Panamanian government has launched a strategy for developing and promoting microelectronics and semiconductor activities in the country.

  • The President of the Republic of Panama signed the Executive Decree establishing the guidelines for developing and promoting microelectronics and semiconductor activities in the country.

  • The rector of The Technological University of Panama announced the creation of the Advanced Semiconductor Technology Center (C-TASC9) at this institution.

  • Dr. Eduardo Ortega, National Secretary of Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENACYT), announced a new program of master's and doctoral scholarships specialized in microelectronics and semiconductors in collaboration with the University of Arizona.

Panama, April 30, 2024. In a historic event, the National Government of Panama, led by the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, announced the country strategy for the development and promotion of microelectronics and semiconductor activities in Panama, aimed at achieving sustainable economic development and contributing to the social well-being of the population.

As the first action of the country strategy, President Cortizo Cohen signed the Executive Decree establishing the guidelines for the development and promotion of microelectronics and semiconductor activities.

President Cortizo Cohen emphasized that the decree establishes the need to create, among other measures, a strategy and a national action plan that will allow Panama to take on the challenge in a coordinated, systematic manner with a long-term vision.

He explained that the strategy aims to achieve the insertion of the Republic of Panama into the global microelectronics and semiconductor chain; it seeks to train human talent in these areas; in addition to promoting research and development linked to semiconductor manufacturing. The decree also creates the Innovation Commission in Microelectronics and Semiconductors for inter-institutional and multi-sectoral interaction that will follow up on the national strategy.

"As a country, we have a real opportunity to insert ourselves into this value chain by taking advantage of Panama's competitive advantages, such as our privileged geographical position, advanced logistical infrastructure, and our long history within global trade," the president highlighted.

As part of other strategic actions, the rector of the Technological University of Panama (UTP), Eng. Omar Aizpurúa Pino, announced the creation at this institution of the Advanced Semiconductor Technology Center (C-TASC9) with advice from Arizona State University. The rector emphasized that UTP has the human resources ready to undertake the historic task of turning Panama into the semiconductor hub.

He highlighted that Panama is on the threshold of countries that can make a gigantic leap for economic development and achieve full employment.

Meanwhile, Dr. Eduardo Ortega, National Secretary of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Senacyt), said that this is a great day for the country with the execution of this national strategy to develop one of the five technologies of the modern era and that by 2030 it is estimated to represent a trillion-dollar economic market.

Ortega announced the establishment of a new program of master's and doctoral scholarships specialized in microelectronics and semiconductors. To this end, he signed a collaboration agreement with Arizona State University, one of the most important in the world on this topic and ranked number 1 in the United States in innovation.

The event was also attended by the ambassador of Panama to the United States, Ramón Martínez; the Minister of Commerce and Industries, Jorge Rivera Staff; the Minister of Labor and Labor Development, Doris Zapata; the Ministerial Advisor for the Facilitation of Private Investment, José Alejandro Rojas; vice-ministers, university rectors, among other special guests.

Semiconductors are a key element in modern electronics as they are present in a myriad of devices and systems, including smartphones, computers, automobiles, home appliances, medical equipment, and communication systems.

The United States chose Panama as one of the seven countries worldwide with which it will establish a collaboration to reinforce the global semiconductor value chain. This was confirmed during the visit last year to the Presidency of the Republic of Panama by the Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo.

U.S. Semiconductor Industry Association makes exploratory tour in Panama

March 19, 2024. Foreign Minister Janaina Tewaney Mencomo, together with the Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs and International Cooperation, Yill Otero, met with the president and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), John Neuffer and his delegation, which is in Panama, as part of an exploratory tour to determine the strengths offered by the country for companies in this strategic industry.During the meeting, Foreign Minister Tewaney expressed her enthusiasm for this initiative, highlighting that "SIA's visit to Panama marks a crucial moment in our efforts to position our country as a key player in the semiconductor value chain.

