But what I am clear about today is that we did not come to occupy a position, we came to assume a responsibility, which we assumed without hesitation and with the Panamanian shirt on. We had to get involved where it was necessary. But above all, with my family for the time we have given to Panama. I am leaving peacefully, with the Panamanian shirt on… Because in the end, there is something that does not change: the homeland always, always, comes first. Juan A. Arias S. President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture. That is why we will continue to be present, offering our point of view for an educational reform in favor of the future of Panamanians. Panama has it all: location, talent, and people who do not give up. Juan Arias. This week I write this column for the last time as president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama and I want to do it as I have been in these two years: direct, transparent, and upfront. It has been two intense periods. Because the country's problems are solved by being part of the solution. We also traveled through Panama. Because we know that Panama needs to move forward seriously, making decisions based on information, with a long-term vision, and always thinking about the well-being of the people. We went out to open doors with commercial missions to Brazil, Korea, and Japan, understanding that Panama has to play in the big leagues. Today we see positive signals, results of these missions, which reaffirm that when things are done right, the country wins. Inward, we also advanced. We met with colleagues from all the Chambers of Commerce in the country and heard firsthand what is happening in each region. We promoted spaces for dialogue, listened to all sectors —communities, experts, private enterprise, and authorities— and addressed these issues for what they are: complex decisions that impact the present and future of the country. That is Panama in action. And in every conversation we had in these two years —without exception— there was a common point: education. What we need is to continue doing the right thing, adding up and pushing in the same direction. Today I close grateful to the Board of Directors that accompanied me, to the membership that gave me its vote of confidence for two consecutive years, to my coworkers at the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama, you are the engine of this great institution. From Bocas del Toro to Darien, passing through Chiriquí, Central Provinces, and Colón. We did not stay in comfortable positions or in easy extremes. This Chamber grew, we added 480 new members and today we are more than 1,800 companies of all sizes and from 15 different sectors of the Panamanian economy that make up the most representative guild of the Panamanian private sector. We signed a dozen cooperation agreements with chambers of commerce from different parts of the world, as well as with national and international institutions, to promote the exchange of commerce, information, and knowledge in favor of the members of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama and of the country in general. Our fairs continue to demonstrate what we are capable of: the 2026 fairs represented more than 800 companies, more than 30 countries, more than 19 thousand business contacts, and more than 165 million dollars in opportunities. We denounced before the Public Ministry the economic aids of IFARHU because staying silent was not an option. We participated in important debates such as the one on the mine and on Río Indio with responsibility and openness. Today we have about 900 thousand students in the system, if we do not prepare them well, everything else falls short. We were at the table of the Social Security Fund and at the table of the Minimum Wage, not from the outside, not delegating; participating, listening, contributing, and building. Of challenging decisions, of complex moments, and of much learning. Everywhere we saw the same thing: a Panamanian who wants to work, move forward, and get ahead. We had to speak when it was necessary to do so.
