The Panama Canal and Local Infrastructure Projects have Caught the Attention of France.

French Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier will visit Panama this Monday, September 14, with an agenda focused on exploring the opportunities offered by the Panama Canal for French companies and strengthening bilateral cooperation on infrastructure projects.  The visit is part of an official agenda that will include meetings with Panamanian authorities linked to the Canal, economy, trade, transport and security, the French Foreign Ministry reported on Friday. 

The Panama Canal is One of the Main Points on the France Agenda.

During his stay in Panama, Forissier will pay special attention to the Panama Canal, considered by France as a strategic infrastructure for world trade.  The French minister will meet with José Ramón Icaza Clément, Minister for Canal Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Panama Canal Authority, to discuss the development prospects of the interoceanic waterway and the opportunities it may represent for French companies.  According to the French government, these meetings will allow for firsthand knowledge of the Canal’s development plans and the exploration of areas for cooperation and business participation.

France Seeks Opportunities in Infrastructure.

In addition to the Canal, France intends to position its companies in the main infrastructure projects that are being developed or are planned in Panama.  The agenda includes potential areas of cooperation in sectors such as water and sanitation as pictured above, urban and rail transport, security and strategic infrastructure, fields in which France seeks to leverage the expertise of its companies.  The visit comes as Panama advances in various infrastructure and transportation projects, opening up opportunities for foreign companies interested in participating in future tenders.

Meetings with Panamanian Authorities.

Forissier pictured below will also hold meetings with Panama’s Foreign Minister, Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez pictured above, and with the Minister of Economy and Finance, Felipe Chapman, as well as other government officials.  The agenda seeks to strengthen economic ties between both countries and expand opportunities for business cooperation.

Interest in the Panama Metro.

Rail transport will be another of the relevant topics during the French official’s visit.  Forissier will meet with Alberto Noriega, deputy director general of the Panama Metro, as the country prepares for the tender to expand its rail transport system.  This project represents one of the areas of interest for French companies specializing in infrastructure and urban transport.

Security Will Also Be On The Agenda.

The French minister will also meet with Panama’s Minister of Public Security, Frank Ábrego pictured above, along with representatives of companies in the sector.  With this agenda, France seeks to expand its business presence in Panama and explore new opportunities for cooperation in areas considered strategic for the country’s development.  Forissier’s visit highlights French interest in the Panama Canal and in infrastructure projects that could open new investment and participation opportunities for companies from that country.