The creation of an Agroindustrial and Bioeconomic Center in the province of West Panama is one of the draft laws that will have to wait for the start of a new ordinary legislative session of the National Assembly for its discussion. The project, presented by Deputy Patzy Lee, was already 'sponsored' during the last 2025 legislative session. This draft law aims to turn the province of West Panama into a hub for agroindustry and bioeconomy to generate jobs, mainly in rural areas. Through sustainable bioeconomy models, it also seeks to reduce post-harvest losses and add value to local agricultural production. According to Deputy Lee, another of the objectives is to promote a circular economy in all agricultural production areas of the province, with a focus on biogas production, composting, and better management of organic waste. The draft law also seeks to create a single agroindustrial and commercial window, which will facilitate procedures for producers, entrepreneurs, and cooperatives. The Agroindustrial and Bioeconomic Center would be attached to the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA). An executive director together with a council would be in charge. An agroindustrial processing plant, a collection and cold storage center, an industrial composting facility, an agri-food innovation and quality laboratory, and an anaerobic biogas plant would be part of the center's facilities.
