Panama’s Ministry of Public Works has committed over $1.22 billion to 37 national road projects. Minister Iván De Ycaza announced the massive infrastructure plan this week at the Expo Máquina 2026 opening in Panama City.
The investment is projected to create approximately 10,000 direct jobs and more than 30,000 indirect positions. Officials framed the move as a direct stimulus for the national economy during the industry trade fair.
Minister De Ycaza provided a detailed update on the portfolio of projects. He specifically highlighted progress on the country’s most significant infrastructure undertaking.
“The Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal, the flagship project of the MOP, is a work that is registered with 30.6 percent progress and has 25 active work fronts,” said Iván De Ycaza, Acting Minister of Public Works. [Translated from Spanish] He confirmed the expected completion date remains October 2028.
This update signals steady advancement for the critical crossing. The bridge aims to alleviate severe congestion around the canal’s existing Atlantic access.
Public Private Partnerships Drive Key Highway Projects
Alongside the general road fund, the Ministry of Public Works (Panama) reported major strides in two key Public–private partnership initiatives. These contracts involve private financing for long-term rehabilitation and maintenance.
The first contract covers the Las Garzas–Yaviza section of the Eastern Pan-American Highway. Its total investment reaches $283 million and should generate 1,500 direct jobs.
A second partnership will tackle 192 kilometers of the Western Pan-American Highway from Loma Campana to Santiago. That project carries a $312.3 million price tag and will directly benefit over 282,000 people according to ministry estimates.
Commerce and Industries Minister Julio Moltó connected these infrastructure pushes to broader economic goals. He argued the projects will strengthen the national machinery, equipment, and technical services sector.
Industry Event Serves as Economic Catalyst
The investment announcement was strategically made at Expo Máquina 2026. The event is organized by the Association of Machinery Distributors (Adimaq) and runs through January 31 at the panama convention center.
Industry fairs like this one facilitate commercial alliances across construction, mining, agriculture, and logistics. The convention center has become a hub for deals that officials believe will spur national development.
Panama continues to leverage its geographic position with major infrastructure upgrades. The combined investment in roads and the Panama Canal cuarto puente project underscores a focused strategy. The goal is enhancing both domestic connectivity and international trade routes simultaneously.
With thousands of jobs on the line and billions in capital deployment, these projects now enter a crucial phase. Their success could define Panama’s economic landscape for the next decade.