A new delegation of Panamanian legislators will travel to Taiwan next week to discuss trade and investment opportunities. Deputy José Pérez Barboni confirmed the trip to local media, stating the group will depart on January 31 and return on February 7.
The six-member delegation includes representatives from several major parties in the National Assembly of Panama. Their agenda, arranged by invitation from Taiwanese authorities, will focus heavily on commercial ties. Specific topics include potential collaboration in the semiconductor industry and establishing a formal Panama-Taiwan trade office or bilateral chamber of commerce.
Focus on Economic Ties Amid Diplomatic Context
This visit follows a similar parliamentary trip made last year. Pérez Barboni, a member of the Movimiento Otro Camino (MOCA) party, described the upcoming journey as a continuation of those economic dialogues. The delegation aims to build on previous discussions, seeking concrete avenues for partnership.
Panama formally switched its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 2017. Official government contacts are now reserved for China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory. Parliamentary visits, however, continue to occur, navigating the complex Political status of Taiwan. These trips allow for non-diplomatic, people-to-people and commercial exchanges.
“It will be a tour similar to the one the group of deputies made last year,” Pérez Barboni said. [Translated from Spanish]
The deputy, who represents the 8-3 circuit in Panama City, provided the travel details. He emphasized the strictly commercial nature of the planned meetings. The goal is to explore sectors where Panamanian and Taiwanese economic interests can align without conflicting with the nation’s official foreign policy.
This legislative initiative comes as the MOCA bloc has recently questioned other government spending, including scrutiny of a major military aircraft purchase. The Taiwan delegation showcases a separate focus on proactive economic diplomacy.
Next week’s itinerary will likely include meetings with Taiwanese business leaders and legislators. The Panamanian deputies hope to return with clearer strategies for attracting investment and technology transfer. Their work underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing economic opportunities with established diplomatic frameworks.