The American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panama (AmCham) organized a trade mission between Panama and Tampa Bay for the first time. Its purpose was to showcase the business possibilities that exist between Tampa Bay, whose port is the largest in Florida, and the Panamanian business sector.

On this occasion, AmCham brought together key representatives of the Government of Panama, such as the Minister of Tourism, the Administrator of the Panamá Pacifico Agency, the Director of Investment Promotion, the Executive Director of Ciudad del Saber and around 30 Panamanian business leaders in the logistics, tourism, and research and development (R&D) industries

The mission included guided visits to Tampa Bay’s benchmark sites, such as the Port, companies, universities, technology parks, innovation and research centers, and chambers of commerce of the Bay such as the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the Tampa Bay Trade & Protocol Council and the Tampa Hillsborough EDC .

During the visit, two important partnerships were signed to promote trade relations between the two cities:

• Port Tampa Bay and the Consejo Empresarial Promotor de Zonas Francas en Panamá (COEMPROZONAS)
• Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panama (AmCham)

As part of the International Town Hall (ITH), an event that brings together distinguished business leaders from Tampa Bay, the “Doing Business with Panamá Luncheon” was held, with the participation of more than 150 business leaders from the area.

“The mission to Tampa allowed for an exchange at the highest level between government leaders and business leaders from Panama and the Tampa Bay area. This initiative made it possible to promote Panama as a country brand and a business destination through sessions and business appointments arranged in advance by AmCham and the various chambers of commerce of Tampa Bay,” reported Robert St. John, president of AMCHAM Panamá.

Tampa Bay is considered a hub within the State of Florida. It has the largest port in the State and an award-winning international airport, making it an ideal place for international business activities.