the development of the training strategy for the new generation of port directors.

Founded in 1912, AAPA has played a crucial role in promoting the importance of ports in global trade, advocating for favorable policies and providing a platform for collaboration and education in the port industry. With more than 112 years of history, AAPA is the most prestigious organization that brings together the main decision makers of the port and logistics industry in the Western Hemisphere.

In addition to this excellent news, it has been confirmed that Zulma Dinelli, a renowned professional with extensive experience in the international port sector, will once again lead the organization of the most important annual event on the continent: AAPA Latam, which will take place in June 2025 in Lima, Peru. As CEO of PR Ports, and with a long history in AAPA for Latin America, Dinelli is a key figure in the convening and success of international port forums, and her return ensures the continuity of AAPA Latam as the main meeting of decision makers in the maritime port industry in this part of the Continent.

­The 2025 edition will be hosted by the National Port Authority of Peru (APN), and will offer a unique platform for the exchange of ideas, networking and strengthening of the Latin American port industry and visits to the main port expansion projects in the region such as Callao and Chancay.

This new chapter of AAPA Latin America marks a rebirth focused on strengthening the competitiveness of the port industry in the region. The initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation between the main actors on the continent and develop strategic services for Latin American countries, their ports and the logistics chain, thus contributing to the economic and social growth of the region.

That is why the new AAPA Latin America structure comes loaded with services specially designed for the needs of ports and members of the port and logistics industry in the region. These include sustainability, digitalization, networking, financing and education programs, among others, which are already in development for all members.

Several key industry players have expressed their opinion, including Paul Anderson, Chairman of the AAPA Board of Directors and President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay, who highlighted the importance of this step for the future of AAPA: “Juan Duarte is an experienced and capable leader who can help us advance our mission as President of AAPA Latin America.”

Hydi Webb, Director and CEO of Port Miami, expressed her support for the initiative: “Latin America represents 48 percent of our trade, so I celebrate the continued presence of AAPA in the region. I am sure that AAPA Latin America will create new opportunities for all members and the maritime industry.”

For his part, Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach in California, also underlined the growing role of Latin America: “Latin America is an important emerging market, as shippers seek the most efficient routes for goods and countries diversify their trading partners. Juan is an inspiring choice to lead this effort. I look forward to Latin America’s efforts to expand economic opportunities for all and increase prosperity in that region of the world.”

Finally, AAPA Latin America plans to intensify its coordination and cooperation work with strategic actors such as the Inter-American Commission on Ports of the OAS (CIP/OAS), a natural ally in the development of the port sector in Latin America, among other logistics associations and port councils in the different countries of Latam.

In this regard, Juan Duarte, the new Executive President of AAPA Latam, stated: "We are facing the return of the AAPA Latam Family, which represents the rebirth of the organization in the region, with the objective of strengthening the competitiveness of our ports and logistics companies, strengthening ties of cooperation and continuing to be key players in the economic development of Latin America."

Cary Davis, President and CEO of AAPA in the United States, concluded: "We are excited about the potential that this reconstitution brings and we look forward to seeing the impact that Juan Duarte and his team will achieve."