News Release
FOR RELEASE - March 21, 2007
Contact: Aaron Ellis, aellis@aapa-ports.org
703-706-4714
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
At its annual Spring Conference yesterday, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) announced the selection of Panama President Martin Torrijos as the association’s “Port Person of the Year” for his leadership in promoting maritime commerce. Specifically, President Torrijos is being honored for his efforts to spearhead the US$5.5 billion project to expand the 92-year-old
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Mr. Díaz stated that President Torrijos’ selection as AAPA’s 2007 “Port Person” will encourage other
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Each year, AAPA presents its “Port Person of the Year” award to an individual who has made significant contributions to the port industry. Recent award recipients include: U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), 2006; U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, 2005; U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), 2004; Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-MN), 2003; U.S. Trade Rep. Robert B. Zoellick, 2002; U.S. Sen. John Breaux (D-LA), 2001; and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), 2000.
AAPA has invited President Torrijos to accept the “Port Person” honor during the association’s 2007 Annual Convention in
To access a photo of an AAPA delegation meeting with Pres. Torrijos on March 13, click on http://aapa.files.cms-plus.com/images/aapa%2Dpanama%5F3%2D13%2D07.jpg. The photo caption should read: Seated around a table in the Palacio de las Garzas (Palace of Herons, which is the presidential palace in Panama City, Panama) are: (left to right) Carlos Raul Moreno (Administrator, Maritime Authority of Panama); Alberto Aléman (Administrator, Panama Canal Authority); Martin Torrijos (President, Republic of Panama);