UAE and Panama discuss ways to boost trade, investment ties
- Last updated: June 28, 2026 | 14:57
Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, discussed with senior public and private sector officials in the Republic of Panama ways to enhance trade and investment cooperation and expand economic partnership opportunities between the two countries, in support of sustainable development, economic integration and the resilience of global supply chains.
The meeting was attended by Mohammed Abdullah Bin Khater Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia and non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Panama.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi held talks with Javier Martinez-Acha, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Carlos Guevara Mann, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation; Eida Gabriela Sáiz, Vice Minister of Economy; Jorge Herrera, President of the National Assembly; José Ramon Icaza, Minister of Panama Canal Affairs; Omar Torres, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry; and Ashok Nandwani, Acting President of the Panama Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation, exploring opportunities in sectors of mutual interest, and leveraging the UAE’s and Panama’s strategic positions in global trade to facilitate greater trade and investment flows, particularly in strategic sectors. The visit also featured a business roundtable bringing together investors and business leaders from the UAE and Panama to explore opportunities in each other’s markets and discuss ways to strengthen private-sector partnerships, support investment flows, expand trade exchange and promote sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi also participated in a panel discussion titled “Economic Development and Promoting Global Connectivity and Integration”, held as part of the Global Leaders Forum, which convened in Panama City to mark the 200th anniversary of the 1826 Panama Amphictyonic Congress. He stressed that accelerating investment in critical infrastructure, including ports, airports, transport networks and logistics services, alongside aligning regulatory frameworks, harmonising standards and streamlining customs procedures, are essential to strengthening global economic integration and ensuring the efficient movement of trade. He added that diversifying production bases, connecting digital and technological systems, and synchronising procedures among countries would improve the efficiency of global trade and enhance economies’ access to international markets.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi and the UAE delegation also toured the Panama Canal, the Panama Pacifico Special Economic Area and several companies and economic institutions to learn about their activities and identify opportunities for cooperation with Emirati businesses.
He said the UAE and Panama serve as two strategic trade gateways for the global economy and continue to coordinate efforts to support a rules-based global trading system, facilitate the seamless movement of goods, and strengthen the security and resilience of global supply chains.
WAM