Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) sustain the country's productive structure, but they continue to operate with limitations that hinder their growth and reduce their capacity to generate employment. The president of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the Republic of Panama (FEDECAMARAS), Alicia Jiménez, emphasized that this sector represents 96% of the business fabric and over 60% of national employment, figures that reflect its strategic importance. “Without MSMEs, there is no consumption, and without consumption, there is no economy that moves forward,” she stated.
One of the main obstacles is the limited access to financing. “And when money does not move, the economy cools down,” she said. From FEDECAMARAS, the urgency of developing non-traditional financial products is raised, taking as a reference successful experiences in regional countries such as Peru, Brazil, and Colombia. The key, according to the guild, is to adapt the financial system to the real needs of the sector, facilitating access to credit and promoting formalization.
The leader also emphasized the importance of entrepreneurs themselves taking the step towards formalization, which would allow them to access greater opportunities within the system. This process, however, requires clear incentives and conditions that make it viable. The strengthening of MSMEs appears as a key piece in any economic reactivation strategy. While large macroeconomic figures project stability, the base of the productive system continues to face challenges that require urgent attention. “If the microeconomy is not strengthened, the recovery will be incomplete,” she concluded.
Traditional banks maintain schemes that, according to the sector, do not adjust to the reality of these businesses. This prevents thousands of entrepreneurs from capitalizing, growing, or even sustaining their operations in difficult times. “It is not just about lending money, but about understanding the dynamics of the small business owner and designing solutions according to their reality,” explained Jiménez.
The lack of financial support is not a recent problem. “This is where the country's pulse is truly defined,” Jiménez concluded.
