Panama: It’s Happening Now

The conference is being hosted by Americas Society/Council of the Americas in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Panama; the Government of the Republic of Panama; and The World Bank.



The conference will include several high-level speakers from the private and public sectors, includingAlberto Aleman Zubieta, CEO of the Panama Canal, Roberto Henríquez, Minister of Commerce for Panama.



Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli will deliver a special keynote address.



Investing in Panama will be the central theme of the conference. The government has identified three key sectors with clear opportunities of growth:



• Logistics

• Tourism

• Agriculture



The conference will include presentations on the global economic outlook for 2010, Panama’s overall and sector-specific growth potential, and public investment strategy.



“We are thrilled to work with our partners to explore how Panama can build on its record of economic growth and further establish itself as a regional hub,” said Susan Segal, President and CEO of Americas Society and Council of the Americas.



In spite of the global economic crisis Panama was one of the few countries in the region that posted positive economic growth in 2009. The country expects 3% growth in 2010.



“Thanks to our sound and sustainable economic policies, we’re on the brink of achieving investment grade,” said Alberto Vallarino, Panama’s Minister of Economy and Finance.



The conference will also address innovative ways of cooperation between the public and private sectors.



"This event, while showing the incredible potential for growth and prosperity of Panama, offers a great opportunity to address important issues for the country’s development, competitiveness and economic growth, and may pave the way for a stronger public-private partnership to find solutions to some of the most pressing bottlenecks," said Laura Frigenti, World Bank Director for Central America.



Topics to be discussed will include: Panama as Regional Hub, Tourism Development, Logistics and Agriculture, Foreign Direct Investment, Panama Canal Expansion, Panama´s Investment Grade.



“Amidst current global economic challenges, our growth in 2009 demonstrates the development of a unique and secure environment for business, trade, and job creation. As Panamanians, we are proud of our past successes and look forward to a prosperous future,” said ...