Panamanian officials are coordinating with Germany on a new roadmap to increase exports to the European market. The strategy focuses on high-potential sectors like aquaculture, processed wood for shipbuilding, and artificial intelligence software development. The high-level meeting took place in Panama City this week as both nations seek to deepen trade ties.
The Panama Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) also confirmed German interest in Panamanian cacao, which is globally recognized for its quality. This sector has already attracted significant investment from Germany. The talks aim to translate this interest into concrete export growth and further investment.
German Delegation Reviews Panama’s Competitive Advantages
Acting MICI Minister Eduardo Arango led the meeting with senior German representatives. The delegation included Ursina Krumpholz, head of the Latin America Division at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. They reviewed Panama’s portfolio of competitive advantages, from its dollarized economy to its strategic geographic position and solid banking system.
“There is a growing German interest in the opportunities Panama offers,” the ministry stated in an official release. [Translated from Spanish] The government emphasized its commitment to providing information, support, and a reliable regulatory environment for investors.
Officials highlighted Panama’s special regimes, which are designed to attract foreign capital. These include highly competitive frameworks for multinational corporations and manufacturing. The German delegation received detailed briefings on these incentives.
Existing German Investment Paves the Way
German corporate presence in Panama is already established and expanding. Eight German companies currently operate under Panama’s Multinational Headquarters (SEM) regime, creating over 200 local jobs in technology, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals. Three more German firms are based in Panama’s Special Economic Zones.
This existing investment reflects strong investor confidence. Panama’s regimes have received international validation. They are widely recognized by bodies like the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as non-harmful and transparent. This credibility is a key selling point for new ventures.
Minister Arango’s team also presented the EMMA regime for manufacturing enterprises. They detailed the benefits of Panama’s Qualified Investor Permanent Residency Program. Germany currently ranks fourth among countries with the most applicants for this residency option.
A New Unified Investment Strategy on the Horizon
The meeting served as a preview for Panama’s forthcoming national strategy. Officials informed the German delegation that Panama will launch its new Country Investment Attraction Strategy in the coming weeks. This roadmap was developed following the integration of the export and investment promotion agency PROPANAMA into MICI.
The goal is a more unified and modernized proposal for global investors. The strategy will consolidate Panama’s offerings, focusing intently on investor needs. It represents a concerted effort to streamline processes and present a single, compelling national value proposition.
Next steps involve refining the export roadmap for targeted sectors like aquaculture and processed wood. Both parties agreed to maintain close communication to identify specific projects and address market access details. Panama’s push comes as global supply chains continue to evolve, creating openings for reliable trade partners.