BCCI leads successful trade mission to Panama

The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is reporting success in its recent trade mission to Panama.

The October 16-21 mission, which was organised in collaboration with ProPanama, Export Barbados, Invest Barbados, the Embassy of Barbados in Panama, and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., brought together a delegation of Barbadian businesses to explore new market opportunities, establish valuable partnerships, and gain first-hand insights into Panama’s growing economy.

Commenting on the outcome of the mission, Executive Director of the BCCI, Misha Lobban-Clarke said: “We were pleased that the members of the delegation were able to make valuable connections with Panamanian businesses and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities in this growing market. We are confident that this mission will enhance bilateral relations and increase trade and investment between Barbados and Panama.”

During the mission, participants had access to exclusive business-to-business (B2B) meetings with Panamanian companies, site visits to critical trade hubs such as the Panama Canal, Panama Pacifico, and Colón Free Zones, and networking events with key industry leaders and stakeholders.

The mission was tailored to foster mutually beneficial relationships across various sectors, including logistics and shipping, renewable energy, ICT and innovation, professional services, manufacturing, and more. The Ambassadors of both Barbados and Panama, Ian Walcott-Skinner and Xiomara Perez, also accompanied the mission.

“We are pleased with the success of this trade mission to Panama,” said Lobban-Clarke. “This trade mission was strategically aimed at building mutually beneficial partnerships that will enhance business growth for Barbadian companies and contribute significantly to the broader economic development of Barbados.”

Ambassador Walcott-Skinner added that the embassy and the Government of Barbados were also pleased with the outcomes so far, “as we are fulfilling the Prime Minister’s mandate of commercial diplomacy connecting the hub of Panama to Barbados.”

In addition to the organised business activities, the mission provided a deeper understanding of Panama’s business environment, infrastructure, and investment opportunities. By facilitating direct interactions with industry experts and government officials, the mission enabled Barbadian businesses to better navigate the Panamanian market and explore avenues for trade and collaboration.

Following the success of this mission, the BCCI plans to organise follow-up virtual meetings and further trade exchanges to solidify the partnerships established during the visit to ensure that Barbadian businesses can continue to maximise the opportunities and partnerships within the Panamanian market.

The BCCI said it is committed to supporting the growth and development of Barbadian businesses and the trade mission is just one example of how it is working to help local businesses succeed in the global marketplace.

(PR/BT)