What Happened
Panama is turning its attention to Venezuela as a possible destination for investment, with a public conversation focused on the country’s economic prospects, risks, and strategic opportunities. The forum, titled “Venezuela: retos, oportunidades y perspectivas de inversión,” is being organized by La Prensa with AV Securities and Hamilton Reserve Latam.
The discussion reflects a broader regional reassessment of markets that were once viewed primarily through the lens of volatility, but now are drawing renewed interest from investors looking for new opportunities in Latin America.
Who Is Taking Part
The panel brings together professionals with experience in finance, energy, and wealth management. Eduardo Fortuny, director of Fortuny y Asociados and former vice president of BNH Casa de Bolsa, is participating as a specialist in high-yield portfolio management. Oswaldo Felizzola, coordinator of the International Center for Energy and Environment at IESA, is contributing an energy and sustainability perspective, especially on transition and decarbonization. Antonino Ciulla, managing director and partner at AV Securities Inc., adds more than 20 years of experience in asset management and investment strategy in Latin America.
The Investment Debate
The conversation is centered on the idea of a “dual economic ecosystem.” On one side is the possibility of renewed GDP growth and greater openness to foreign investment. On the other is a set of structural challenges that continue to shape investor confidence, including legal certainty, infrastructure, and regulatory clarity.
Those issues matter for any market seeking long-term capital. Investors tend to look not only at returns, but also at the rules that govern business operations, the reliability of logistics, and whether policies support stable planning over time. In that sense, Venezuela’s investment outlook is being examined through both opportunity and caution.
Why It Matters for Panama
Panama has long served as a regional hub for trade, finance, and business services, making it a natural place for conversations about Latin American capital flows. A discussion on Venezuela’s outlook also highlights how Panamanian business circles are tracking shifts in neighboring economies and the sectors that may attract cross-border capital, especially energy.
As regional investors search for markets with growth potential, Panama continues to position itself as a meeting point for financial analysis and strategic decision-making. The forum underscores how economic developments in one country can influence investment thinking across Central America and the wider region.