Panama is traveling to Brazil to participate in the LXVII Summit of Mercosur. President José Raúl Mulino will travel to Foz do Iguaçu to formally present the law ratifying the Economic Complementation Agreement (ACE-76). This is a key step to strengthen Panama's status as an associated member of the bloc. The Executive emphasized that the timely deposit of the ACE with Mercosur is a state economic decision aimed at strengthening the economy, expanding markets, attracting quality investment, and reinforcing Panama's political and democratic positioning in the region. Mulino is accompanied by Minister of Economy and Finance Felipe Chapman, Minister of Commerce and Industries Julio Moltó, Minister of Foreign Affairs Javier Martínez-Acha, and Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade Eduardo Arango. At the summit, Panama will have its second intervention as an associated country and will formally present to the heads of state the law that ratifies the Economic Complementation Agreement (ACE-76), a fundamental step to consolidate its link with Mercosur. With the ratification of this law, President Mulino fulfills one of the essential requirements to strengthen Panama's status as an associated member of the bloc, which is made up of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, opening the door to new commercial and investment opportunities. As a prelude to the summit, Panama participated in the Common Market Negotiating Group, where it was given the floor to present its vision on the implementation of ACE-76, approved in October 2025. Panama is represented by Minister of Commerce and Industries Julio Moltó and Chancellor Javier Martínez-Acha, who are reviewing the semester's advances and the bloc's action plans. Panama seeks a gradual integration, without putting at risk the national productive sectors. This agreement allows for a flexible and progressive integration, positioning Panama as a strategic logistics platform, with air, maritime, and port connectivity that links with 65 preferred commercial partners worldwide. This Friday, the General Council of Mercosur is also being held, with the presence of chancellors and ministers of the full and associated member states.
