The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Julio Moltó, highlighted Panama's integration into the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), noting a shift in export dynamics. Moltó stated, "The country has embarked on a process of economic transformation, driven by Mercosur, not only because it is working to strengthen its productive areas in the interior to expand its export footprint, but also to attract high-value investments."
Minister of Commerce and Industry, Julio Moltó
Moltó noted that Panama aims to catch the South's attention positively. The integration offers opportunities for companies to either enter or export to the Americas and the Caribbean. "Panama's inclusion in Mercosur is a milestone because it was designed to attract the attention of the south to Panama, in a positive way for companies looking to come or ship goods to the North, the Americas, or the rest of the Caribbean. This alone represents great opportunities for the country," he emphasized.
The Minister also mentioned that empowering Panama's traditional and innovative sectors could naturally broaden their market reach. "At this stage, we are combining what we call competitiveness with inclusion, as well as positioning Panama as a reliable player in international trade and as a platform for strategic services for the region, but this time looking south," Moltó said. As of December 2024, Panama joined other nations such as Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, and Suriname as an Associate State of Mercosur.
Source: MenaFN