Maritime and Agricultural Cooperation Agreements are Signed between Panama and Brazil
The South American country praised the Panamanian authorities’ handling of the interoceanic waterway and signed the Permanent Neutrality Treaty.
President José Raúl Mulino’s visit to Brazil to attract investment and discuss Panama’s integration into the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) appears to be yielding the expected results. In addition to showcasing the benefits the isthmus offers to the rest of the world, the South American country also signed the Canal’s Permanent Neutrality Treaty. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Da Silva praised the importance of the interoceanic waterway for global trade, highlighting the expertise of his Panamanian administration.
Da Silva mentioned that he is satisfied with the country’s handling and commitment to the Canal, especially with its peaceful conflict resolution. In addition to signing the Treaty, both nations signed two memoranda of understanding , the first between the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and the Brazilian Ministry of Ports and Airports, to promote the exchange of maritime and river information. According to authorities, this agreement also includes the possibility of exploring the use of new maritime transport routes and optimizing costs for Brazilian exports.
The second agreement, signed between the Ministry of Agricultural Development (Mida) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil, seeks to stimulate development in the areas of agricultural and livestock systems through training, seminars, forums, and other activities. During the summit, the two leaders also agreed to sell four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from the Brazilian company Embraer to the National Aeronaval Service. These aircraft will be used for coastal patrols against drug trafficking and organized crime.
Agreement with Chiquita
President José Raúl Mulino is expected to meet with executives of Chiquita Panama this Friday at approximately 8:00 a.m. to discuss his return to the country. During the recent Cabinet meeting, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Julio Moltó, was authorized to sign the necessary agreements on behalf of the government to ensure the resumption of banana operations in the province of Bocas del Toro. According to Moltó, Resolution No. 99-25 legally formalizes the negotiations with the company, which, following the “stubbornness” of a union had to cease operations, laying off more than 6,000 workers.
