Panama is Now in a Good Position in the Eyes of the World: The World Economic Forum Left Money in the Streets
At the regional level, the Forum served to reposition Panama as a point where conversation and negotiation take place.
The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) said that the Latin America and Caribbean International Economic Forum 2026 had an impact felt in the daily economy and in the way Panama once again presented itself to other countries. For the Chamber, Panama’s selection as host country was the result of years of commitment, logistical capacity, and hard-earned trust. Seven presidents and heads of state attended, along with well-known figures from the region such as Juan Manuel Santos, Iván Duque, Laura Chinchilla, and Eduardo Frei, as well as ministers, business leaders, and representatives from international organizations from more than 25 countries.
The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) highlighted that nearly 9,000 visitors boosted activity in hotels, restaurants, transportation, and other services. People coming and going, real spending, and work for many who live day to day. That, they said, is a direct impact. The association also highlighted the presence of the National Government, headed by President José Raúl Mulino, with ministers and deputy ministers attending the Forum. The Chamber considered this support to demonstrate that the country is moving in the same direction. At the regional level, the Forum served to reposition Panama as a hub for dialogue and negotiation.
It was argued that the countries of the region need to improve coordination, prioritize actions, and collectively address the changes occurring globally. This is not just rhetoric, but a genuine necessity. One of the key moments the CCIAP described was the visit to its headquarters by Chile’s president-elect, José Antonio Kast, accompanied by six cabinet ministers. That meeting concluded with the signing of a Cooperation Agreement with the Confederation of Production and Commerce, focused on facilitating business and connecting companies from both countries. During the Forum, the Chamber hosted more than 15 international delegations, including ministers, deputy ministers, and business leaders.
“We were where we needed to be, opening doors and creating contacts,” the business association stated. The arrival of delegations from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, along with organizations such as the United Nations, OAS, OECD and ECLAC, and the presence of more than 30 multinational companies, made one thing clear: Panama is no longer just a transit point; it is also a meeting point. For the CCIAP, the challenge now is to convert visibility into investment, meetings into jobs, and agreements into real development. “It became clear that Panama, when organized, can deliver,” the organization concluded.
