Trade Mission to Panama 12 – 15 April 2015

Registration for the 2015 edition of the Maritime/Logistic trade Mission to Panama is now open! The trade mission will take place from  April 12 to 15, 2015 and will be headed by the Prime Minister of Aruba, Mike Eman. Companies of the maritime and logistic sector of the Netherlands, Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten are invited to register.  This is your chance to discover the business opportunities that booming Panama offers.

Background Panama

Panama is becoming the logistical hub for the LATAM region and it is the fastest growing Latin American economy. The expansion of the Panama Canal is almost finished; the Canal will have tripled its capacity in 2016, providing access to ships of up to 13.500 TEU. Panama already has 2 of the top 3 LATAM container ports. New investments are emerging : a new container terminal will be build and existing ones expanded. A Roll on Roll off terminal, a ship-yard, and a LNG-terminal are being planned. Moreover, investments will be made in the logistic sector to attract more Value-Added Logistics Services to Panama. Already, international companies such as: 3M, Nestlé, and Caterpillar have established their regional distribution centres in Panama. More multinationals are following. Further investments in (port) infrastructure, airports, intermodal transportation systems, and logistic parks are expected.

Opportunities

These investments make this mission appealing for companies from the following industries:

• Maritime infrastructure and logistics; port development, shipbuilding, off-shore
• Land-based logistics and infrastructure; rail and truck services
• Air-based logistics; passenger- and cargo services and intermodal logistics
• Support systems for logistical services
• Water management

The program:

The mission will be organised in the framework of the Panama Maritime World Conference & Exhibition. This exposition will attract the main players of the maritime and logistical sector. Companies participating in the mission will have a Netherlands’ Kingdom Lounge in the Exhibition and can opt for an individual stand. The trade-mission will also feature a tailor made matchmaking program, network events, high-level meetings, and seminars.

Prime Minister Eman of Aruba will lead the business delegation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He is a  charismatic, and energetic political leader who is well known in the LATAM region. He will be able to open doors and promote the expertise of the private sector of the Kingdom on a high level. Your business can best be represented on the level of regional business manager, country/area manager or general manager.

Registration and Price.

The fee to join the mission is € 750,- (including international exposure of your company in the Holland Lounge and participation in the conference). The fee excludes travel, accommodation and personal expenses. Companies can apply here for a mission voucher from (RVO) which will reimburse costs to participate in the mission. Individual stands will cost € 3100,-.

You can register for this mission by sending an e-mail to PAN-EA@minbuza.nl. For more information please contact: Jennie van Haren: jennie.haren@minbuza.nl or call the Embassy at +5072806667. After registration you are invited for an intake meeting. The embassy will organize intake meetings in Rotterdam on 6th and 7th January or in Utrecht on the 8^th.Online intakes upon appointment are also available.