What Happened
President José Raúl Mulino said Panama is seeing progress in tourism, the broader economy and the logistics sector during a ceremony at the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama, where Aurelio Barría Pino was sworn in as the organization’s new president for the 2026-2027 term.
Mulino pointed to annual tourism growth of 9%, economic growth of 4.4%, expanding logistics activity and job creation as signs that the country is moving in the right direction. He linked those results to cooperation between the public and private sectors, as well as to what he described as disciplined management of public resources.
The president was accompanied by first lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino at the event.
Investment, Works and Governance
In his remarks, Mulino argued that Panama’s progress depends on a culture of work, investment and clean government. He said his administration is trying to recover public works that were left unfinished and to avoid wasteful spending that leaves projects abandoned.
He also criticized delays and cost overruns in major infrastructure projects, including the tunnel and bridge works connected to movement across the country. Mulino framed the issue as a choice between prolonging disputes over stalled projects or pushing ahead so residents, especially in Panama Oeste, are not left trapped in traffic congestion.
Among the projects he highlighted were the Cuarto Puente, which he said advanced from 0% to 30% completion, the Panama Tunnel boring project reaching Balboa after passing under the Canal, and the rehabilitation of the Inter-American Highway in both the east and west of the country.
Logistics and Economic Activity
Mulino also praised the performance of the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal, saying they were handled responsibly and without improvisation. He said the decision to act carefully helped protect about 7,000 direct jobs while keeping both ports operating under international operators with Panamanian labor.
He said Panama should continue attracting major events, including CAF forums and EXPOCOMER, while reducing road blockades and disruptions that he says harm mobility and economic activity. He added that the country needs more innovation and better education policy to sustain growth.
Business Priorities Under the New CCIAP Leadership
Juan Arias, the outgoing chamber president, opened the ceremony before Barría was formally sworn in. Barría said his agenda will focus on four priorities: promoting a internships law for young people, helping entrepreneurs formalize their businesses, and strengthening Panama’s position as a destination for event tourism.
Barría also recognized recent government steps on fiscal policy, Social Security reforms and budget management. He identified mining, water security and education as major issues that will require public policy decisions aimed at benefiting the majority of Panamanians.
The remarks placed economic growth, logistics and public works at the center of a broader message about competitiveness, transparency and the need to modernize education so Panama can better support future development.