President José Raúl Mulino expressed his opinion on the Agricultural Development Bank (BDA), calling it a "million-dollar expense" that, according to him, has been subject to political exploitation over time, generating a negative impact on public finances. In this regard, the future of the BDA is being evaluated, as well as the possibility of transferring its loan portfolio to the National Bank of Panama, an institution that, in the president's words, has greater experience in handling agricultural loans.
During a recent agricultural cabinet meeting, which included specialists and representatives from the sector, this topic was debated and various opinions were assessed regarding the implications of such a decision. President Mulino highlighted the importance of the contributions received, particularly concerning medium and small producers.
In line with the policy of reducing the size of the State that his administration is undertaking, Mulino noted that the evaluation of the BDA's viability is part of these efforts. "The decision is to gradually reduce the size of the State," he concluded. An report with the evaluation of the BDA's portfolio is expected to be presented in the coming weeks, in order to determine the next steps and the possible role of the National Bank in the absorption of these loans.
