Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino announced a series of strategic infrastructure projects aimed at boosting and revitalizing the economy in the province of Chiriquí. Among the initiatives are the construction of the Port of Barú, the adaptation of the customs area in Paso Canoas, and the development of the Chiriquí-Panamá railway, a mega-project crucial for the country's logistics integration.
The head of state explained that these projects, along with road works, sanitation, public health, and other complementary investments, will create a new economic development hub in western Panama. Mulino emphasized that state entities are focused on training the residents of Puerto Armuelles so they can take advantage of the job and business opportunities that these projects will generate, which will bring benefits to the entire province and the country.
As a sign of international interest in the region, he mentioned the presence of top-tier Japanese investors with global projection interested in participating in the economic development of Chiriquí. Additionally, he announced that in April he will hold a bilateral meeting with the outgoing president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves, and his successor, Laura Fernández, to promote the development of the Paso Canoas border area, a strategic point for binational trade.
The head of state announced that by December, the Bilateral Customs Post, which had been abandoned, must be completed, thus strengthening the commercial integration between Panama and Costa Rica. He also announced that in March he will meet with executives from Royal Caribbean Cruises, interested in establishing a center in Barú for the repair and maintenance of vessels, which would generate foreign investment and direct jobs.
He also announced the rehabilitation of the Aeropuerto-Pedregal road to the Seafood Market in David, improving urban and commercial connectivity. Regarding the construction of the Chiriquí-Panamá railway, he explained that in May the feasibility report will be ready, a key document to determine the progress of this national transport mega-project.
