{"id":12773,"date":"2026-04-19T19:45:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T00:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/?p=12773"},"modified":"2026-04-17T19:04:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T00:04:39","slug":"panama-signs-oecd-pact-to-strengthen-investment-climate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/news\/panama-signs-oecd-pact-to-strengthen-investment-climate\/","title":{"rendered":"Panama Signs OECD Pact to Strengthen Investment Climate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Panama’s government signed a formal cooperation agreement with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris this week. The pact aims to align the nation’s policies with global standards and attract higher quality foreign investment.<\/p>\n

Foreign Minister Javier Mart\u00ednez-Acha V\u00e1squez and OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann formalized the Memorandum of Understanding<\/a>. Panamanian officials described the move as a strategic commitment to transparency and sustainable development rather than a symbolic gesture.<\/p>\n

\"OECD
By cflm (talk) – Derived from logo image on the OECD website., Public Domain, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=13248844<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Framework for Policy Improvement<\/h2>\n

The agreement establishes a structured framework for cooperation. Panama will now gain access to OECD data exchanges, comparative public policy assessments, and expert missions. Evidence-based recommendations will follow these evaluations.<\/p>\n

This mechanism allows Panama to participate more actively in forums where international standards are defined. The country’s investment climate<\/a> should become more competitive and predictable as a result. Authorities anticipate strengthened governance, innovation promotion, and human capital development.<\/p>\n

“This is not a symbolic act. It is a strategic decision. A declaration of intent. A commitment to transformation,” said Foreign Minister Javier Mart\u00ednez-Acha V\u00e1squez during the signing ceremony. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Minister Mart\u00ednez-Acha V\u00e1squez emphasized Panama’s active role in the partnership. The country approaches the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)<\/a> as a determined partner ready for alignment with high international benchmarks.<\/p>\n

\"javier
Javier Martinez-Acha Vazquez by mire gob pa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Strategic Positioning for Global Investment<\/h2>\n

Panama seeks to position itself as a reliable partner in the global economy. The agreement directly supports this goal by improving institutional frameworks. Officials believe it will help attract high-value projects in infrastructure, technology, and sustainability sectors.<\/p>\n

Foreign Minister javier mart<\/a>\u00ednez-Acha met with MEDEF International’s Philippe Gautier before the signing. Their discussion focused on consolidating Panama’s status as a destination for responsible foreign investment.<\/p>\n

“Panama arrives at the OECD not as a passive participant, but as a decided partner. A partner ready to align with the highest international standards. A partner willing to be measured, evaluated, and improved. A partner willing to contribute,” Mart\u00ednez-Acha V\u00e1squez stated. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The minister reiterated Panama’s clear choices during his remarks. He explicitly linked accountability to national strength, framing the agreement as a logical step in the country’s development trajectory.<\/p>\n

Implications for Economic Development<\/h2>\n

This cooperation framework represents a recognition of Panama’s recent efforts in financial integrity and governance. The nation’s logistical and commercial hub status in the region could be significantly enhanced.<\/p>\n

Aligning the educational system with the demands of the global economy forms another key objective. Authorities consider human capital elevation essential for long-term competitiveness. The OECD’s tools and peer reviews will provide external validation and guidance for domestic reforms.<\/p>\n

“Panama chooses transparency. Panama chooses predictability. Panama chooses the rule of law. Panama chooses to be responsible, because accountability builds strength,” the Foreign Minister concluded. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Panama’s engagement with the OECD signals a deliberate shift toward internationally recognized economic practices. The partnership’s success will depend on implementing the forthcoming recommendations and sustaining the reform momentum announced in Paris.<\/p>\n\n\n

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A post shared by Cancilleri\u0301a de Panama\u0301 (@cancilleriapma)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n