In line with international trade trends, the Central American region announced, through SIECA, progress in its integration with Europe through the Digital interoperability project between the Central American Digital Trade Platform (PDCC) and the Port Community System (PCS) of the Port of Algeciras, Spaina. The initiative aims to streamline exports, optimize customs efficiency, and strengthen regional competitiveness within the framework of the EU-Central America Association Agreement and the Global Gateway strategy.
The Port of Algeciras, managed by the APBA, is Spain's main terminal and a strategic hub in the Mediterranean, consolidated as the southern gateway to Europe. Thanks to its position, it connects trade flows with Africa and the Americas and becomes a key partner for bi-regional logistics integration, especially in the trade of fresh produce from Central America.
Customs digitalization and health certification
Thanks to this project, Central American exporters will have documentary and physical traceability from port to port, speeding up inspections and reducing transit times, according to SIECA. It will also enable the digital exchange of health certificates and customs documents, increasing the efficiency and reliability of trade operations.
In the words of the authorities:
"Interoperability with the Port of Algeciras demonstrates how technology can transform our logistics chains, making them more agile, transparent, and resilient.”, highlighted Pierre-Louis Lempereur, EU Ambassador to Costa Rica.
To Mario Salazar, Executive Director of SIECA, "Ensuring interoperability between the PDCC and the PCS improves access for Central American products to Europe and strengthens the competitiveness of our exports, benefiting producers, exporters, and consumers."
From Spain, Gerardo Landaluce Calleja, President of the APBA, highlighted that the port “"It's a key logistics hub for fresh Central American produce. With this digital interoperability, we're speeding up inspections, reducing transit times, and strengthening our position as an international benchmark in digital innovation and port sustainability."
In this way, the institutions agreed that the PDCC-PCS initiative constitutes a replicable pilot model in other bi-regional logistics corridors, integrating shared digital standards and promoting more efficient and sustainable supply chains.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
