US diplomats discuss China regional investment risks

Possible risks that Panama may face with the strengthening of Chinese investment in the region, and the low participation of American companies in public contracting acts in Panama were among the topics discussed by heads of mission of three US embassies recalled to Washington last week.

In an exclusive interview with  La Prensa, published on Monday, September  17, Roxanne Cabral, who has headed the US  Embassy in Panama  since former Ambassador John Feeley’s resignation  over disagreements with President Trump’s policies,said ” there is growing concern due to the tendency  in the region to change from Taiwan to Beijing”.

At the Washingon meetings alongside Cabral were the US Ambassadors to the Dominican Republic and El Salvador.

“The meetings,” said Cabral, “were with high-level personnel in the State Department, Congress, the White House, the Department of Justice and the Treasury Department  and several topics  touched on the influence of the Chinese investment in the region.”

The concern it is based on the fact that, when there are countries that do not have structures or well-established democratic institutions or lack transparency,  situations can develop that impact sustainable economic growth, prosperity or security in

those countries, which could lead them to suffer implications that perhaps they did not foresee. For example, a debt greater than desirable or concessions not so beneficial.’”American concern about the growing Chinese investment in the region. In the case of

The United States  aspires to continue with the exchange of information and  We also seek to continue supporting the strengthening of democratic institutions, including civil society and governments and promoting transparency

Asked if there any concerns about the contracts awarded to Chinese companies Cabral said: “ Transparency is the key, and infrastructure contracts led by the governments of Panama, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic must be transparent. People should know the terms and conditions, the benefits, but they are sovereign decisions of the countries and it is up to them to achieve the conditions most favorable to their interests.”