The ninth Inter-American Port and Harbour Conference of the Organization of American States (OAS) was held in Asuncion, Paraguay, from 23 to 27 September 1996, and was declared open by His Excellency Mr. Juan Carlos Wasmosy Monti, President of the Republic of Paraguay. Representatives from 24 countries of the Americas, four European countries and one Middle Eastern country participated. The Conference was also attended by observers from six regional or international organizations and by special guests from business and academic circles.