Port of San Antonio on the frontline against Covid-19: solidarity and cooperation

Social responsibility is a matter taken very seriously by the Port of San Antonio. In response to Covid-19, and in permanent cooperation with the city council and neighbourhood councils, the port authority has conducted several decontamination actions, and is committed to support in different community facilities: hospitals, rural clinics, food markets, fishermen's facilities, and even the city's penitentiary centre. The Port of San Antonio is an active member of AIVP since 2011 AIVP – How does Covid-19 affect your territory? What are its main consequences on the port’s activities, especially on the logistical and economic aspects? Carlos Mondaca Matzner, Head of Public Affairs – Puerto San Antonio, Chile - In the first two months of the year, we have seen a decline of the freight traffic, adding to the deterioration we have already experienced in 2019. According to Customs figures, in the first quarter of this year Chilean foreign trade fell 12% compared to the same period last year. There is no doubt that this situaton is also affecting San Antonio. AIVP – We reported in one of our recent special Covid-19 newsletters the help given by the port of San Antonio to the city to disinfect some of its hospitals. Can you mention other actions that you have launched to contribute to the fight against the virus? Carlos Mondaca Matzner, Puerto San Antonio, Chile - In San Antonio, there are around 2,000 port workers and an equivalent number of customs employees, carriers, inspectors and other activities directly related to the…