The president of Chile's Fruit Exporters Association (Asoex), Ronald Bown, presented Asoex's third public account before government authorities, associates, and people linked to the national fruit sector. Bown said the sector needed to strengthen plant health management, advancing in a model of public-private collaboration, to be able to work more and more dynamically. He also said, that having well equipped border controls and professionals was essential to control and prevent the entry of pests.
One of the topics was the workers' blockage that affected the concessionaires of Valparaiso's Port Authority. In the last 20 years, there hasn't been a concrete and permanent solution for this sector, which is very important for foreign trade. This has meant millions of dollars of loss for the sector, stated the president of Asoex.
"The problems in our ports will continue if we do not elaborate a detailed port law that considers two basic issues. First, the definition of clear responsibilities for each actor, as well as exemplary sanctions regarding non-compliance. And second, an equitable treatment with respect to each of its components: concessionaires, workers, and the State," said Ronald Bown. In addition, he said, there must be a dispute resolution system that is accepted by the different parties.
