To Boost Employment and Investment, CCIAP Calls for a Shift from Pessimism to Solutions
“Seeing the glass half full doesn’t mean ignoring the problems. It means acknowledging them and working on solutions,” the CCIAP points out.
The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) stated that indicators on consumer confidence and perceptions of the country’s future should be analyzed responsibly, but warned that negative results do not determine Panama’s course, but rather represent an opportunity to identify priorities and move forward with solutions. In a new edition of Cámara Opina, signed by its president, Aurelio Barría Pino, the organization stated that “a negative figure does not define our destiny. It should help us identify priorities, correct course, and move forward.”
The business organization pointed out that maintaining an optimistic outlook does not imply ignoring the challenges facing the country. “Seeing the glass half full doesn’t mean ignoring the problems. It means acknowledging them and working on solutions. Trust is strengthened when words translate into jobs, investment, education, clear rules, and results,” the association emphasized. He also called on institutions, businesses, workers, academia, and citizens to contribute from their respective spheres to promote national development.
Boosting Entrepreneurship and Youth Employment
As part of the private sector initiatives, the CCIAP reported that the Bootcamp of the IV Entrepreneurship Congress, scheduled for August 5, will offer training to those seeking to transform an idea into a business through tools such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, formalization and networking. The association asserted that “a good idea can become a business, innovation, and employment.” He also announced an alliance with Pupil Hubs to promote internship opportunities in accordance with the new Internship Law, allowing companies to post vacancies and young people to identify options that match their skills and interests.
By September, the organization will support a Ministry of Education workshop on starting working life aimed at graduating students and will promote the High School Mentor program among its members to bring young people closer to the skills demanded by the labor market. In that regard, he reiterated that “talent needs guidance, experience, and a first opportunity.”
Panama Seeks to Consolidate Itself as a Business Hub
The CCIAP highlighted that the trade shows planned for April 2027 and World of Coffee Panama in October represent opportunities to boost the economy by attracting buyers, investors, and visitors. According to the trade association, these events strengthen sectors such as hotels, transportation, restaurants, logistics, technology and services, in addition to consolidating the country as a regional center for exhibitions and events. The organization also highlighted its participation, together with the National Government, in trade missions carried out in Greece and Morocco, aimed at identifying foreign investment opportunities and expanding Panama’s trade ties.
In addition, he reported that he received business delegations from Miami and the United Arab Emirates to promote connections between entrepreneurs and explore new investment and business opportunities. In mid-August, the Chamber will participate as a guest country in a business meeting in Bucaramanga, Colombia, with the aim of promoting Panama’s competitive advantages and its exportable goods and services. The business association emphasized that “every fair, trade mission and business delegation should translate into contacts, alliances, investment and employment.”
The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) announced the renewal of its Board of Directors, at a time it described as decisive for the country, with an agenda focused on employment, investment and institutional strengthening.
Call to Assume Responsibilities
In the document, the CCIAP also referred to the announcements made on July 1, noting that they establish priorities regarding employment, health, the basic food basket, and water; consequently, the organization deems it necessary to move forward with coordination, follow-up, and results. The association maintained that it is the National Government’s role to create conditions for development; the private sector’s role to invest, innovate, and generate employment ethically; academia’s role to train the talent the country requires; and citizens’ role to participate and fulfill their responsibilities. Finally, Aurelio Barría Pino stated, “Working as a team requires dialogue, coordination, and a focus on results. It is not about pointing fingers at others, but about assuming one’s own responsibilities,” and concluded with the message: “From diagnosis to action. From action to results.”
