---
title: "Panama City pushes new cooperation ties with Bolivian lawmakers and BID-LAB"
date: 2026-04-13
author: ""
url: https://panamadaily.news/panama-city-international-cooperation-bolivia-bid-lab/
categories:
  - "News"
  - "Politics"
tags:
  - "BID-LAB"
  - "Bolivia lawmakers"
  - "international cooperation"
  - "municipal modernization"
  - "Panama City"
  - "urban governance"
---

# Panama City pushes new cooperation ties with Bolivian lawmakers and BID-LAB

## What Happened

Panama City strengthened its international cooperation agenda with two meetings held by its Office of International Cooperation, opening the door to new exchanges on urban management and innovation. The discussions brought together municipal officials, visiting lawmakers from Bolivia, and representatives linked to BID-LAB.

In the main meeting, Sebastian Otway, director of the Office of International Cooperation, received a delegation from Bolivia’s legislative branch made up of deputies Sergio Bastian Giesse Rougcher, Nathaly Solares Tuesta, and Edson Choque. The exchange focused on governance, institutional modernization, and the municipal initiatives promoted by Mayor Mayer Mizrachi’s administration.

## Focus on Urban Governance

During the meeting, both sides shared experiences tied to making city government more efficient, inclusive, and connected. The Bolivian lawmakers highlighted the progress of Panama City’s administration and welcomed the city’s willingness to exchange good practices with other governments.

The conversation reflects a broader trend among Latin American cities and legislatures seeking practical solutions to common urban challenges, including public service delivery, administration, and coordination between institutions. For Panama City, that kind of cooperation can help strengthen its profile as a regional municipal reference point.

## Innovation and Technology Cooperation

In a separate meeting, the Office of International Cooperation met with Nicole Orillac of BID-LAB to explore opportunities linked to innovation and technology projects for urban management. The discussion centered on possible collaboration for initiatives that could support the city’s modernization efforts.

BID-LAB, the innovation and venture laboratory associated with the Inter-American Development Bank, often works on solutions that connect technology, entrepreneurship, and public-sector development. For Panama City, that makes the partnership especially relevant as it seeks tools that can improve municipal services and strengthen connectivity across the capital.

## Why It Matters

These meetings show Panama City’s effort to position itself as a city open to international collaboration and policy exchange. By building ties with foreign legislators and multilateral innovation partners, the municipality is signaling interest in practical solutions that can be adapted to local needs.

The city’s international outreach also supports its broader image as a capital seeking modernization through dialogue, cooperation, and shared expertise. For residents, that approach could translate into more efficient services and new ideas for how the city manages growth and public administration.