SANTO DOMINGO. The Dominican Republic, through the Dominican Port Authority, is hosting the XLVIII Central American Isthmus Port Meeting (REPICA 2026), a regional technical forum that brings together authorities, operators and specialists related to the maritime and port sector.
The event will be held from September 7 to 11, 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santo Domingo, and is coordinated by the Central American Commission for Maritime Transport (COCATRAM) and the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM).
Delegations from eight countries meet
During the meeting of members and observers, the country is leading the work alongside representatives from Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
In this setting, the delegations exchange knowledge and experiences, while analyzing the main challenges facing maritime transport, terminal management and the movement of goods in the region.
The host country promotes regional cooperation
As host, the Dominican Port Authority promotes dialogue among participating nations and reaffirms its willingness to foster joint initiatives that contribute to the progress of the maritime-port sector.
Likewise, the authorities seek to strengthen regional ties and encourage actions that increase efficiency, modernize operations and strengthen the competitiveness of port services.
The meeting addresses the need to transform port facilities to meet new environmental and technological demands.
The topics discussed include green ports, emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and the integration of new technologies. Participants are also examining measures to strengthen the security of terminals, vessels, passengers, and cargo.
Importance for the Dominican Republic
As host country, the Dominican Republic positions itself as a strategic hub for maritime and logistical connectivity in Central America and the Caribbean. The selection of the country as venue reaffirms regional confidence in APORDOM's leadership and the progress achieved in modernizing Dominican ports.
This international meeting will provide the country with the opportunity to showcase its port infrastructure capabilities and projects, strengthen cooperation with SICA countries and other international organizations, and promote the attraction of investments in logistics and maritime transport.
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