Santo Domingo. - The Dominican Port Authority’s (Apordom) conflict with the shipping agencies and power companies led to the shutdown of all the country’s ports for around two hoursyesterday, including Caucedo and Haina, hindering Customs collections.

Customs director Rafael Camilo yesterday said that although it’s not their conflict, their average of RD$220 million daily revenue fell to less than RD$200 million yesterday.

Apordom shut down its port activities to demand that the power companies and shipping agencies pay millions in debts, and sent notices of the liens against their accounts.

Camilo urged Apordom director Jose Francisco Peña Guaba, and the shipping companies to reach an agreement and not harm foreign trade and import tax collections, “since those funds are needed to meet the government’s commitments for Christmas.”

The official said the standoff would lead to lost revenue and less merchandise received by retailers.

Apordom demands payment

Although Apordom has been demanding for over one a month that those companies pay around RD$991 million for debts for port fees, the power companies deny owing such money, alleging that they have neither contracted nor receive the Port Authority’s services.

Shippers agree to pay

The shipping agencies which have pending debts agreed to pay the three years in arrears, said Apordom spokeswoman Alicia Custals yesterday.

She said Shippers Association president Jack Rannick and Peña Guaba will sign the agreement in the next few days.

Caucedo and Haina ports handle most of the country’s shipping.