What Happened
Specialist Federico Marengo said Panama must train its human talent to close the country’s labor gap, noting the nation’s growing platform of services. The comments were reported by TVN on March 20, 2026.
Background
Marengo highlighted Panama’s expanding services platform as a core strength for the economy. While the country broadens service offerings, he warned that without stronger investment in workforce skills, employers may struggle to fill open positions or keep up with higher-value opportunities.
Why Training Matters
Closing a labor gap typically requires aligning education and training with employer demand. Marengo’s observation points to a need for initiatives that develop technical, digital and professional skills so Panamanian workers can access jobs created by an expanding services sector.
What This Means
For policymakers and business leaders, Marengo’s assessment underlines the potential economic payoff from focused workforce development. Strengthening training pathways could improve job placement, boost productivity and help Panama capitalize on growth in services without importing large numbers of foreign specialists.
Next Steps
Marengo’s comments add to ongoing public discussion about workforce readiness in Panama. The specialist’s emphasis on human talent suggests stakeholders may consider expanded training programs, partnerships between education providers and employers, and targeted upskilling to meet evolving labor market needs.