This is a strategic and long-term effort that not only seeks to strengthen our industrial and technological capabilities, but also to prepare Panama to take advantage of economic growth opportunities that will benefit all Panamanians." For its part, the SIA delegation, considered "the voice of the U.S. semiconductor industry" and made up of President and CEO Neuffer, Vice President of Global Policy, Mary Thornton, and Global Policy Associate, Jen Park, held key meetings with senior representatives of the Panamanian government and business sector, demonstrating mutual interest in strengthening collaboration in the semiconductor sector.Therefore, accompanied by the Panamanian Ambassador to the United States, Ramon Martinez, the SIA representatives spoke with the National Secretary of Science and Technology, Eduardo Ortega, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Jorge Rivera Staff, among other prominent officials and business leaders, where they underlined the importance of cooperation between Panama and SIA for the strategic development of the semiconductor sector in the country.

The mission's agenda included meetings focused on the national strategy for the development of the semiconductor sector, exploration of relevant incentives and regulations, as well as discussions on future collaborations with industry leaders and private sector representatives; allowing Panama to showcase the strengths of its infrastructure and a tangible vision of the capabilities and benefits that the country offers to companies in the semiconductor sector.

Semiconductors, also known as 'chips', are essential devices in all everyday technological devices and are the basis for the development of more advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and autonomous vehicles. The pandemic and multiple disruptions in global value chains have led several countries to seek to expand their participation in this strategic industry.In this context, on July 20, 2023, the United States announced that it was partnering with the Government of Panama to explore opportunities to expand and diversify the global semiconductor ecosystem under the International Cybersecurity and Innovation Fund ("ITSI Fund"), created by the CHIPS Act of 2022.Finally, and with the commitment of both parties to continue this constructive dialogue, SIA's visit is expected to be the first step towards a deeper and more extensive collaboration, which could include future missions by SIA member companies to Panama to explore investment and partnership opportunities.

PANAMA WINS THE EMBASSY CHEF CHALLENGE 2024

In this photo: Nycci Nellis, Chef Jovana Urriola, GRUFOLPAWA’s dancer, Angie Gates / President and CEO Events DC

The Embassy of Panama in the United States, with the participation of the Panamanian Chef, Jovana Urriola, was the winner of the "DC Embassy Chef Challenge", an event held in Washington D.C., last Thursday, March 7, 2024, in which 23 diplomatic representations from around the world participated.

March 7, 2024. Chef Jovana Urriola stood out by winning this renowned and traditional competition, which more than 1,200 people attended. Five jurors unanimously selected Panama as the night's best dish, highlighting that the Panamanian Embassy booth provided the "complete experience" they sought to award. It is the first time Panama has won this competition, which has been held for 15 years.

The chef presented a dish called "Dumpling stuffed with chicken tamale with an Afro-Caribbean sauce,” inspired by the diversity of cultures and culinary influences that coexist in Panama and define us as a nation.

At the event, the Embassy took the opportunity to offer information about Panama, including how to get there, what to visit, our cultural and gastronomic richness, and well-known biodiversity. The Folkloric Group of Panama in Washington (GRUFOLPAWA) made the attendees dance traditional dances such as the Danesa and the VivaPanamá.

Ambassador Ramon Martinez participated in the event and shared with the team the pride for Panama's achievement at this cultural event held in the capital of the United States.  He congratulated Chef Urriola on her outstanding participation, charisma, and indisputable talent in culinary art.

Chef Jovana Urriola has more than a decade of experience in various culinary environments. In 2018, she won second place in the international competition "Top Chef Panama." She also owns the restaurant Artisan Kitchen in Casco Viejo, Panama City.

In the drinks category, we participated with a tropical punch called "Diablo Rojo." It is an exquisite mixture of Panamanian rum, fruits such as pineapple, saril, and lemon, with a touch of chili pepper and coconut fragrance that symbolizes the warmth of the Panamanian tropical climate and our sense of adventure.

The executive Chef of the White House was among the judges. The event gave foodies in D.C. the opportunity to sample food from each country.

Alianza Estratégica: Panamá y Arizona State University Firman Importante Acuerdo de Cooperación Científica y Educativa para Impulsar Tecnologías Avanzadas

  • El MOU tiene como objetivo establecer un mecanismo de cooperación para identificar y promover oportunidades de colaboración entre la ASU y diversas entidades panameñas, incluyendo instituciones gubernamentales, académicas, otras organizaciones y el sector privado.

