The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) expressed its support for the possible inclusion of ethanol in Panama's fuel matrix, considering that the measure would have positive impacts on the agribusiness sector, job generation, and environmental protection. According to IICA's international biofuels specialist, Agustín Torroba, the incorporation of ethanol would especially benefit the sugarcane production chain, one of the sectors with the highest growth potential in the country. "In Panama, ethanol will have very positive effects on agribusiness, especially on sugarcane production. Based on the growth projections presented by the Government, we estimate the creation of 30,000 jobs, both direct and indirect," Torroba stated in an official communiqué.
Legislative Debate on Biofuels Torroba participated as a speaker at a forum held at the National Assembly of Panama, organized by the Commission on Trade and Economic Affairs, within the framework of the discussion of a legislative initiative on biofuels. The legislative proposal, in a first phase, contemplates a mandatory 10% blend of ethanol in fossil fuel gasoline, as part of a strategy to diversify the energy matrix and reduce polluting emissions.
International Experience and Environmental Benefits The IICA specialist highlighted that ethanol is a vegetable-based biofuel used on a massive scale worldwide. "More than 60 countries have already incorporated ethanol into their energy matrix, usually with 10% blends, like the one proposed in Panama. There is full certainty that it works properly in all engines and improves automobile combustion," he affirmed. According to IICA, the adoption of ethanol as an alternative fuel would contribute to a more sustainable energy transition, with both economic and environmental benefits for the country.
