How is Latin America positioned in terms of infrastructure for current trends in global trade dynamics?

Latin America must respond to a shift in the global paradigm where national security is redefining existing trade relationships. In the past, countries did not worry about reliance on a specific supplier, assuming they could always find alternatives. However, in the current geopolitical environment – with sanctions, wars, and new strategic tensions – supply chains must become more resilient.

This new context demands strategic planning at both national and regional levels. Countries need to address their infrastructure deficiencies while aligning them with regional frameworks. Latin America faces a critical moment: either act decisively or risk falling behind. Historically, the region has suffered from inaction despite strategic thinking and good ideas. Now it is imperative to implement long-term planning and correct infrastructure gaps to avoid financial stress caused by mismatched assets and diminished demand due to shifting tariffs and trade patterns. In the current geopolitical rivalry between the US and China, what direction might Latin America take?

Due to its geographical proximity and historical ties, Latin America will likely lean toward alignment with the US. However, a non-aligned strategy would maximize the region’s opportunities. Latin America urgently needs growth and cannot afford to isolate itself from major markets such as China or Europe. Exclusive alignment would weaken national security by stunting economic progress, leading to social pressure and unrest.

The region must analyze its policies not just politically but also through logistical and geopolitical lenses. The theory of free trade, for instance, may suggest that Panama could trade freely with Tanzania, but the logistical realities are not addressed by that theory. Many Latin American policies lack this kind of technical assessment and must now evolve to integrate deeper geopolitical and infrastructure considerations. How do you view the strategic importance of the Panama Canal in the current context?

The Panama Canal is not only a key logistics hub but also a powerful symbol of national sovereignty for Panama. It has so far been managed effectively and responsibly by Panamanian authorities. The Canal Administrator has pursued policies in line with using the canal as a national development tool.

The canal will remain sovereign and symbolically significant, and this must be understood amid global tensions. Despite speculation, the US is unlikely to take direct control over the canal. Military action would destabilize the environment and harm commercial interests, which would be counterproductive. How should Latin America respond to technological shifts, such as artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure?

Technology is increasingly becoming a national security concern. The world is dividing into three digital zones: the US, China and Europe, each with distinct rules and infrastructure. Latin America must now develop strategic plans that account for these divisions.

For example, if the US bans connection to Chinese servers like Huawei, Latin America, where Huawei is a key provider due to cost and efficiency – would face serious risks. Strategic planning is essential to navigate such technological fragmentation. The region must assess scenarios in which cyberattacks or technological barriers become commonplace, thereby threatening economic growth. Latin America must adopt forward-looking strategies aligned with today’s geopolitical and technological realities. What is Latin America's potential as a strategic supplier of raw materials?

Latin America is blessed with abundant natural resources. Rather than continuing to export these raw materials for processing elsewhere, the region should develop domestic manufacturing and transformation capabilities. By building local value chains, Latin America can retain more economic benefits and better control environmental impacts. However, this also requires robust environmental regulation and a sense of responsibility. The time has come for the region to act as a responsible steward of its resources and lead the transition from raw material exporter to industrial hub. What is the importance of APLA, and its gatherings like this one?

Forums like APLA are instrumental for regional development. They provide a platform not only to understand change but also to lead it. These gatherings enable informed dialogue, foster strategic thinking, and offer opportunities to anticipate risks and seize opportunities.

This forum in particular helps create a shared understanding and supports coordinated action across the petrochemical sector and broader logistics ecosystem. It is essential that such platforms continue to exist and grow.