Looking ahead to general elections this year, the presidential candidates in Panama today received the Country Vision 2050 report, a compendium of long-term development projects prepared by the private sector.
As explained by the president of the National Council of Private Enterprise (Conep), Temístocles Rosas, the document covers the sectors of the economy with the potential to boost the growth of the Isthmus country.
The text also explores the potential of traditional sectors such as tourism, logistics, and agriculture, as well as other emerging ones such as the creative industry, which includes cinema, the development of new technologies, and video games, among others, which can generate new sources of employment.
Likewise, it addresses the importance of resolving the supply of drinking water for human consumption, as well as guaranteeing the operations of the Panama Canal, one of the main assets.
When speaking at that meeting, Rosas pointed out the limitations that slow down growth, such as the large state workforce, subsidies, salary increases due to special laws, the weight of the debt, and the possible loss of investment grade.
The businessman also recalled that the next administration must also face high unemployment, especially among the youngest, as well as improve the quality of education.
Conep reported that on February 28 it will hold a new meeting with the economic teams of each of the candidates to find out how they will address the challenges and opportunities posed in Vision País 2050.
Regarding these issues, the day before, at the beginning of his political campaign from the city of David, Chiriquí, former president Martín Torrijos (2004-2009), now the standard bearer of the Popular Party, indicated that one of his proposals is to improve care for pensioners and retirees.
He also stated that he would not hesitate to reduce drug prices because he does not represent large pharmaceutical companies.
Torrijos also referred to the importance of a complete renovation in the educational field, highlighting that it constitutes the best alternative to reform and develop the educational system.
On May 5, Panamanians will decide at the polls the new president and vice president of the country, 20 deputies to the Central American Parliament and 71 deputies to the National Assembly.
With the vote, they will also elect 81 mayors, 701 township representatives, and 11 councilors, all with their respective substitutes, for the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2029. (https://www.plenglish.com/news/2024/02/05/presidential-candidates-in-panama-receive-private-sector-projects/)
