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Original article: Asociación Nacional de Ciudades Puerto fijó posiciones y planteará al Gobierno redistribuir las riquezas que genera el sector portuario

Mayors from the National Association of Port Cities and Coastal Borders of Chile (ANCPCH) have agreed to seek mechanisms to connect with the government, aiming to decentralize investment and enhance the quality of life for residents.

During their 2026 general assembly, member municipalities committed to pursuing an inclusive and equitable modernization of port operations, establishing a collective and comprehensive strategy to engage with the government and advocate for a fair redistribution of wealth generated by ports across the nation.

Valparaíso’s mayor, Camila Nieto, emphasized that the initiative focuses on «strongly advocating for increased resources to municipalities, reflecting a system of wealth distribution derived from what ports transport and accumulate.»

«As a mayor, it feels profoundly unjust to witness national wealth being transported along our coasts without that wealth benefiting municipal coffers, which is essential for us to effectively carry out our work,» stated the Valparaíso mayor.

Similarly, Iquique’s mayor, Mauricio Soria, explained that in order to achieve smart ports on a global scale, it is crucial to strengthen the relationship between ports and cities, «understanding that it is not a confrontation, but a synergy for the harmonious development of a city.»

«The port belongs to the city. Therefore, we are working towards generating equity: we desire development, but we also want people to be part of the process,» the Iquique mayor stressed.

An important point raised by Mayor Soria noted that over 90% of the country’s international trade occurs via maritime routes, contrasting with local investment: «It’s difficult for those in port territories to comprehend this,» he remarked, asserting that «there should be a comprehensive port policy encompassing all of Chile’s coastlines.»

Brunilda González, representing the concessioned ports, asserted that the current interest is to reach the government to decentralize investment. She mentioned that one of the approaches being considered involves ensuring that «what is paid at the central level is reflected in a return on that rate, which we want to redirect back to our localities.»

«This means that at least 50% of the taxes paid at the central level should be allocated to port municipalities, and that these funds should not be freely disposed of but invested and utilized for the development of our communities. It should be directed towards tangible benefits for the people,» González proposed.

Quality of Life

The assembly also revealed a study highlighting the significance of improving residents’ quality of life as ports evolve.

Dr. Sabah Zrari Djellid from the Institute of Political Studies in Paris confirmed this, stating, «I conducted a quality of life study in port cities using Valparaíso and San Antonio as examples, and the findings reveal a paradox: although they are two of Chile’s most prominent port cities, they also possess some of the lowest urban quality of life indices.»

In this context, the expert stated, «Port competitiveness should be considered alongside territorial competitiveness. Notable examples of competitive ports around the world are also ports situated in competitive territories, regions, and municipalities.»

«It’s not just about examining the economic facet. It is essential to integrate urban quality of life into competitiveness—be it economic or territorial—encompassing all dimensions of communities to ensure equitable access to services: including architecture, well-being, green spaces, and access to the sea that reflects the coexistence of the port and the city,» the expert concluded.

From the community perspective, Gastón Cortés, treasurer of UNCO in Valparaíso, highlighted the residents’ need for «a royalty system along with wider measures to tackle existing issues.»

«We believe a royalty is a matter of justice and territorial equity. Over 90% of international trade goes through the ports, yet the city receives minimal return beyond licenses,» Cortés added. The UNCO also submitted a letter advocating for sustainable city development rooted in port investments.

New Executive Board

Following the assembly, the new executive board of the ANCPCH for the 2026–2030 term is as follows:

President: Alí Manouchehri, Mayor of Coquimbo.
Vice President: Camila Nieto, Mayor of Valparaíso.
Secretary General: Sofía Contreras, Councilor of San Antonio. Substitute: José Ibarra, Councilor of San Antonio.
Treasurer: Orlando Vargas, Mayor of Arica.
First Director: Manuel Rivera, Mayor of Los Andes. Substitute: Tomás Sotomayor, Councilor of Alto Hospicio.
Second Director: Alicia Zúñiga, Councilor of Valparaíso.
Regional Coordinator: Rodrigo Oliva, Councilor of Iquique. Substitute: Roxana Vigueras, Councilor of Iquique.

La entrada National Association of Port Cities Advocates for Wealth Redistribution from Port Activities to Improve Local Communities se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.