This Thursday, August 22, the Valparaiso Passenger Terminal became the epicenter of port logistics activity during the ninth version of the Logistics and Foreign Trade Meeting (Enloce 2024), organized by the Port of Valparaiso and the Valparaiso Logistics Forum -Folovap-. The event, which was very well attended, not only stood out for the high level of its presentations, but also for the attraction generated by the exhibition of machinery and simulators.
The main novelty of this year’s event, which was attended by close to a thousand participants, was the large display of state-of-the-art equipment and simulators designed for the sector, where attendees had the opportunity to interact with container cranes (Reach Stacker), tractor-trailers and the specialized equipment of the Hazmat Fire Department group, prepared to deal with highly complex fires.
In addition, there was a truck and bus driving simulator that captured the attention of the attendees, allowing them to experience in situ the operation of this high tonnage equipment.
Luis Eduardo Escobar, president of the Board of Directors of Puerto Valparaíso, said that “for us it is very important that it is here in Valparaíso, not only because we are founders of Enloce, but because Valparaíso has been an example of what needs to be done in terms of city-port relations” and added that “it is important that we discuss the problems of logistics, infrastructure and connection of the sea with the land and vice versa, in a city like Valparaíso where the entire port is surrounded by the city”.
Likewise, Braulio Cubillos, president of Folovap and regional director of Customs, indicated that “today we have confirmed that the statements, not only mine, but in general the conversations we have had and the position of all those who participate in this organization and this event, go in the same direction, that is to say that the progress we can make, the innovations we want to achieve are largely based on being able to work in an integrated manner, not in a coordinated manner, because that would fall short, but integrated, that is to say, more related, with more communication, with more contacts, and a work that allows it to be collaborative”.
The presentations, meanwhile, generated an interesting debate among the attendees, which had to do with the global context of foreign trade, technology in the context of logistics and the impact of a sustainable perspective on the business of this industry.
Camila Lazo, Seremi of Women and Gender Equality of the Valparaiso Region, commented that “as already mentioned by our President Gabriel Boric, as a government we consider that Valparaiso has very strategic port development opportunities, which not only provide economic development to the region, but also have an impact on the country and especially on the collaboration that can be generated. Above all, for us as the Ministry of Women and Gender Equity, we believe and consider that the inclusion of the gender perspective of women and also the progress in these matters in the port sector is fundamental”.
Víctor Catán, president of the Federation of Fruit Producers of Chile -Fedefruta-, said that “the port issue is very important for us. We work with the ports and we have products that are perishable. Fruit needs to be shipped promptly and we have the advantage that Chile has very good ports, which have very good conditions, allowing us to arrive with our fruit in adequate time so that consumers can have it in their homes”.
Finally, Rodrigo Bastidas, general producer of Enloce 2024, said that “this meeting has been a success in terms of attendance. Throughout the day we have had a large number of people attending both the exhibition and the three panels of the congress. We are proud to continue contributing to the development of the region with such a relevant event for the industry, which creates a valuable space for the exchange of ideas between national and international professionals in the logistics and foreign trade sector.”
In total, 25 brands were present at Enloce 2024, with 14 of them being active members of Folovap. The combination of cutting-edge technology, renowned experts and a wide range of exhibits made this edition a must-attend event for both industry professionals and the community at large.
For those who could not attend, it is still possible to register for future editions and learn more about the activities carried out by accessing www.enloce.cl