The President of the Republic of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, held a business roundtable in Paris, France, with more than 24 recognized French multinational companies. The forum took place at the headquarters of the French Business Movement, with the participation of companies such as Airbus Defence & Space, Michelin, MND, Société Générale, NGE, CIM, Moet Hennessy, and Meteo France International, among others.
In the meeting, President Mulino highlighted several projects of interest, such as the Panama-David-Border train, the expansion plans of the Panama Canal, the San Miguelito cable car, and the potable water plan for the entire country. According to Mulino, these projects will generate investment opportunities for French companies.
Mulino also mentioned that the construction of the new mega port of Corozal at the entrance of the Canal would be relaunched and that the Panama Canal Authority is developing important works such as a gas pipeline, a port yard for the movement of Chinese cars, and the channeling of the Indio River to increase the capacity of the lakes that supply the operation of the Canal.
French businessmen showed interest in the special Panama Pacific area and the facilities offered by the Colon Free Zone. They expressed that Panama is a safe and advantageous country for investment and that several French companies are already operating in the country.
Additionally, Mulino met with the Foreign Relations Commission of the National Assembly of France to discuss international issues, including Panama's position on the European Union's tax list. The Panamanian president reiterated his disagreement with Panama's inclusion on that list and addressed environmental and security issues.
In the meeting, it was reported that MEDEF plans a new business tour in Panama for February 2025. Mulino presented the major ongoing projects in Panama, highlighting the Panama-David train, which will be extended to the border with Costa Rica to serve as a logistics platform for exports from that country.
Mulino was accompanied by Panamanian officials such as Chancellor Javier Martínez-Acha; the designated ambassador in France, Miguel Antonio Bernal; and the General Director of Revenues, Camilo Valdez. From France, the President of the Foreign Relations Commission of the National Assembly, Bruno Fuchs, and other deputies participated.
Among the highlighted projects is the possible concession of the Tocumen International Airport by the Panamanian government, as well as other infrastructure and development initiatives in the country.
