PRESIDENT BIDEN HIGHLIGHTS PANAMA’S “INSPIRING” PARTNERSHIP WITH COSTA RICA AND THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS

Speaking at the Closing Session of the two-day virtual Summit for Democracy hosted by the United States, President Joe Biden applauded Panama’s partnership with Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic to advance the “Alliance for Development in Democracy” (ADD), a recently-formed regional group dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions and unlocking new economic opportunities for citizens of the three-member nations and neighboring countries.  

“I’m so encouraged by the energy and the enthusiasm we’ve seen to rally people around the world in support of our shared democratic values”, President Biden noted. “In advance of this Summit, the presidents of Panama, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic formed an ‘alliance to strengthen democratic institutions’… to cooperate on transparency, human rights, economic development, and strengthening democracy throughout the region.” The alliance, President Biden continued, represents “the sort of inspiring commitment” that will be central to safeguarding shared democratic values throughout the Americas in 2022 and beyond. 

Panama’s Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes said the partnership reaffirms Panama’s historical ties with Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic and provides a clear mandate for the three nations to work together for the mutual benefit of their democratic institutions and citizens. It also creates an opportunity for member states to work more closely with the United States and other global democratic partners to address the key challenges facing Central America and the Caribbean, from irregular migration to economic inclusion to climate change. “The Alliance for Development in Democracy is a strategic link to [form closer relationships with] partners such as the European Union, the United States and [partners in] Asia… with which we will promote employment and new opportunities for the citizens of our three countries,” Minister Mouynes explained.  

Over the last three decades, Panama has solidified its democratic tradition, expanded its support for human rights, press freedom, and transparency, and cemented its reputation as a staunch advocate of multilateral cooperation to address shared challenges. Panama’s delegation to the Summit for Democracy affirmed the country’s commitment to further strengthening its own democratic institutions while forging multilateral partnerships with like-minded governments during the forthcoming “Year of Action”, before the world’s democracies reconvene for a second Summit next year.  

"ON HAITI : TO SHARE RESPONSIBILITY IN HANDLING IRREGULAR MIGRATION" WAS THE CALL FROM THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER ERIKA MOUYNES DURING MINISTERIAL SUMMIT

• The virtual meeting followed up the progress since the first ministerial summit, that Panama convened in August 2021, to address the phenomenon of irregular migration on the continent.

• Panama, as a founding member of the Alliance for Development in Democracy, reiterated the importance that Haiti be able to hold elections this year and ensure stability for the integral and sustainable development of the sister country.

Panama, January 21 (2021).- Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes participated in the ministerial summit convened by the Government of Canada to address the security situation in Haiti, its democratic challenges and the consequences of irregular migration in the American continent.

"Today's meeting is a firm step that, together and in coordination, leads us towards a more peaceful and safer Haiti for its citizens," said the minister during the meeting opened by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which was attended by participation of the Haitian Prime Minister, Ariel Henry.

As the current president of the Central American Integration System (SICA), Panama has placed Haiti among the priorities of the regional agenda, along with the goal of "unlocking" economic growth and "promoting the development of local markets for goods and services, the fight against poverty and inequality, the protection of natural resources, the prevention and management of disasters and the fight against organized crime and democratic security”, added the Panamanian minister.

The head of Panamanian diplomacy invited the other countries to get involved and share responsibilities to "work together, support the efforts of the Haitian government and address this situation in a comprehensive manner."

On August 11, Panama convened the first ministerial meeting to address this growing phenomenon, with the participation of ten countries in the region. That meeting has generated other technical meetings, involving more countries and broadening the discussion on the factors that encourage the irregularity of the migratory phenomenon, which begin to provide answers to the needs of Haiti.

In 2020, some 8,000 people crossed the “Darién Gap” irregularly, a record that exceeded 130,000 in 2021, 80% of them Haitians.

The foreign ministers of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Japan, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines participated in the meeting . Also represented were the European Union, the United Nations (UN), the Organization of American States (OAS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the International Organization of Migrations (IOM) and the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF).

