Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino secured significant investment interest from three corporate giants during meetings at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. Executives from Citi, Maersk, and AES Corporation each expressed concrete plans to expand their financial, maritime, and energy operations in the Central American nation. The discussions, held on Tuesday, January 20, focused on funding for Panama’s largest infrastructure projects.
The presidential delegation presented a portfolio of strategic national initiatives. These projects included the Panama-David train, an electrical interconnection with Colombia, and new Panama Canal investments like the Rio Indio reservoir. Two new mega-port terminals and a gas pipeline were also on the agenda for potential financing and development partnerships.
Financial Giants Eye Infrastructure Funding
In the meeting with U.S. banking leader Citi, President Mulino directly sought financing avenues for the country’s megaprojects. He was accompanied by First Lady Maricel de Mulino and key cabinet ministers. Citi’s Vice Chairman of Banking and Public Sector, Jay Collins, and Head of Corporate Banking, Jason Rekate, attended the session.
“The executives expressed interest in strengthening the historical relationship with Panama through new financing programs for projects.” [Translated from Spanish]
The Citi team provided the Panamanian delegation with a global economic forecast. Their analysis covered interest rates for the debt market and the impact of new geopolitical realities on Latin America. This financial context is crucial for structuring future investment agreements.
Panama’s broader economic strategy includes positioning itself as a regional hub. The government recently outlined these ambitions during a major country strategy meeting planned for later this year.
Global Shipping Leader Reaffirms Strategic Commitment
A separate meeting with Danish shipping conglomerate Maersk underscored Panama’s pivotal role in global logistics. As the world’s second-largest container shipping company and a major user of Panamanian ports, Maersk discussed “topics of mutual interest” linked to the Canal Authority’s new port projects.
The company reaffirmed Panama’s strategic importance within its worldwide network. Maersk already operates in the country under the Multinational Company Headquarters (SEM) regime. President Mulino confirmed the firm’s participation as a co-chair for an upcoming World Economic Forum strategy event scheduled in Panama for October 21 and 22.
This commitment signals continued long-term partnership. It directly supports Panama’s goal of enhancing its maritime and logistics services for global trade routes.
Energy Sector Expansion Gains Momentum
The third high-level discussion involved AES Corporation President Andres Gluski. The Fortune 500 energy multinational detailed progress on expanding its gas-based power generation plant in Panama. Gluski also expressed the company’s interest in investing in the Bayano lake project, indicating a potential broadening of its local portfolio.
“He also expressed the company’s interest in investing in the Bayano lake project.” [Translated from Spanish]
These talks point to a significant ramp-up in Panama’s energy infrastructure. AES’s continued investment would support national growth and stability. The presence of ministers for economy, foreign relations, canal affairs, and commerce highlighted the meeting’s importance for cross-sector development.
Panama’s cabinet members played active roles throughout the Davos engagements. Foreign Minister Javier Martinez Acha, Economy Minister Felipe Chapman, Canal Affairs Minister Jose Ramon Icaza, and Commerce Minister Julio Molto all participated. They were joined by Kristelle Getzler, Secretary of Economic and Competitiveness Affairs for the Presidency.
The collective interest from these three corporate sectors marks a strong vote of confidence in Panama’s economic direction. It suggests international investors are aligning with the government’s vision for large-scale, transformative infrastructure. Securing financing and partnerships for projects like the Panama-David train now appears more likely.
These developments could accelerate Panama’s post-pandemic recovery. They also strengthen its position as a central player in regional trade, energy, and finance. The government’s next step involves converting this expressed interest into signed contracts and shovels in the ground.