As part of the joint regional strategy between COCATRAM and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Workshop on Maritime Traffic Facilitation was successfully held on October 2 and 3 in San José, Costa Rica. This activity is part of regional efforts to strengthen the institutional capacities of ROCRAM-CA member countries in the implementation of the IMO Facilitation Convention (FAL).
The event brought together key representatives from public and private institutions in Costa Rica’s maritime and port sector, including the Maritime-Port Division of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), the Ministry of Health, the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports (INCOP), the Migration and Immigration Police, the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX), the Atlantic Port Authority and Development Board (JAPDEVA), AMP Moín Terminals, and shipping agencies.
The opening day featured welcoming remarks by the Director General of the Maritime-Port Division of the MOPT, Verny Jimenes Rojas, followed by speeches by the Head of the IMO Maritime Traffic Facilitation Office, Julián Abril, and the Executive Director of COCATRAM, Otto Noack Sierra, who highlighted the importance of regional commitment and inter-institutional collaboration for the modernization of maritime trade.
During the workshop, key topics were addressed, such as the new framework of the IMO FAL Convention, presented by Julián Abril, as well as an analysis of the consultations carried out by the IMO in Costa Rica during 2021 and 2023, presented by consultant Marcelo Albarrán. Based on these assessments, a discussion was held on national progress, in which all workshop participants took part.
The development and approval of an Action Plan for the implementation of the FAL Convention in Costa Rica was the central theme of the workshop, marking a milestone in the country’s institutional and regulatory strengthening process in the field of international maritime transport.
Similarly, the exchange of regional best practices was encouraged, highlighting Guatemala’s experience in implementing its Single Maritime Window (VUMAR), shared by Commander Hilario Sal (General Directorate of Port Authorities), complemented by Laura Escalante, from the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, who presented the technical support provided to Guatemala in this process.
The agenda concluded with the presentation of Costa Rica’s Single Maritime Window (VUMAR), promoted by the MOPT, and with the closing ceremony led by representatives of the IMO and the Executive Director of COCATRAM, in his capacity as regional focal point.