The former president of the Association of Restaurants and Related Businesses of Panama warned about the critical situation of the gastronomic sector in the country, reporting that sales have decreased by 40% due to a lack of customers and the economic and social uncertainty prevailing. According to him, the low influx of diners has affected the entire food chain, from restaurants to neighborhood shops, including hotels and franchises.
Amid this situation, the protests and strikes that have recently taken place have also contributed to worsening the situation, affecting mobility and the consumption environment. Businessman Domingo De Obaldía mentioned that, although there have not been serious problems with the supply of inputs, there have been logistical delays, especially from areas like Chiriquí.
Additionally, tourism has been impacted, with tourists preferring to go out more at night than during the day, which affects the opening hours of many restaurants. The general manager of Merca Panama announced the organization of a food fair for the upcoming Sunday with the aim of offering products at low prices and involving more than 20 private companies.
On the other hand, a call for reflection has been made to teachers and unions to return to the classrooms, considering the importance of maintaining stability and balance amid the economic crisis. The approval of the Social Security Fund Law was highlighted as a positive step, despite the criticisms towards it.
Finally, the representative of the restaurant guild mentioned the difficulties faced by businesses in the sector, with expansion projects halted and a negative impact on job creation. Emphasis was placed on the importance of not promoting political changes through chaos, and a call for unity to address the current instability was made.
