Expocomer Generates over $200 Million and Kicks Off with 600 Companies

The country’s largest trade fair is back in action. This Tuesday, the Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Orillac, representing President José Raúl Mulino, inaugurated the 42nd edition of Expocomer, an event that brings together businesspeople from around the world under one roof.  For three days, the Panama Convention Center will be the meeting point for 600 exhibiting companies , delegations from 30 countries and some 15 international trade missions, who came to the country with the aim of doing business and opening markets. 

The inauguration was also attended by government ministers and deputy ministers.  The officials toured the pavilions hosting five simultaneous trade shows: Expocomer, Expo Logística Panamá, Expo Turismo Internacional, Expo Eléctrica Internacional Panamá, and Expo Tech, all organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP).  During the ceremony, a message from President Mulino was projected. He was in Chile attending the inauguration of that country’s new president.  

From there, the president emphasized that Panama maintains a solid banking system and an economy growing at over 4% annually, conditions which, he said, continue to attract foreign investment.  The president also emphasized that investment drives the economy because it creates opportunities and boosts consumer spending. In his view, this economic cycle must continue unimpeded, without obstacles that hinder development.  Mulino took the opportunity to invite international businesspeople to look to Panama as a platform for doing business, highlighting its maritime and logistics complex, considered one of the most efficient on the continent. 

For his part, Minister Orillac noted that holding several fairs simultaneously demonstrates the intention to strengthen key sectors of the economy, promote investment, and open up more opportunities for participating companies.  The exhibitions organized by the CCIAP are no small matter. According to data from the trade association, these fairs generate more than $200 million in commercial transactions, in addition to an economic impact of nearly $45 million and hotel occupancy exceeding 10,000 rooms during the event.

President José Raúl Mulino, in a video message, highlighted that Panama maintains a solid banking system and an economy that grows above 4% annually.