The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) stated that the country can no longer postpone a comprehensive education reform. With the return to classes of 876,605 students on March 2 in 3,112 educational centers nationwide, the chamber emphasized that these 'nearly 900,000 stories and futures' depend on the quality of the education system, especially since most of the enrollment is concentrated in the public sector. 'It's not enough to just open the school doors; the goal is quality and relevance,' the business group stated. The organization called for the need for a flexible framework law that would allow updating curricula, strengthening scientific and technical education, and effectively incorporating technology, along with continuous teacher training. The chamber also insisted on closing the gap between education and employment, warning that while companies cannot find qualified talent, many young people face difficulties entering the labor market. CCIAP questioned whether students are being trained with the skills demanded by today's job market, marked by artificial intelligence and digital transformation. 'Education is not an expense, it is the most important strategic investment a nation can make,' the chamber pointed out.
