<h6><strong>The Diplomat</strong></h6> <h4><strong>Panama has offered itself in Madrid to Spanish companies as a logistics, digital, and financial hub for Latin America and a gateway to the region.</strong></h4> The CEOE headquarters in Madrid hosted the Panama Investment Forum this Thursday, organized by the Embassy of Panama in Spain, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama (CEOE), the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The event was presented by the Panamanian Ministers of Economy and Finance, Felipe Chapman; of Foreign Affairs, Javier Martínez Acha; and of Commerce and Industry, Julio A. Moltó, and was attended by more than 170 businesspeople. The event consisted of two sessions: one focused more on Panama's banking sector, regulations in the sector, and the opportunities for collaboration that exist in this area; Another focused on business and investment opportunities in the Panamanian market, multilateralism, democracy, and sustainability as pillars of the new economic order, and global prospects and their projection for the future. "Panama is a strategic partner and permanent ally for Spanish companies," stated Narciso Casado, CEOE International's General Director and Permanent Secretary of CEIB, during the presentation. He took the opportunity to invite those present to the VII Ibero-American MSME Forum, which will take place on November 27 and 28 in Tenerife, under the theme: "Small Businesses for Large Countries: Territory, Talent, and Transformation." Javier Martínez Acha defined Panama as a "small country in size, but big in dreams and opportunities" and highlighted Panama's geopolitical relevance and its role as a logistics, digital, and financial hub for the region. Likewise, the Panamanian Foreign Minister highlighted Spain as Panama's natural port and bridge to Europe and Panama as the gateway to Latin America. He reaffirmed the Panamanian government's commitment to legal certainty, transparency, and openness to foreign investment. For his part, the Panamanian Minister of Economy and Finance, Felipe Chapman, defended transparency, fiscal discipline, and a long-term vision as the cornerstones of the country's economic strategy. The State Secretary for Trade, Amparo López Senovilla, highlighted Panama's role as a logistical and financial link between Europe and the Americas, its removal from the FATF gray list, and its economic growth of over 4%. Finally, CEOE Vice President and SEOPAN President Julián Núñez emphasized that Panama meets the essential conditions for business success: stability, openness, and a sustainable vision. He underscored the role of Spanish companies as strategic partners in promoting, alongside local talent, infrastructure, innovation, and inclusive growth, consolidating Panama as a "regional benchmark and economic bridge between Europe and Latin America."
