In accordance with the LARA Action Plan 2022-2023, a new coordination meeting for the Latin American Region was held on 12 September 2023. Members welcomed the major rail undertakings in Argentia to Ferrocarriles Argentimos Sociedad Estatal (FASE). FASE gave several presentations on their activities, particularly focusing on operations (where 75% of trains are freight transports), asset management, gender equality and CENADIF, the National Investigation Body of Accidents.

It was agreed that LARA would institute two new task forces, on security and safety, before the end of the year. FASE also expressed their interest in several topics that UIC is currently working on, including train-track interaction, infrastructure and rolling stock maintenance performance, composite sleepers (instead of concrete or wooden ones), and train pantograph-catenary interaction performance.

Regarding the importance of expanding the region via new members, Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado (EFE), Chile, joined UIC as a new member in 2022, and would now be part of some working groups. During the meeting UIC also detailed its participation in the 12th International Heavy Haul Association conference held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 27 to 31 August 2023. Participants were also reminded that the next ILCAD (International Level Crossing Awareness Day) would take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in June 2024.

The next meeting and the Regional Assembly will be held on 21 November 2023 via video conference. On this occasion, LARA members will review the steps taken in 2023 and plan further works for 2024.