The Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) stated that Panama is at a key moment at the start of the year, and the decisions that are made will be decisive in recovering economic stability and confidence, following the Report to the Nation presented by the President of the Republic.
In its analysis, the chamber pointed out that the country must focus on "getting its house in order, regaining credibility, and laying a solid foundation for the country to grow again with stability," in a context marked by fiscal and social challenges.
Regarding the Social Security Fund, the Chamber indicated that ensuring its sustainability "was essential to give peace of mind to today's workers and tomorrow's retirees," while also allowing "to avoid a bigger problem and open up space to focus on what's next: healthy finances, employment, and opportunities."
On fiscal matters, the chamber warned that Panama was coming from "a high level of debt, with interest rates absorbing resources that should have been earmarked for investment, and a deficit that limited the capacity of the State."
In this sense, it considered that reducing the deficit and improving the country's risk rating "sends a clear signal of responsibility."
The Chamber also referred to employment and backed the Internship Bill, stating that it "provides young people with real-world experience, brings them closer to the labor market, and improves their employability."
Moreover, he reiterated his support for entrepreneurs, whom he described as "the engine of employment, income, and local development."
In education, the union maintained that Panama needs to "modernize its educational system structurally" and warned that "without a modern education, there is no competitiveness, no quality jobs, and no equal opportunities."
Regarding the mining issue, the CCIAP pointed out that the country must address it with "seriousness and a cool head," valuing that it is being treated "with technical, environmental, and legal criteria, without improvisations."
