“We opened the door with Panama last year and we want to build upon the success of the first trade mission,” noted Chamber President Angelyn Hernandez.

“The opportunities for increasing trade between our countries are significant and I would encourage anyone who has not visited the country to take part in this mission. Last year several delegates established relationships with Panamanian suppliers from Colon Free Trade Zone, and I am optimistic that much more business can be developed between our two countries which will open another port of trade," she added.

The trade mission is scheduled to take place from 6-10 March, and costs US$1,295 per person for Chamber members (add US$250 for future members). Registration includes hotel and roundtrip airline tickets, as well as any special receptions that will take place while in Panama. Delegates will be able to travel to the Colon Free Trade Zone, the second largest free trade zone in the World, and can attend the EXPOCOMER World Commerce Showcase, the largest of its kind in Central America, held each year.

Celebrating its 25th year, EXPOCOMER is an international trade exhibition organised by the Chamber of Commerce of Industry and Agriculture of Panama, which features exhibitors from South, Central and Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia which sell such goods as foods, textiles, construction, technology and services. Many Panamanian and regional businesses in Central and South America and the Caribbean use the trade show to introduce new products to the market, evaluate the competition and use the Colon Free Zone as a bridge to re-export products to the Caribbean, Central America and South America.