What Happened
President José Raúl Mulino took part in the second day of the World Free Zones Congress, held in Panama for the first time, and used the platform to encourage free zone leaders to invest in the country. The event brought together regional and international figures linked to special economic zones, placing Panama at the center of a key business conversation.
Also present was Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, underscoring the regional importance of the gathering and the interest of governments in the role free zones play in trade, logistics, and investment.
Why Free Zones Matter
Free zones are designed to attract companies by offering a business environment that can support trade, storage, manufacturing, and services tied to international commerce. For Panama, a country with a strategic location and a long-established logistics sector, these zones are closely connected to efforts to expand economic activity and draw more foreign capital.
Panama’s role as a regional logistics hub has long been tied to the Panama Canal, ports, and the country’s broader trade infrastructure. Events like this congress provide a venue for officials and business leaders to promote Panama as a destination for companies seeking access to regional markets.
Panama’s Investment Pitch
By addressing free zone representatives directly, Mulino highlighted the government’s interest in strengthening Panama’s position as a platform for commerce and investment. The presence of international sector leaders in Panama also reflects the country’s effort to deepen ties with investors who operate in supply chains, warehousing, re-export activity, and related services.
Holding the congress in Panama for the first time adds symbolic weight to that message. It places the country in a visible position before a sector that often evaluates connectivity, legal certainty, and operating conditions when choosing where to expand.
Regional Significance
The participation of leaders from Panama and the Dominican Republic points to broader regional interest in free zone development as a tool for growth. In Central America and the Caribbean, these platforms can help countries compete for investment linked to trade and distribution across the Americas.
For Panama, the congress offers an opportunity to reinforce its commercial profile and present itself as a reliable base for companies looking to serve nearby markets. The government’s outreach to the sector aligns with that strategy and signals continued emphasis on investment promotion.