Investment in ports: the IFC and the provinces boost logistics development

Investment in ports: federal and provincial collaboration drives logistics development The latest initiative focused on port investment highlights the joint efforts between the Council of Federal Ports (CFI) and the provinces to boost logistical development. The meeting took place within the framework of the Federal Logistics Strategy, which the CFI and the provinces have been advancing for over four years. This strategy is particularly aligned with the Infrastructure Axis of the Port Competitiveness Plan (PCP), designed in collaboration with the 11 port provinces to reposition water transport as a competitive alternative in logistics. Participants included representatives from the 11 port provinces, public provincial ports, private ports and operators, including the Chamber of Private and Commercial Ports and the Argentine Soy Industry Chamber. Also present were multilateral credit institutions such as the World Bank, IDB, CAF, Fonplata, BCIE, IFC and BID Invest; representatives of the embassies of France and the Netherlands, and the Argentine-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce. From the national government, the head of the National Ports and Navigation Agency, Iñaki Arreseygor, and the Undersecretary of International Financial Relations, Martín Tolivia, attended. During the opening session, CFI Secretary General Ignacio Lamothe emphasized that the CFI serves as the home for Argentine provinces. He stated that this gathering was very important and part of a long-standing working strategy involving all provinces. He highlighted the significance of the meeting, noting that bringing together potential financing windows with specific project needs was central. According to Lamothe, the CFI not only acts as a bridge between stakeholders but can also prepare executive project designs necessary for public ports. The agenda covered presentations from the port provinces on current status and future outlooks of their systems. A workshop on financing was led by credit institutions, focusing on available alternatives, eligibility requirements, and processes for preparing and approving projects. Case studies of successful financing access were presented, followed by a matchmaking session between port projects and financial institutions, featuring bilateral meetings to present initiatives and receive tailored guidance. This collaborative effort continues to strengthen the integration of a logistics strategy, with provincial visions shaping the design aimed at reducing regional logistic costs and enhancing competitiveness of productive sectors. The event also featured discussions on the role of international cooperation and the importance of aligning local initiatives with global funding opportunities. Delegates explored how leveraging external capital could accelerate infrastructure upgrades and support sustainable growth in port operations. Representatives from both public and private sectors expressed optimism about the outcomes of the meeting, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and shared goals. They noted that the synergy between provincial authorities and national agencies has created a more cohesive approach to addressing challenges in the logistics sector. Looking ahead, participants expect further coordination to translate these discussions into actionable plans. With the backing of international financial organizations and the commitment of provincial governments, there is a clear path forward to enhance Argentina's port capabilities and contribute to broader economic development.