FIRST PANAMANIAN WOMAN ELECTED TO JOIN THE INTER-AMERICAN JURIDICAL COMMITTEE

During the celebration of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) held on January 19, 2022, the Panamanian candidate, Martha Luna Veliz, was elected to join the prestigious Inter-American Juridical Committee (CJI) for the period 2022-2026 .

Martha Luna Veliz is a specialist in the development of money laundering and terrorist financing prevention policies. She is one of the founders of the Panamanian Tax Institute (INSPAT), member of the Tax Law Commission of the National Bar Association, as well as director of the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE). She had an outstanding participation in the Commission convened by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Panama, for the elaboration of the Tax Procedure Code and the review of the Criminal Legislation related to Tax Fraud.

The Inter-American Juridical Committee is the advisory body of the OAS on legal matters, in charge of promoting the progressive development and codification of international law and studying the possibility of standardizing the legislation of the countries of the Hemisphere. It is made up of eleven national jurists from the Member States, elected for a four-year term.

In this way, Martha Luna Veliz will be the fourth Panamanian to have the honor of integrating the Inter-American Juridical Committee since its creation in 1942. Previous Panamanian members of the CJI were the jurists Roberto Alemán Zubieta, Juan Materno Vásquez and Feliciano Olmedo Sanjur.

Panama continues to recognize and position professional women and strengthen the country's presence at the international level, forming an active part of different Commissions, Committees, and multilateral advisory Councils whose mission is to promote and achieve the sustainable development goals of the 2030 Agenda.

Virtual Book of Condolences to honor the memory and legacy of H. E. Juan R. De Dianous, Ambassador of Panama to the United States.

On the sad occasion of the passing of Ambassador Juan R. De Dianous, the Embassy of Panama in the United States of America makes this virtual book of condolences available from November 18 to 26 for those interested in sending their condolences and messages of solidarity to the De Dianous family.

Notes Verbales and Diplomatic Notes may also be sent in PDF format to the following email:  assistant@embassyofpanama.org

Please leave your message below.

PANAMA HAS VISIBILIZED THE GROWING PHENOMENON OF IRREGULAR MIGRATION

September 29, 2021. Our work at the United Nations and Washington D.C. is generating results, said Chancellor Erika Mouynes. “We have made visible the growing phenomenon of Irregular Migration and captured the attention of key role players who are in Panama today. We have already spoken with Ricardo Zúñiga from the United States Department of State”. Later, Minister Mouynes accompanied President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen to a discussion table with Daleep Singh, the White House Deputy National Security Adviso

Panama: The Place to Be for Sustainable Investments and more

Trade Mission to the East Coast of the United States

Washington - New York, September 2021.  Balancing economic growth with sustainable investments with social impact in various fields such as tourism, digital technology, infrastructure, energy, and food production is a natural fit for Panama.

Top government officials from Panama visited the East Coast of the United States, specifically to the cities of Washington D.C. and New York from September 13 to 17, to share their success story and promote all the opportunities to visit, invest, work, and retire in the country of just over 4 million people that is expected to grow 12% (GDP) this year (International Monetary Fund) and reach herd immunity from COVID19 by October.

Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) began the Trade Mission with a panel discussion at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to update the original Tourism Conservation Research (TCI) economic model, created in 1999 by Dr. Hana Ayala to use tourism to serve as an economic catalyst to conserve the country’s natural and cultural heritage through scientific research and sustainable investments.

Panama is leader in sustainability because of their Infrastructure and natural resources

·         32% of Panama’s land mass and now 30% of its marine areas are protected.

·         65.4% of Panama’s territory is made up of forests and other wooded lands, making us a true living lab.

·         The Panama Canal is calculated to have saved more than 650 million tons of CO2 emissions during its 107 years of operation.

·          Panama has microclimates that are perfect for some of the most exquisite and unique products in the world, such as its Geisha coffee, spring water and sweet pineapple.

