On September 14, the Ministers of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica and of Trade and Industry of Panama met to address issues of mutual commercial interest. The agenda included Central American economic integration, regional land freight transport, the Integrated Control Center in Paso Canoas (CCI), and Panama’s Customs Logistics Integration Program (PILA).
This meeting is the result of the encounter between Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves and Panamanian authorities in August, where both sides agreed to deepen trade relations. Minister Manuel Tovar highlighted the commitment of both countries to strengthen their economic cooperation and become benchmarks of integration in Latin America.
In addition, the Ministers of Agriculture and Public Security of both countries discussed strategies to improve bilateral coordination with the new Panamanian authorities, led by President José Raúl Mulino, who took office on July 1.
Panama is a strategic partner for Costa Rica due to its geographic proximity. In 2023, Costa Rican exports to Panama reached USD 653.3 million, representing a 6.7% increase compared to the previous year. Likewise, foreign direct investment from Panama totaled USD 162.4 million, accounting for 4.1% of the total received by Costa Rica.
Let’s keep moving forward with the same energy and commitment that define our collaboration!
