Panama

In an AS/COA Online interview, Eric Farnsworth lays out what Panama's May 3 presidential election could mean for the country’s economy and for bilateral relations with Washington. He explains that Ricardo Martinelli, who leads in polls, “has always been able to navigate the very complicated relationship with the Unites States.”

In a Miami Herald op-ed, COA's Eric Farnsworth examines the U.S.-Panamanian relationship since 1989. "[T]he United States and Panama have gone from hostility and military action to development spurred by globalization and trade," he writes.

On September 17, the COA hosted a panel discussion on Capitol Hill to discuss the pending Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Panama. The forum provided an opportunity to analyze the future of trade links between the two countries.

Panama's president described how Latin America finds itself at an intersection between sustainable prosperity and challenges such as the global food crisis. Highlighting the Panama Canal expansion project as an opportunity for national dialogue, Torrijos voiced support for open markets and democracy.

At a COA book launch, panelists shared scientific, political, and historical insights into the Panama Canal’s construction. Matthew Parker, author of Panama Fever: The Epic Story of One of the Greatest Human Achievements of All Time provided context for the discussion through his historical overview beginning with the colonial era.

Speaking at our first Latin American Cities Conference in Panama City, AS/COA President and CEO Susan Segal’s opening remarks (en español) highlighted Panama's increasingly important role in the global economy

At AS/COA's first Latin American Cities Conference in Panama City, speakers and panelists—who included the president and vice president—discussed the future of Panama in the global economy; the growing economic relationship between Panama and the United States; and the role of infrastructure, technology and competitiveness in Panama’s economy.