The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, reiterated that the Panamanian government maintains its decision not to allow European companies to participate in tenders in Panama, amid tensions generated by measures adopted against the country from Europe. During his press conference, the head of state addressed questions related to the prequalification processes for new terminals linked to the Panama Canal and the possibility of the same company participating in several concessions. Mulino explained that although the Canal is an autonomous entity with its own board of directors and administration, he expects that institution to act in line with the position of the national government regarding European companies. "I cannot interfere in the Canal and I respect its autonomy," expressed the president, although he made it clear that the Executive's position on this matter has already been set.
Canal Autonomy The head of state emphasized that decisions related to tenders or concession processes within the Canal correspond to its administration and its board of directors, so the Executive cannot directly intervene in those determinations. However, he expressed his expectation that the Panama Canal, as a key institution of the country, will take into account the context and decisions adopted by the Panamanian government.
Tensions with Europe Mulino also referred to the consequences that the decisions adopted by some European countries against Panama have had, indicating that it is not positive for commercial relations or for international cooperation. The president revealed that recently a major European shipping company informed him that its parent company will manage actions before the French government to try to have Panama removed from lists or sanctions that affect the country.
