Panama is launching a targeted export strategy to diversify and energize its commercial exchange with Jamaica, focusing on processed chicken, eggs, and furniture-grade wood. The initiative was announced by Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industries following a high-level bilateral meeting between the two nations’ trade officials in Geneva, Switzerland.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the XVI UNCTAD Ministerial Conference, featured Panama’s Minister of Commerce and Industries, Julio Moltó, and Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson-Smith. Discussions centered on attracting investment and opening new avenues for commercial cooperation, building upon an existing trade relationship that currently includes Portland cement, beef, construction materials, packaging, and vinegars.
“Products like processed chicken, eggs, and wood for furniture are part of an export strategy from Panama aimed at diversifying and energizing commercial exchange with Jamaica,” stated the Ministry of Commerce and Industries [Translated from Spanish].
Jamaican authorities formally acknowledged Panama’s leadership in logistics and maritime affairs during the talks. Both ministers agreed on the necessity of pushing for technical cooperation to strengthen customs systems and facilitate smoother regional trade. This collaborative approach is seen as a key step in reducing barriers and enhancing the efficiency of goods movement between the Caribbean and Central America.
Strategic Commercial Mission Planned for 2026
As a concrete step to deepen economic ties, the two governments evaluated the organization of a Panamanian commercial mission to Jamaica in 2026. This mission is designed to significantly expand the presence of Panamanian companies within the Caribbean market, providing a direct platform for business engagement and partnership formation.
The planned mission underscores a long-term commitment to trade development beyond simple goods exchange. It represents a strategic effort to embed Panamanian business interests within the Jamaican economy, fostering lasting commercial relationships.
“We are focused on attracting investments and opening new opportunities for commercial cooperation,” said a representative from the Panamanian delegation, summarizing the meeting’s core objective [Translated from Spanish].
Panama Canal’s Neutrality Central to Trade Diplomacy
Minister Julio Moltó leveraged the diplomatic setting to highlight the strategic value of the Panama Canal. He emphasized the waterway’s neutrality and its role as a guarantor of free and secure transit for global commerce. This reaffirmation of the Canal’s operational principles serves to bolster international confidence in Panama as a stable and reliable strategic partner for trade.
This emphasis on the Canal is integral to Panama’s broader trade policy, positioning the nation not just as an exporter of goods, but as a pivotal hub in the global supply chain. The reliable operation of the Panama Canal is a cornerstone of its international economic agreements and a key point of attraction for trading partners like Jamaica.
“Minister Moltó highlighted the neutrality of the Panama Canal and its role as a guarantor of free and secure transit for world commerce, reaffirming international confidence in the country as a strategic partner,” the official release confirmed [Translated from Spanish].
The new trade partnership between Panama and Jamaica signals a deliberate shift towards more diversified and value-added exports. By moving beyond traditional raw materials to include processed foods and manufactured wood products, Panama aims to capture a greater share of the Caribbean market and build a more resilient economic relationship with Jamaica for the future.