Following Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela and Chinese President Xi Jinping signing 19 bilateral agreements in November, Panama’s Foreign Minister last week presented three of the agreements – related to civil aviation, maritime transport, and embassy leasing – before the National Assembly for ratification. On 2 February, officials from both nations met at the Panamanian Foreign Ministry and discussed China’s proposal to build a high-speed rail line from Panama City to the western province of Chiriqui. The following week, Panama’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (CCIAP) and China’s Qingdao Chamber of Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen business ties and cooperation in logistics, construction and business services. The head of the CCIAP estimated that investment from Qingdao companies could exceed US$5bn. The same day that the Chambers of Commerce signed the MOU, the Panamanian Minister of Economy and Finance said his government would analyse issuing Chinese ‘panda bonds’ – a type of debt denominated in the Chinese currency sold by foreign entities to help finance budgets – if favourable conditions are met.

This is an extract from the Caribbean Council’s fortnightly editorially independent publication, Central America Briefing, which provides in depth information on current economic, political and commercial developments in Central America. Business people, academics, and those with a general interest in Central America find it an invaluable tool for developing and maintaining knowledge and providing an insight into political, economic and commercial events in the region.

The publication is available internationally on a subscription-only basis. SUBSCRIBE TO A FREE TRIAL