·         History of natural and cultural conservation efforts that started with the establishment of the San Blas comarca in 1925.

·         Conservation is a way of life in Panama, the areas around the Canal basin have been protected for more than 100 years.

·         The Smithsonian Institute has been studying Panama’s extraordinary biodiversity since 1923

·         Panama is a Global Champion for the UN High-Level Dialogue on Energy and has been praised by the UN for its Energy Transition Strategy.

·         Abundant rainfall and rivers allow for 70% of our energy matrix to be hydropower.

·         About 10% between solar, wind and natural gas.

·          Home of the largest windfarm in Central America and the Caribbean

·          Panama is a Natural Gas Hub, with a delivery capacity of up to 175,000m3.

The work tour continued with the "Stelite Media Tour" in The National Press Club in Washington, D.C.  based in a media tour and several interviews to RAMÓN E. MARTÍNEZ DE LA GUARDIA – Minister of Commerce, RAFAEL SABONGE – Minister of Public Works, the Ambassador CARMEN GISELA VERGARA - Director of the Authority for Investment Attraction and Export Promotion of the Republic of Panama (PROPANAMA) - and IVÁN ESKILDSEN ALFARO – General Administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority.  The journalists had the opportunity to ask about the key sectors of Panama such as tourism, logistics, energy and digital, under a concept called "The Panama Pitch". This communication strategy allowed to reach an audience of more than 14 million people in United States.

On September 15-17th, the Panamanian Delegation travelled to New York for events at the Union League Club, Americas Society/Council of Americas, and Columbia University to continue with the promotion of the key sectors of the Panamanian economy.

One of the most important work meetings was the first "Panama Open House" in New York City, in there the Ministers had the opportunities to talk with members of the US Chamber of Commerce about recently Panamanian Government’s initiatives for the foreign investment.  The Ambassador Carmen Gisela Vergara, Director of the Authority for Investment Attraction and Export Promotion of the Republic of Panama (PROPANAMA) presented “Panama, The Place To Be”. 

Panama’s Facts:

·         The Panama Canal today it is responsible for 6% of the World’s maritime trade.

·         The COPA Airlines operated Hub of the Americas services over 16 million in transit passengers every year.

·         The 8 Fiber Optic cables that cross Panama serve as an information highway for the Americas.

·         Most connected country with North America and the region

·         US Dollar as legal currency

·         International Banking & Financial Center

·         Political & Legal stability

·         Excellent quality of life

·         High Tech medical services of international prestige

·         High quality education

·         Stability of Investment regimes

·         Virtually Free of Natural Disasters

·         Commercial openness and market access

·         The most secure country in the region (low crime rate)

The official agenda also included a meeting with companies that belong to Wallstreet, with the mission of promoting our banking and financial sector.

Banking & Financial Sector

•          Total Assets: US$ 129,2 Billion as of March 2021

•          Global Competitiveness Index Soundness Banks Ranked  #16

•          Investment Grade

o    Standard & Poor’s       BBB

o    Moody’s                        Baa2

o    Fitch                               BBB-

As part of the final work tour, top government officials from Panama met the “the Americas Society or Council of the Americas". This was a face-to-face event in which was promoted our tourism, investment, construction, logistics and digital sectors with all members of the council, who were present both in person and virtually connecting their members throughout the United States.

For more information about Panama, you can visit the followings sites:

https://propanama.gob.pa/en/

https://www.visitpanama.com/

https://mici.gob.pa/uploads/media_ficheros/2021/06/2/panamas-advantages-for-nearshoring-operations.pdf

https://mire.gob.pa/

https://www.embassyofpanama.org/embassy-of-panama

Panama makes improvements to the “Friendly Countries” program

This program determines an immigration category of Permanent Resident to foreign nationals of specific countries who maintain friendly, professional, economic and investment relations with the Republic of Panama.

Panama receives 503,100 Pfizer doses donated by the United States

Panama, July 21, 2021. 503,100 doses of Pfizer's vaccine arrived at the Cargo Terminal of Tocumen International Airport, part of a donation from the Government of the United States to the Government of Panama. This batch of vaccines to combat Covid-19 is the largest to have arrived in the country in a date.