 

  • Este acuerdo se centra en áreas estratégicas como semiconductores, ciberseguridad, tecnologías emergentes y otras disciplinas relevantes para la cadena de suministro.

Arizona, Estados Unidos.  4 de octubre, 2023.  En un esfuerzo por impulsar la cooperación en el campo de la tecnología avanzada y fortalecer los lazos científicos y educativos entre Panamá y los Estados Unidos, la Junta de Regentes de Arizona State University (ASU), representada por el Sr. Michael M. Crow, Presidente de ASU, y el Embajador de la República de Panamá ante los Estados Unidos, Ramón E. Martínez de la Guardia en representación al Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Panamá, han firmado un Memorando de Entendimiento (MOU) histórico y significativas oportunidades para ambas partes.

 Áreas clave de cooperación:

 1. Identificación de oportunidades con autoridades gubernamentales de Panamá para desarrollar programas educativos técnicos y profesionales.

2. Colaboración con entidades panameñas para el desarrollo de programas relacionados con semiconductores, ciberseguridad y tecnologías emergentes.

3. Exploración conjunta de fuentes de financiamiento para el desarrollo de la mano de obra panameña en sectores clave.

4. Desarrollo de programas de capacitación en colaboración con instituciones académicas panameñas.

5. Exploración de la viabilidad de establecer un Centro Global para el Desarrollo de la Fuerza Laboral en Tecnología Avanzada en Panamá.

6. Intercambio de información y exploración de otras áreas de interés y colaboración.

 El MOU también prevé la posibilidad de identificar otras áreas de interés y colaboración que puedan surgir en el futuro.

Cada actividad de cooperación bajo este MOU se basará en acuerdos técnicos específicos que serán negociados y suscritos entre ASU y las instituciones panameñas correspondientes.

Estos acuerdos abordarán detalles como planes de trabajo, duración, costos, derechos de propiedad intelectual y otros términos pertinentes para proyectos de cooperación internacional.

Este Memorando de Entendimiento refleja el compromiso de Panamá y Arizona State University de promover la innovación, el desarrollo económico y la formación de una fuerza laboral altamente capacitada en áreas críticas de la tecnología avanzada.

 

Strategic Alliance: Panama and Arizona State University Sign Important Agreement to Strengthen Scientific and Educational Cooperation in Advanced Technologies

  • The MOU aims to establish a cooperation mechanism to identify and promote collaboration opportunities between ASU and various Panamanian entities, including governmental, academic, other organizations, and the private sector.

  • This agreement focuses on strategic areas such as semiconductors, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and other disciplines relevant to the supply chain.

Arizona, United States. October 4, 2023. To boost cooperation in the field of advanced technology and strengthen scientific and educational ties between Panama and the United States, the Board of Regents of Arizona State University (ASU), represented by Mr. Michael M. Crow, President of ASU, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the United States, Ramón E. Martínez de la Guardia, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama, have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that holds significant opportunities for both parties.

Key areas of cooperation include:

  1. Identify opportunities with Panamanian government authorities to develop technical and professional educational programs.

  2. Collaboration with Panamanian entities for developing programs related to semiconductors, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.

  3. Joint exploration of funding sources for developing the Panamanian workforce in key sectors.

  4. Development of training programs in collaboration with Panamanian academic institutions.

  5. Exploration of the feasibility of establishing a Global Center for Workforce Development in Advanced Technology in Panama.

  6. Exchange of information and exploration of other areas of interest and collaboration.

The MOU also foresees the possibility of identifying additional areas of interest and collaboration that may arise. Each cooperation activity under this MOU will be based on specific technical agreements negotiated and signed between ASU and the corresponding Panamanian institutions. These agreements will address work plans, duration, costs, intellectual property rights, and other relevant terms for international cooperation projects.

This Memorandum of Understanding reflects the commitment of Panama and Arizona State University to promoting innovation, economic development, and the training of a highly skilled workforce in critical areas of advanced technology.

Governments of Panama and the United States Announce New Partnership to Foster a Resilient Global Semiconductor Ecosystem

July 20, 2023

The National Government announced today that the United States has chosen our country as one of the few selected worldwide to establish a collaboration to reinforce the global value chain of semiconductors, commonly known as chips.

