What Happened
The Panama Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture closed its fiscal year with a positive financial balance and annual income of $6,905,177, according to the preliminary report presented during the inauguration of its new president, Aurelio Barría Pino. The figure matches the approved budget and reflects a 10% increase from the 2024-2025 period.
Chamber treasurer Ashok Nandwani said the institution executed its budget through March 31, 2026 while maintaining the quality of services and benefits offered to its members. He described the results as evidence of growing confidence in both Panama’s business climate and the organization itself.
Where the Revenue Came From
The strongest source of income came from member dues and services, which accounted for 41% of total revenue. Expositions and trade fairs contributed 40%, while the Center for Conciliation and Arbitration represented 19%.
Nandwani said the Chamber recorded $6,537,264 in revenues during a year shaped by an active calendar of business events. Those included Expocomer, Expo Logística Panamá, Expo Turismo, Expo Eléctrica, the Congress of Entrepreneurship, and activities connected to the Conciliation and Arbitration Center.
Events, Innovation, and Business Priorities
Among the year’s standout initiatives was Expo Tech, a new fair created to help the business sector keep pace with technological change. The event quickly became one of the most notable additions to the Chamber’s fair calendar.
The Chamber also moved ahead with a strategic alliance coordinated with the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation, or Senacyt, aimed at strengthening national capabilities in data centers, cybersecurity, and semiconductors. Those areas have become increasingly important for competitiveness, investment, and digital transformation across Panama.
Broader Impact on Panama’s Business Agenda
The surplus generated by these activities reached $367,913, and the Chamber said those funds support its national and international work. Nandwani also pointed to investments and advocacy efforts during the period, including positions on Social Security reforms and the economic impact of mining in Panama.
Other initiatives highlighted during the fiscal year included a diploma program on agricultural waste developed with ITSE, a job fair, and reports produced by Panama Cuéntame, an observatory focused on quality-of-life indicators and data useful for public and private decision-making.
As the Chamber transitions to new leadership, Nandwani said it ends the period as a financially healthy institution. He thanked outgoing president Juan Arias for his support over the past two years and wished success to Barría Pino as he takes over the organization.