Representing the National Government, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Erika Mouynes; and The Minister of Health, Luis Francisco Sucre, received from Stewart Tuttle, Acting Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Panama, this donation that strengthens the ties of cooperation, solidarity and brotherhood between both nations.

Foreign Minister Mouynes thanked the United States for its gesture of solidarity and said that with this donation, the mass vaccination days begin in the country.

"This week the country will receive nearly one million doses, which is very important for Panama, because they represent the hope of all Panamanians. The pandemic has shown that people's solidarity and cooperation is important, and strategic partners like the United States today say they are present with this aid," Mouynes said.

This is the twenty-fifth batch of Pfizer vaccines arriving in Panama.

For his part, the Acting Chief of mission of the U.S. Embassy in Panama said that this donation "is a sign of our affection and commitment to the well-being of the Panamanian people. The well-being of the Panamanian people really equals the well-being of our people," he said.

He explained that the doses of the Pfizer vaccine received in Panama are part of a global campaign to combat the pandemic. "The United States and Panama are united in this fight that we are going to win," Tuttle said.

Successful working tour of President Laurentino Cortizo in Texas, U.S.

President Cortizo meets with Texas businessmen to attract investment to Panama

● The President, accompanied by the Panamanian delegation, shared with businessmen from the Austin Economic Development Corporation the advantages and attractions that Panama offers for good investments.

● The President's work tour has yielded important results, such as the investment of 250 million dollars that the multinational Millicom will make in Panama.

Texas, United States. July 15, 2021. The President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, led a meeting of the Panamanian delegation with more than 30 businessmen from the Economic Development Corporation of Austin, Texas, in which they showed the advantages offered by Panama to invest, such as the best connectivity in the region, have a maritime, air and digital "hub," tourist attractions and a solid international banking center, among others.

The Panamanian delegation listed and explained to the businessmen some of these advantages that the country offers to invest, among which stand out: having the best connectivity between North America, a world-class logistics platform, a privileged geographical position, the dollar as the official currency in circulation, banks and the international financial center.

They also mentioned political stability, excellent quality of life, high-tech medical services of international prestige, legal stability in investments, a world-class communication infrastructure and the safest country in the region with a low crime rate, among other attractions.

Texas' economy is among the fastest growing, and is the second largest in the United States. If it were an independent nation, Texas would be the fifteenth largest economy in the world.

During his working tour, together with the delegation accompanying him, President Cortizo Cohen has held important meetings with leaders of the Texas private sector, including investors and entrepreneurs from the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the company Energy Transfer to study the feasibility of joint participation in a Trans - Panama Gateway pipeline project.

The president also toured the sports facilities of the University of Texas and met with Jay Hartzell, president of the University of Austin, to formalize the signing of an agreement that seeks to evaluate the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Panama, prioritize strategic sectors for development and establish a methodology for incubation and support for companies.

President Cortizo Cohen held an important meeting with Mauricio Ramos, CEO of Millicom, who announced a plan to invest 250 million dollars in the modernization of its network, impacting 800 thousand Panamanians, of which 200 thousand do not have mobile coverage. This economic and social decision will benefit hard-to-reach areas that are part of the Colmena Plan, which seeks to lay the foundations for reducing poverty and inequality in the country.

The Panamanian delegation is composed of Carmen Gisela Vergara, director of the National Authority for Investment Attraction and Export Promotion of Panama (ProPanamá) and directors of that entity; José Alejandro Rojas Pardini, Minister of Facilitation of Private Investments; Aristides Royo, Minister of Canal Affairs; Juan Carlos Sosa, Deputy Minister of International Trade; Ana Margarita Reyes, Deputy Administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority and Technical Secretary of the Logistics Cabinet.

President Cortizo promotes expanding Houston investments in Panama

• During a meeting with businessmen from Houston, the president proposed the establishment of regional headquarters of multinationals in the country.