"Panama's unparalleled logistical capabilities, the favorable business environment, and the remarkable political stability make it an exceptional option as a center for assembly, packaging, and testing of semiconductors," said President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen. "The expansion of this industry in Panama has the potential to create well-paid jobs, particularly for young people, while improving the technological capabilities of our country's skilled labor," according to the President of the Republic.

He also explained that this is part of his administration's ongoing commitment to create opportunities for the next generation of Panamanians, particularly in the technological sector.

"The collaboration with the United States represents a crucial step to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of this vital industry," the president said when announcing this important agreement.

As an initial measure within this newly formed partnership, the United States and Panama will work closely together to carry out an in-depth assessment of the existing semiconductor ecosystem in the country, to identify Panama's strengths and areas for improvement within the sector, providing valuable insights for future collaborations in the development of this critical industry.

The review will be financed by the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund ("ITSI Fund"). Approved under the 2022 CHIPS Act, the fund is managed by the US Department of State to support and promote collaboration with countries considered crucial for the semiconductor industry.

Panama recognizes the importance of semiconductor technology as a cornerstone of economic growth, national security, and technological innovation. It plays a key role in various industries, including telecommunications, automotive, health, and consumer electronics. With the rapid evolution of digital transformation and the growing dependence on advanced electronics, securing the semiconductor value chain has become a global imperative.

Recognizing the importance of workforce development in high-tech fields such as semiconductors, the Government of Panama has engaged in talks with Arizona State University, a leading institution in innovation and a renowned player in the semiconductor industry. Panama's goal is to create a cooperation platform with the university, to cultivate a Panamanian workforce that is trained and capable of seizing promising opportunities, such as those presented by the United States.

Trilateral Joint Statement

Colombia, Panama and United States

April 11, 2023

Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, Janaina Tewaney, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Álvaro Leyva Durán, and the US Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, led high-level delegations and met in Panama City to discuss joint efforts to tackle one of the region's most pressing problems: irregular migration.

The American delegation comprised the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, Samantha Power, the Commander of the United States Southern Command, General Laura Richardson, and senior representatives of the entire Administration.

The heads of delegation reaffirm and express their commitment to the road map established in the joint communiqué of February 14 of this year in Apartadó, Colombia.

Recognizing our shared interest and responsibility to prevent risk to human life, disrupt transnational criminal organizations, and preserve vital rainforests, the governments of Panama, Colombia, and the United States intend to conduct a coordinated two-month campaign to address to the grave humanitarian situation in Darien.

The Darien is one of these regional challenges. Each year, tens of thousands of migrants attempt to cross the Panama-Colombia border, placing their lives in the hands of smugglers, and many perish trying to cross the treacherous terrain.

Through this coordinated 60-day campaign and sustained cooperation, the three governments will seek to achieve the following ambitious goals:

1. End the illicit movement of people and goods through the Darién, both by land and sea corridors, which leads to the death and exploitation of vulnerable people for significant profits.

2. Open new legal and flexible pathways for tens of thousands of migrants and refugees as an alternative to irregular migration.

3. Implement a plan to reduce poverty, improve the provision of public services, create employment and promote economic and sustainable opportunities in the border communities of northern Colombia and southern Panama, through international alliances between financial institutions, civil society and the private sector.

This trilateral meeting serves as a call to action for the entire region to come together to tackle irregular migration, in the spirit of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.

SpaceX will soon launch Starlink satellite internet system in Panama

Panama will become one of the few countries in the region to have the services of this prestigious company, which strategically positions the country as a reference in innovation.

After a productive meeting at the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) facilities, we announced that soon, with the support and coordination of the National Authority for Government Innovation (AIG), they will be launching their Starlink satellite internet system in our country.

Panama will become one of the few countries in the region to have this prestigious company and strategically positions Panama as a reference in innovation.

In addition, we talked about how we can collaborate on initiatives that can positively impact the country's connectivity, education, and economic reactivation.


Ministry of Commerce and META announce alliance to train 20 thousand Panamanians

The Minister of Commerce and Industries (MICI), Federico Alfaro Boyd, met with representatives of the technology company, Meta, within the framework of the IX Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, United States, to discuss programs of training in digital skills for young Panamanians.-

After the successful meeting held with the head of Commerce and Industries, Federico Alfaro Boyd, Meta announced this free training in digital skills for some 20,000 young people, entrepreneurs, and owners of small and medium-sized companies in Panama, in the next three years.

