Panama’s President Mulino Signs Official Agreement in Brazil: Chiquita is Back!
This is a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes a framework for cooperation for the reorganization of the banana sector.
The administration of President José Raúl Mulino has finalized the rescue of banana production in Bocas del Toro, following the signing of an agreement that restarts operations of the Chiquita company. This is a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Government and Chiquita, signed this Friday in the city of Brasilia, which establishes a framework for cooperation for the reorganization of the banana sector. The negotiation, which resulted in the signing of this memorandum, was personally led by President Mulino and puts an end to months of uncertainty for the people of Bocas del Toro. The memorandum paves the way for nearly 3,000 jobs in the first phase of recovery, and 2,000 more in the second phase.
Chiquita is estimated to invest 30 million balboas to reactivate production on 5,000 hectares of banana land, followed by exports. The goal is to be operational by February 2026 at the latest. The document also establishes the creation of a technical committee composed of the State and the company to monitor the commitments and ensure their fulfillment. President Mulino expressed his satisfaction with the agreement reached, which will bring stability back to Bocas del Toro. “I will always work for investment, production, and job creation,” Mulino said in a message to the nation. “What happened is over; now we must focus on putting the country in order for the benefit of Panamanian families, in this case, particularly those of Bocas del Toro,” he noted.
For its part, Chiquita emphasized that its decision to restart operations is driven by the trust President Mulino inspires, combined with the country’s legal security and Panama’s valuable human resources. With the president as a witness, Ministers Julio Moltó (Commerce and Industry) and Roberto Linares (Agricultural Development) signed the document on behalf of the National Government, while Carlos López Flores, president of the company, did so, on behalf of the company. “This agreement marks a new stage in which we will restart operations in the country under a new operating model that is more sustainable, modern, and efficient, generating decent jobs and contributing to the economic and social development of the country and the province,” said López Flores.
