Business leaders in Panama’s Chiriquí Province are betting on major infrastructure projects to drive economic growth and job creation in the country’s western region. This optimism was the central theme at the “Visión Chiriquí 2026” forum held in David this week, where projects like the $250 million Puerto Barú and a proposed Panama-Paso Canoas train were highlighted as transformative investments.
The forum, organized by La Prensa newspaper, brought together key private sector figures to discuss the future of a province historically known as Panama’s breadbasket. Participants argued that strategic location and new logistics corridors could diversify the local economy beyond agriculture, addressing structural challenges like informality and youth migration.
“Western Panama is entering a different conversation, a conversation about the future,” said Jorge Tovar, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Agriculture, and Tourism of Chiriquí. [Translated from Spanish]
Tovar emphasized the need to look beyond short-term political cycles. He stated that the province has a clear vision for growth if it can successfully link private investment with coherent public policy. The goal is to leverage competitive advantages in logistics, tourism, and services.
Strategic Shift for an Agricultural Powerhouse
Chiriquí Province contributes approximately six percent of Panama’s national gross domestic product (GDP). Its population exceeds 470,000. The province now seeks to capitalize on its proximity to Central American markets and its untapped logistical potential. This represents a deliberate shift for a region whose identity has been firmly rooted in farming.
The discussion at the forum repeatedly returned to a central national challenge. Economic activity remains heavily concentrated in the interoceanic area, which accounts for a staggering 85 percent of output. The remaining 15 percent is spread across the rest of the country, including Chiriquí Province. Leaders see new infrastructure as a tool to rebalance this scale.
Jorge Tovar pointed to existing long-term planning, like the Visión Chiriquí 2050 framework, as a foundation. He also identified bureaucratic delays as a persistent hurdle that can slow down private investment. The real test, he suggested, is maintaining development continuity across government administrations. Business figures like Jorge Tovar are vocal advocates for this strategic pivot.
Puerto Barú Project Generates Massive Employment Interest
Among the planned ventures, the Puerto Barú port project stands out for its scale and immediate local impact. Planned for a 124-hectare site, this private Pacific port is envisioned as a western logistics platform. Project Manager Ismael González shared a telling statistic that underscores community expectations.
“We have received more than 20,000 job applications, which reflects both the need for work and the hope this project has awakened in the population,” González stated. [Translated from Spanish]
That figure far exceeds the estimated 1,200 direct and 500 indirect jobs the construction phase will create over two years. González explained these positions would be primarily for laborers and technicians before transitioning to permanent operational roles. The project’s announcement has clearly resonated in a region eager for new opportunities, a topic frequently covered by outlets like news outlets around Panama.
Gonzalez framed the port as a potential catalyst for broader regional development. He argued it could facilitate exports, attract complementary industries, and relieve congestion at other national logistics hubs. Chiriquí’s geographic position facing the Northern Hemisphere offers a natural advantage, he said. Modern infrastructure and efficient processes could make that advantage transformative.
Panama-Paso Canoas Train Seen as Long-Term Game Changer
While still in the feasibility study phase, the proposed Panama-Paso Canoas railway captured significant attention at the forum. The line would connect the capital to the border with Costa Rica. Businessman and lawyer Felipe Rodríguez, who has experience with a rail project in Canada, championed its strategic benefits.
“A train doesn’t just move people and merchandise; it organizes the territory, reduces costs, and creates new business opportunities along its route,” Rodríguez said. [Translated from Spanish]
He offered an optimistic timeline, suggesting the cornerstone for the project could be laid by the end of 2026. The railway is viewed as more than a transport link. It is seen as an instrument for territorial planning that could spur development along its entire corridor, connecting key areas like Paso Canoas. Such a project would complement other logistics investments, creating a multimodal network.
Rodríguez’s vision aligns with a growing consensus that improving connectivity within Panama is crucial for balanced growth. A functional railway could lower logistics costs for agricultural and manufactured goods from the west. It would also provide a competitive alternative to road transport, which is often hampered by congestion and maintenance issues on the Inter-American Highway. The potential of a Panama railway system is a recurring subject in national development debates.
Turning Vision into Tangible Economic Results
The collective sentiment from the Visión Chiriquí 2026 forum was one of cautious optimism. There is a recognized blueprint for growth centered on logistics and investment. Major projects are on the drawing board, and community interest is high, as evidenced by the overwhelming response to Puerto Barú’s job call. The real work, however, lies in execution.
Success depends on several factors. Private capital must follow through on commitments. Public institutions must provide streamlined processes and supportive policy. Crucially, different projects need to be integrated into a coherent regional strategy. A port, a railway, and improved local connectivity must function as parts of a single system to maximize their impact.
Forums such as this provide a platform for aligning these stakeholders. The challenge now is to convert the dialogue in David into steel, concrete, and sustainable jobs. If Chiriquí can navigate this transition, it could establish a new economic model for regions outside Panama’s metropolitan core. The province’s journey from agricultural heartland to a diversified logistics hub is officially underway.