The courses range from digital literacy to the use of digital marketing resources to boost small businesses and the creation of Augmented Reality effects, which consist of computer filters applied to real-world images.

“This meeting with Meta is the beginning of a strategic and important relationship since Panama has the capacity to be a powerhouse in the digital economy”, highlighted Alfaro Boyd.

“Technology opens up exciting new opportunities for developers and entrepreneurs. Meta wants to support the development of digital skills in Panama, with the aim of promoting economic opportunities in the country”, said Iñigo Fernández, Director of Public Policies of Meta for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

The meeting in Los Angeles was also attended by the former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ramón Martínez de la Guardia, and the Vice President of Public Policies of Meta for Latin America, Pedro Less.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mouynes Completes the Panamanian Agenda in the Summit of the Americas and Receives the Petitions of Minors and Civil Society

Los Angeles, California, United States. Minister Erika Mouynes, as part of the delegation that President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen leads, participated with the Secretary of State of the United State Antony Blinken, in the ministerial meeting of the closing of the Summit Implementation Review Group of the Americas, within which some fundamental texts were approved that will be submitted for the assessment of the presidents attending the IX edition of these calls, inaugurated this Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Among other documents, support was given to the plans of action for health, green transition, energy and environment, digital transformation, and democratic governing. The panel in which the President of Panama presided with Canada proposed initiatives to re-enforce democracy and support the workforce for the electoral missions of the Organization of the United States or OEA in Spanish, strengthen the Democratic Card and the compromise against corruption, central themes of the presidential appointments of which Panama participated.

As well, the Panamanian ministry was one of the governmental interlocutors in the Forum for Civil Society and Social Actors with the Secretary of State of the United States, Antony Blinken, of which the Panamanian Adela Panizo Asprilla was part as well.

With the counterpart of the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, the chancellor was witness to the new encounter of the president of the countries in the Alliance for the Development of Democracy that gave welcome to the newly elected president of the latter country Rodrigo Chaves.

In a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Canada, Melanie Joly touched on the important economic and important themes for Panama like the application to amplify the number of aerial frequencies between the two countries and receive more Canadian tourists. They have already shown a predilection for the Panamanian offer, in addition to greater support in the processing of Canadian visas, to strengthen the coming together of both peoples, particularly investors and sportsmen.

Also with minister Joly, the chancellor of Chile, Antonia Urrejola, and Samantha Power, administrator for the Agency of International Cooperation of the United States (USAID), the Panamanian chancellor was a panelist in the Leadership Forum of Women: Advancing in the Equality of Gender and Democracy in the Americas, where the "Panamanian Plan to Promote Participation of Women in Public Affairs" was presented in the presence of the Panamanian Maria del Carmen Plata, secretary of Equity, Rights, and Access of the OEA; Alejandra Mora Mora,

Executive secretary of the Inter-American Commission of Women and Clarissa Etienne, director of the Organization of Pan American health or OPS in Spanish.

As part of the work agenda and the reinforcement of the Diplomatic Climate Strategy in the development of the Ministry, the minister Mouynes attended the joint declaration for the protection of the oceans, "America for the Protection of the Ocean," that Panama subscribes to jointly with Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, United States, Mexico, and Peru.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mouynes intervened, herself, in the closing session of the VI Forum of the Young Americans, followed through the means of more than 2,000 young people with the president of Colombia, Ivan Duque, and the Ambassador of Peru in the OEA Harold Forsyth who asserted the importance of securing real spaces of representation for young people in decision making.

The same space coincided with the president of Peru, Pedro Castillo, who talked about the proposal to include environmental education as part of the academic curriculum within primary education.

During the interventions, as part of the delegation that accompanies the president Laurentino Cortizo Cohen to the IX Summit of the Americas "Constructing a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future", the Ministry of Foreign Relations established the Panamanian will to input initiatives to resolve the joint, common problems that confront the region not only for the effect of the pandemic but also for the scarcities and vulnerabilities of other countries of the continent.