The American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panama (AMCHAM) organized for the first time, a Trade Mission to to Tampa Bay. The purpose of this Trade Mission was to present business opportunities between Tampa Bay, whose port is the largest of Florida and the Panamanian business sector. The mission took place from May 6 to 9 this year.
On this occasion, AMCHAM joined key government representatives such as Panama's Minister of Tourism, the Director of Investment Promotion of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the Administrator of the Panama Pacific Agency, and about 30 Panamanian businessmen in logistics industries, tourism and Research and Development (R&D).
"The mission to Tampa offered a high level exchange between government leaders and entrepreneurs from Panama City and Tampa Bay. This initiative promoted Panama as a country brand and business destination through meetings and business appointments arranged in advance by AmCham and the various chambers of commerce in Tampa Bay" said Robert St. John, President of The American Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Panama.
Tampa Bay is considered a hub within the state of Florida. It features the state's largest port and an international airport, making it an ideal site for international business.
Tampa Bay is considered a hub within the state of Florida. It features the state's largest port and an international airport, making it an ideal site for international business.
Foreign trade has become increasingly important in the economic development of Panama, and AmCham is committed to work with its regional partners to increase export activity between the two countries.
"This was be the first of three trade missions we have prepared for 2015. AmCham seeks to provide added value to the country using to our allies in the different American chambers of commerce to promote and strengthen trade and economic development under the highest standards-related topics either in trade, foreign investment, education, leadership, government relations and corporate social responsibility” added St. John.
During the visit two Memorandums of Understanding were signed to strenghten commercial relationships:
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The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and The American Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Panama (AmCham)
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Port Tampa Bay and COEMPROZONAS (Asociación de Zonas Francas de Panamá)
During the mission the hosts offered guided visits to the Port of Tampa, University of South Florida, technology parks, innovation & research centers such as CAMLS, and chambers of commerce in the Tampa Bay area such as The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Bay Trade & Protocol Council, Tampa Hillsborugh, among others. A “Doing Business with Panama” lunch took place during the International Town Hall 2015 celebrated in Pinellas County with a participation of more than 100 entrepreneurs in the Tampa Bay area.