• The reestablishment of the regional offices of the port of Houston in Panama is being sought.

  Continuing with his work tour in the third and last city, the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, met with the Greater Houston Partnership, a business council that brings together important companies, some of them with a presence in our country, and made a visit to the port of Houston.

The objective of the meeting was to strengthen commercial relations, promote the installation in Panama of regional headquarters of multinationals, as well as invite a commercial mission from Texas to visit the country.

The expansion of the Houston - Panama air route via United Airlines was also promoted and the expansion of the logistics center continued, taking into account the expansion of the Panama Canal and the navigation channel of the port of Houston.

“During this official mission, investors have reaffirmed their interest, highlighting the actions implemented by our administration. Panama is, without a doubt, the place to be and to invest! We will continue to facilitate good foreign investment, ”said the president, who was accompanied by the Panamanian Consul in Houston, Jaime Sosa; the Minister of Canal Affairs, Aristides Royo; Juan Carlos Sosa, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade; Carmen Gisela Vergara, Director of the Authority for the Attraction of Investments and Promotions of Exports of the Republic of Panama (ProPanamá); Jose Alejandro Rojas Pardini, Minister Counselor of Facilitation of Private Investment; Ana Margarita Reyes, Deputy Administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority and Technical Secretary of the Logistics Cabinet.

Houston is the main commercial partner of the United States with Panama in trade and investment, so this tour seeks to expand the investments of companies established in the country.

Among the main companies in this region that have operations in Panama are Chevron, Cheniere, Halliburton, McDermott, Sysco, United Airlines, Deloitte and the Port of Houston.

During this visit, the Panamanian president expressed his support for the expansion of the port's navigation channel, as well as the search for mechanisms to promote opportunities and the reestablishment of the regional offices of the port of Houston in Panama.

The opportunity was offered for companies from Texas and the United States to use Panama as a logistics center for products imported from Asia that can be unloaded in Panama, stored and then shipped to the Atlantic side of South America.

The Houston Ship Channel complex and its more than 200 public and private terminals, collectively known as the Port of Houston is the largest port in the country in terms of shipping tonnage and an essential economic engine for Houston, the state of Texas and the United States.

COFFEE WITH A PANAMANIAN VIEW

PANAMA EXPANDS COFFEE CIRCUIT TO INCLUDE TOURISTIC EXPERIENCES IN THE CHIRIQUI HIGHLANDS REGION SHOWCASING CULTURE AND BIODIVERSITY

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA – May, 2021 – Panama is making its mark as a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world, expanding the touristic experiences at local coffee farms throughout the Chiriquí Highlands. The region is best known for producing Geisha Coffee, the world’s most valuable coffee and harvested by the Ngäbe and the Buglé indigenous communities. The area offers a range of unforgettable experiences. From tours and coffee tastings at iconic family farms to ziplining, and hiking the Baru Volcano, one of the only places in the world where you can see both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea at the same time. You can also partake on world-class birdwatching in the stunning mountain region and indulge with the region’s remarkable gastronomy.

The farms are part of the country’s Coffee Circuit, which is currently being developed by The Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP) and the Center for Competitiveness of the Western Region (CECOMRO) to further enhance the region’s economic activity and raise awareness of the extraordinary biodiversity in the region. The initiative hopes to include up to 42 farms upon completion.

All types of travelers, from families to nature lovers, and adventurers, are welcomed to explore the coffee farms that are located in three main regions of the Chiriquí Highlands: Tierras Altas which includes Volcan, Bambito, and Cerro Punta; as well as Renacimiento and Boquete. The 15 coffee farms that are active in providing distinctive touristic experiences are as follows:

Tierras Altas, Chiriquí:

●        Finca Candela: Go on an intricate tour of the coffee plant and witness the process of turning the coffee fruit into coffee beans.

●        Finca Ceriana: Choose from five experiences, including guided tours of the coffee plantations, horseback riding tours, classy picnics, trekking, observation of the flora, and access to more than 204 species of birds.

