Speeking at the 67th Mercosur Summit of Heads of State, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino advocated for greater integration and highlighted the advantages of profiting from his country’ strength.
Molino said that Panama, under the status of Mercosur Associate State, can become a premier air hub for the the regional bloc, therefore added that there are 576 weekly flights connecting 42 cities, which also ease connections with the Caribbean, Central America, and North America.
He further emphasized the logistical strength of the Panama Canal and the rapidly growing ports, noting that it is common knowledge that two of the four largest terminals in Latin America are located in Panama, and that the nation is highly competitive in the logistics and transportation sector.
“We are a complement to all of you, so that your products can reach the most diverse markets, increasing the competitiveness of foreign trade for all Mercosur members,” he remarked.
He also referred to Panama’s trade agreements with Central America and the United States, which make it the ideal partner for adding value to the raw materials produced by these countries and entering new markets more competitively.
Mulino also invited dignitaries from Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina to participate in the CAF (Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean) Forum, to be held in Panama in January of next year, as a space for economic, financial, and regional development dialogue.
He also extended an invitation to the celebration in mid-2026 of the bicentennial of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama, evoking Simon Bolivar’s dream of an America united by dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect. (https://www.plenglish.com/news/2025/12/20/panama-advocates-for-greater-integration-at-mercosur-summit/)
