Minister of Commerce and Industries Julio Moltó recently met with a delegation of Italian parliamentarians to promote economic cooperation between Panama and Italy. This meeting is part of Italy’s official mission aimed at enhancing political dialogue and fostering business opportunities. The delegation was led by Fabio Pietrella and Gianluca Caramanna, who chair the Italy-Panama Bilateral Commission.
Strengthening Relations between Panama and Italy
The meeting also included the presence of Italy’s Ambassador to Panama, Giuditta Giorgio, and Panama’s Ambassador to Italy, Winston Spadafora. During the discussions, Minister Moltó articulated Panama’s commitment to transparent business practices. He emphasized that the country is ready for business with clear regulations and without intermediaries, providing a reliable environment for international trade and investment.
Key Initiatives and Programs
- The program “Mujer Exporta” enhances women’s participation in international trade.
- Panama is committed to a more inclusive and sustainable economic growth model.
- Efforts include reducing sanitary registration costs to improve competitiveness.
Pietrella commended Panama’s progress in inclusive economic policies. The Minister highlighted various ongoing initiatives aimed at facilitating trade, which are particularly beneficial for attracting Italian businesses interested in using Panama as a regional hub.
Upcoming Regional Business Events
Vittorio De Sanctis, President of the Italian-Panamanian Chamber of Commerce, formally invited Minister Moltó to participate in the upcoming Meeting of Italian Chambers of Commerce in Latin America. This event is set for April in Panama and will gather over 25 chambers from the region, underlining Panama’s role as a significant venue for regional business dialogue.
Active Trade Relations
The context of this meeting highlights the active trade relations between Panama and Italy. Panama exports various products, including wood, cement, alcoholic beverages, and fruits to Italy. Furthermore, there is a stable presence of more than a dozen Italian companies in strategic sectors.
Minister Moltó concluded the meeting by encouraging the Italian delegation and business leaders to engage in major economic events hosted by Panama this year. These include Expocomer, the World Free Zones Congress, and the World of Coffee fair, as well as the annual gathering of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), known as the “Davos of Latin America.”
