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Author : Julio Ernesto Córdoba De León
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Panama to the Russian Federa-
tion
Panama is a small country but has many ad-
vantages. First of all, this includes Panama's
privileged geographical position and our in-
teroceanic Canal with an average annual traf-
fic of 14,000 vessels. Due to the modern
infrastructure built in the country, we account
for 5% of world trade. Six ports along the
Canal connect the republic with more than 80
countries by 144 maritime trade routes. The
Canal handles about 4% of global cargo traffic and 16% of U.S. cargo traffic.
Thanks to the Canal, among other things, our country today is a major center of world
trade and finance with an expanding, despite the global economic crisis, construction
industry, actively operating free economic zones, a free zone for oil, and a developing
City of Knowledge. Panama is Latin America's largest transportation hub and a storage
hub for exports to other countries of both Americas.
For a long time, we were rightly seen as yet another star on the flag of the United States.
Today we are convinced that we have our own global vision of the world and national
development. We are not, so to speak, "bound in marriage" to anyone but try to maintain
friendly, partnership relations on an equal footing with all states.
In addition, Panama seeks to expand its business presence in the world market. Interna-
tional economic integration is a priority area of our national economic development.
Through such integration, Panamanians hope to achieve a high level of competitiveness.
Panama is now among the top three Latin American countries in attracting foreign in-
vestments. Political stability and low business risks provide a favorable background for
this.
Today we are trying to develop relations with Russia, to raise them to a new and higher
level. I believe that cooperation between our countries can be more active and fruitful.
Panamanians realize that Russia's trade and economic potential is enormous. We can
work together in different areas and carry out many joint projects for the benefit of our
peoples.
Электронное приложение к журналу «
Международная жизнь
»
Panama in Expectation of Russian Business