Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino met with executives from 22 major multinational corporations this week. The business leaders expressed strong interest in expanding operations and finalizing new investments in the Central American nation. The meeting occurred as Panama hosts a major regional economic forum, positioning the country as a hub for international business.
Executives from companies including Pfizer, Google, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, AES Corporation, Siemens, and Cisco Systems attended the gathering. These executives are members of the Americas Society Council of the Americas (AS/COA), a leading international business organization based in New York. The meeting was timed with the International Economic Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean 2026, organized by the CAF (Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean) and hosted in Panama City.
“The country has begun to walk a good path and with order. This gives stability to the country and social peace while advancing an international agenda of integration and openness to new markets, such as Mercosur,” Mulino stated. [Translated from Spanish]
President Mulino emphasized his administration’s work to establish a stable investment climate. He pointed to fiscal and financial order in public management as key achievements. The president also outlined a public investment plan exceeding $11 billion for this year, focused on road infrastructure, health, and basic needs like access to drinking water.
Building Confidence for Long-Term Growth
According to a presidential communique, Mulino shared his government’s vision and the steps taken to create efficiency and transparency. He framed these efforts as essential for “ordering the house.” This message appears tailored to reassure global investors seeking predictable regulatory environments. The executives, in turn, thanked the president for the dialogue and congratulated Panama on hosting the significant Economic forum.
The presence of such a wide array of industry giants signals a notable vote of confidence. It comes at a pivotal moment for Panama’s economy. The government is actively pitching the nation’s strategic location, logistical capabilities, and renewed political stability to attract capital. This outreach extends to exploring new trade partnerships, including with the Mercosur bloc in South America.
Panama’s role as a host for major international events is a core part of its strategy. Forums like the one organized by CAF bring decision-makers to the country, allowing for direct engagement. This recent meeting with AS/COA members exemplifies how Panama leverages these gatherings for concrete economic diplomacy. The country is also positioning itself as a leader in regional cooperation, as seen in its recent commitment to Latin America hurricane recovery efforts.
Specific investment details or dollar amounts from the corporate discussions were not immediately disclosed. The focus remained on broader expressions of intent and the positive climate. The next steps will involve follow-up meetings between government ministries and the individual companies to translate interest into signed agreements and groundbreakings.