●        Finca Don Lara: Take a guided tour of the plantation provided by the owner himself, and learn about the coffee varieties available in the region, and depending on the season, take part in the farm’s coffee harvest.

●        Finca Janson: Take in the natural paradise of the highest alpine lakes of Panama and experience a world-class birding destination established as a natural reserve overseeing the Baru Volcano, all while enjoying world-class coffee varieties.

Renacimiento, Chiriquí:

●        Finca Café Eleta: Take a guided tour of the farm and taste specialty coffee nearby the World Heritage Site, La Amistad International Park (PILA), known for its rich and abundant biodiversity.

●        APRE: The Asociación de Productores de Renacimiento (APRE) is an association of 75 member farms located in Renacimiento, where local farms are helped with processing and distributing their coffee nationally and internationally. Although the association doesn't offer tours, they do assist with setting up member farm tours.

Boquete, Chiriquí:

●        Boquete Tree Trek: Choose from a guided farm tour, coffee tasting, or a special tea tour unique in Central America, or the ultimate adventure with one of the farm’s 12 zip lines or six suspension bridges.

●        Café Kotowa Finca Cristal: Delve into the Geisha coffee process or visit the farm’s two-decade-old Rum Cellar. Nature lovers can also experience the farm’s Hanging Bridges trail and Zipline.

●        Café Ruiz: Pick from several packages at the century-old compact coffee plantation, where you can learn about artisan ways and the history of coffee, community, as well as sustainability and biodiversity efforts.

●        Finca Don Pepe: Tour the oldest farm in the region, founded in 1898 by the Vásquez family, known for creating incredible coffee varieties like Geishas, Caturra, Catuai, Pacamara, Borbon, Typica and Java, which you can taste and buy on the premises.

●        Finca Elida: Witness sweeping views of the estate by taking a tour through the family’s Geisha plantation and processing plant, best known for housing the most expensive coffee in the world for two consecutive years as well as achieving the highest scored coffee at the “Best of Panama” to date.

●        Finca La Milagrosa: With a coffee in hand, take a tour of the diverse plantations and discover how the farm uses recycled car parts and computers to create their own coffee roasting machines.

●        Finca Lerida: Tour the first farm to export and introduce Panamanian coffee to Germany in 1929, taking a close look at every aspect of the coffee production process. The farm even offers the ability to stay overnight.

●        Finca Princesa Janca: Enjoy a tour of the plantations and a coffee tasting session or explore the farm’s on-site museum documenting the family's rich history as it relates to coffee and Panamanian politics.

●        Hacienda Mamecillo: Choose from various activities from coffee tasting and guided tours of the farm’s vegetable nursery, to mountain biking, rappelling, and trekking throughout nature to find five waterfalls, 300-year-old trees, and unique biodiversity.

While coffee roots run deep in the Highlands in the Chiriquí Province, the area is also known as the land of flowers. A place where mountaineers, bird watchers, and travelers passionate about indigenous culture and natural attractions can partake in numerous experiences from Panama's three Heritage Routes: Green (unique biodiversity), Blue (ocean wonders), and Cultural. Visitors can explore La Amistad International Park that has more than 600 bird species. They can visit the Ngäbe and the Buglé people, two of Panama's seven indigenous communities, or hike the highest peak in Panama, the Baru Volcano, to witness views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Panama has been open to international visitors since October 2020. Those looking to visit the Chiriquí Province can reach the Highlands by car (a 7-hour ride from Panama City) or take a short (less than one-hour) domestic flight to David, Chiriquí, followed by a 45-minute car ride to Boquete or Tierras Altas.

To learn more about the Panama Highlands region and coffee culture, please visit discover.visitpanama.com/coffee.

To learn more about Panama's Cultural, Green and Blue Heritage, as well as the experiences around it, please visit https://visitpanama.com/things-to-do/.

For the latest information on Panama's health and safety protocols for international visitors, please visit https://www.visitpanama.com/information/travel-guidelines.